Solar energy is a clean and abundant
energy resource that can be used to supplement many of your energy needs. Solar
energy can be utilized as a form of heat, such as solar water heating, and as
electricity, such as solar photovoltanics. Solar water heating systems are
commonly referred to in the industry as Solar Domestic Hot Water (SDHW) systems.
Consumers often ask if there is enough sunlight in Canada to support solar
applications such as water heating. In fact, there is enough solar energy to
deliver an average of 2500 kWh of energy per year. This means that a solar water
heater can provide enough solar energy to meet about one half of the water
heating energy needs for a family of four.
Water heating is one of the most
cost-effective uses of solar energy, providing hot water for showers,
dishwashers and clothes washers. Every year, several thousands of new solar
water heaters are installed worldwide.
Canadian manufacturers have developed some of the most cost-effective systems in
the world. Consumers can now buy "off-the-shelf" solar water heaters that meet
industry-wide standards, providing a clean alternative to gas, electric, oil or
propane water heaters. Freeze-protected solar water heaters manufactured in
Canada have been specifically designed to operate reliably through the entire
year, even when the outside temperature is either well below freezing or
extremely hot.
