divider Q: Can I use solar electricity to make hot water or to heat my house/office?
It is much cheaper to use a Solar Water Heater (SWH) to utilize thermal solar energy for water heating (hot water or space heating). SWH use collectors that are connected to a (hot water) storage tank and produce hot water with a high efficiency. Solar electric systems consist of solar panels (sometimes called PV modules) which produce electricity, which can be used to make hot water, but at much higher cost. divider Q: How long will my system last (expected lifetime) A:If you buy a solar electricity system now you will probably be able to use it the next 25 to 35 years. Most suppliers provide warrantee of 25 years for their solar panels. However, the first systems are already over 20 years in use and are still producing electricity. Energy by Choice guarantees all components for a minimum of 5 years and some components up to 10 years, with modules guaranteed to 25 years.
