is solar water heating a dependable, practical alternative to conventional heating and cooling systems like gas and electricity?
A. The answer to this question is both yes and no. Solar is used as a supplement to the system you currently have. Solar cannot totally replace the need for gas and electricity because there are times when the solar energy is just not available. There are times when there is little or no sunlight available such as nighttime, cloudy days, and during weather storms. When averages over a year, a well selected solar system should afford 65-75% of a residential home’s hot water needs. It is not recommended to buy a system that supplied more than 100% at any time. A system that provides well over 100% during the summer months will result in too much heat being produced. The solar energy system can be easily automated so that solar energy is being collected regardless of sunshine levels.
