At a time when more and more people are growing concerned about the environment, the use of natural resources has never been more important. Natural resources provide needed energy for a variety of purposes and can be used as an alternative to electric power and gas. And one of the best natural resources that you can use is solar energy. Solar energy is completely free, powerful, and easy to harvest.

There has been recent discussion about the benefits of solar panels to provide electric needs for both business buildings and individual homes. In these discussions, many people ignore the ability of solar energy to warm water. Solar water heaters are slowly becoming more popular among those who have researched and implemented the use of solar energy.

Solar hot water systems use energy from the sun to heat water in one of two ways. They can heat the water directly, or they can heat a fluid like antifreeze that will indirectly heat water. After the water is heated, it is stored until it needs to be used.

There are two basic types of solar water systems: active and passive. Active solar water systems use pumps, valves, and other equipment that are electrically powered. The electrically powered equipment helps to circulate the water or heat-transfer fluid throughout the system. And within the active system, there are three specific types: the direct system, the indirect system, and the drainback system. There are several technical differences between these three different types of active system, but the most important thing to remember is that direct systems are best for mild climates, while indirect and drainback systems are great for colder climates.

A passive solar hot water system differs from active systems in that they don't use electric pumps and other equipment in order to circulate water or heat-transfer fluid. And like the active system, the passive system comes in a few different varieties, namely, the batch heater and the thermosiphon system. Batch heaters have one or more storage tanks in insulated boxes that face the sun; however, batch heaters must be periodically drained to protect from cold climates. Thermosiphon systems circulate water through heat collectors and then move the water into a holding tank. Both of these systems, and passive systems in general, are generally more reliable and often last longer than active systems.

Once you've chosen your solar water heater, you can start enjoying the many benefits that come with it. The use of solar energy to heat water provides countless benefits, not the least of which is that it protects and preserves the environment. Not only does it help save natural resources, but it also emits no harmful pollutants into the air. Conventional water heaters take a lot of energy to power, and it is estimated that the average family of four contributes about two tons of CO2 emissions a year by heating water with a conventional water heater. An excess of CO2 emissions in the environment contributes to the overheating of the planet causing plant, animal, and human life to suffer. And scientists estimate that the amount of CO2 emissions produced by water heaters rival the amount of emissions produced by all vehicles in the United States.

Aside from being environmentally friendly, solar water heaters also benefit your pocketbook. Although solar water heater systems cost quite a bit more than electric or gas heaters, you will realize substantial savings in monthly costs. After people install their solar water heaters, their energy costs for heating water is essentially zero. On average, a solar water heater will pay for itself in only four to eight years, and they are just as durable and long-lasting as other traditional water heater systems, and after those few initial years, people can enjoy free hot water.

And governments are even beginning to realize the benefits of solar energy and solar water heaters. For the past four years, the federal government and many state governments have offered some tax credits and other financial incentives to individuals and families who choose to install solar panels or solar water heaters. The tax credits and financial incentives can also help save people money when choosing to install solar water heaters.

Another benefit of solar water heaters is an added measure of self-sufficiency. Nobody controls solar energy, and people have unlimited access to this power. When people use solar energy, they don't have to worry about the effects of shortages or political arguments over conventional energy resources. By becoming more self-sufficient in your energy usage, you can achieve a greater peace of mind.

And now may be a good time to buy solar water heaters. Millions of people around the United Sates already own solar water heaters, and more and more providers of water heaters are including solar heaters in their inventory. And the more poplar these water heaters become, the cheaper they will be. And most areas of the country house reliable provides of solar water heaters, so if your looking a solar water heater in Phoenix or in Richmond, chances are you can find a quality solar water heater where you live.

And it is always a wise idea to purchase your solar water heater locally. If you don't shop locally, you should be sure to make sure that the solar heater you purchase is appropriate for your climate. There are slight differences in the way some solar water heaters are made, depending on whether people live in a cold, warm, or moderate climate.

No matter what type of solar water system you choose for your home, the use of solar energy to heat water comes with countless benefits. Protecting your environment as well as your wallet has never been easier, and with the growing popularity of solar water heaters, there has never been a better time to implement this powerful new technology in your home or business.