Solar Water Heating Calculator

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SOLAR WATER HEATING CALCULATOR

Water heating is a major energy consumer. Although the energy consumed daily is often less than for air conditioning or heating, it is required year round, making it a good application of solar energy.

Use this calculator to explore the energy usage of your water heater, and to estimate whether a solar water heater could save you money.

Water Heater Characteristics
Physical		Thermal
Diameter (feet)		Water Inlet Temperature (Degrees F)
Capacity (gallons)		Ambient Temperature (Degrees F)
Surface Area (calculated - sq ft)		Hot Water Temperature (Degrees F)
Effective R-value		Hot Water Usage (Gallons per Day)
Energy Use
		Heat Delivered in Hot Water (BTU/hr)
		Heat loss through insulation (BTU/hr)

Gas vs. Electric Water Heating

Gas Electric

Overall Efficiency

Conversion Efficiency 0.98

BTU/hr Power Into Water Heater BTU/hr

Cost

$/Therm Utility Rates $/kWh

$ Yearly Water Heating Cost $

How Does Solar Compare?

Solar Water Heater Cost: $ Percentage Solar:

years for gas Payback Time for Solar System years for electric

More information on solar water heating:

Fact sheet - Solar Water Heaters (requires Adobe Acrobat reader)
Fact sheet - Solar Water Heaters for Swimming Pools (requires Adobe Acrobat reader)
Kids fact sheet - Heat from the Sun (requires Adobe Acrobat reader)

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