In the United States, we typically keep 60 gallons of hot water in a closet to use when we need it. This is the equivalent of leaving our car running in the garage, all day and night in case we may need to drive it. Most of the rest of the world makes hot water on demand only at the time they need it and they make only the amount they need.

Hot water from solar energy is low technology and easy. It is “Low Hanging Fruit.” Making hot water with solar energy requires very minimal technology. In India, some homes simply put a coil of black hose on the roof for hot water. Sunlight is absorbed by black. If you put water in a tube in a black box, it heats naturally and quickly.

When utilizing solar hot water heating, it is necessary to have a hot water pump. Different water pumps have different benefits. High efficiency bronze magnetic drive pumps are made for solar water heating and hydronic heating. They are extremely dependable and can run for a long time. The Solar Biz has been using magnetic drive hot water pumps for years, without ever encountering an issue. They are also great for hot tub filtration.

Using a solar tube collector to heat water directly from the sun is inexpensive and simple. There are no electric controls. There is no wiring into the buildings electric system. The speed of the pump varies with the sunlight hitting the photovoltaic panel on the roof connected to it. This method has been proven to be extremely effective.