Hot water is the second largest use of energy in your home, after space heating.  In Oregon, a solar water heater can supply 50-60% your home’s annual hot water needs!  The rest will be supplied by your conventional tank or tankless water heater.

During Oregon’s sunny summer months, a solar water heater will typically provide all of your hot water needs, heating your water to 120-150°F.  In the cloudy winter months, the sun may heat your water to 70-100°F, and your conventional water heater will do the rest. 

For a typical family of four, solar water heating systems in Oregon are rated to save from 1200 to 3200 kWh of electricity per year, or approximately 60 to 160 therms of gas per year, depending on system type and size.

Solar water heating collectors and systems are tested and rated by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).  An SRCC-rating is required by the federal tax credit, the Oregon tax credit and most utility-based incentives for solar water heaters.

Before you buy a solar water heater, take some easy steps to use hot water efficiently.

• Install low-flow showerheads and aerators in faucets.
• Insulate the existing water heater and all hot water pipes that pass through unheated areas.
• If you don’t have a dishwasher, or your dishwasher is equipped with an automatic water heater, lower the thermostat on your household water heater to 120° F.