Solar water heating may not have been invented in the country of Canada, but as with many other forms of renewable energy, the nation is striving to become a worldwide leader in the field. Using flat plate collectors, solar water heating was fairly popular in the United States during the 1920s and began to branch out globally in the 1950s.
Recently, Canada has begun the initiative to increase the usage of the sun's free and limitless energy throughout its provinces. The focus has been on encouraging citizens to install residential solar water heating systems. Bullfrog Power has partnered with Enbridge Gas Distribution, EnerWorks, and the Canadian government to initiate what they call the Solar Water Heating Program. As with many programs designed to promote the use of renewable energy as a primary means to obtain power, incentives exist to qualifying homeowners that amount to substantial savings on the purchase and installation of solar water heaters. Funds for these savings are provided by the government's own ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat program as well as discounts from one of the program's partners, EnerWorks.
Before the fear of a monopoly starts to spread, it should be noted that VELUX Canada Inc. is also a solar water heating accessories supplier. Already known for their work with renewable energy through their VELUX skylights, they have designed water heating systems that work in perfect conjunction with previously installed skylights or simply on their own. Additionally, WSE Technologies in Saskatchewan have produced a large number of solar panels that effectively collect energy even on overcast days. Based in Saskatoon, their solar panels are responsible for producing over 120 million BTUs over their lifetimes.
Most water heaters in Canada are of the storage tank design. Hot water is stored in a tank and distributed as needed to kitchen sinks, bathtubs, or whatever room requires hot water. As hot water leaves and cold water enters the system, the temperature of this water needs to be continually maintained, usually by means of electricity, oil, or gas. All of these heat sources give off greenhouse gases whereas solar energy does not. Not only does the installation of a solar water heater reduce energy costs for the home's resident, it limits the amount of harmful emissions typical of conventional water heaters.
Solar hot water systems can produce as much as 85% of the domestic energy to heat water. Imagine the possibilities if the rest of the world follows Canada's example and applies the sun's renewable energy to solar water heating. You can get a range of solar heating panel suppliers at affordable range.
By Robert Deckard
Article Source: ezinearticles.com
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