Using solar hot water is a cost effective way to lessen your climate impact. An average household of 4 people can reduce their CO2 emissions with 1 tonne per year heating their domestic hot water with the energy from the sun instead of natural gas. Water is pre-warmed by the sun before entering the regular hot water tank. On sunny days the solar hot water tank can reach well over 50C (120F).
When SPEC ran an an energy demonstration center with two Solar Hot Water Heaters they have saved us 40% on our gas bills for over 25 years.
There are several incentive packages available for home and business owners which covers up to 50% of purchasing the system.
For more information on incentives visit please visit: http://vancouver.ca/sustainability/SolarHomes.htm