Solar water heaters have become a popular choice to traditional electric water heaters in many parts of the world, especially in sunny regions. They offer a renewable way to heat water for home use and can help lower our reliance on non-renewable energy sources. However, like any other technology, there are some potential risks associated with solar water heater installations that need to be thoroughly evaluated before making a decision.
One major risk is the risk of inaccurate installation. If the solar water heaters are not installed according to manufacturer guidelines, they can be less effective and may not perform as expected. This can lead to energy loss, repair costs, and even potential risks to human health. Therefore, it is essential to hire experienced and trained professionals for installation to ensure that the solar water heaters are installed properly.
Another risk associated with solar water heater installations is the potential damage to the roof. Solar water heaters require attaching the solar collector to the roof, which can exert excessive load and stress on the roof. Therefore, owners need to evaluate the structural integrity of their roof to ensure that it can support the added weight of the solar water heater. Any damage to the roof or foundation of the house may lead to costly repairs.
Furthermore, concerns need to be given to the negative effects of solar water heaters, such as Legionnaires' disease. Legionnaires' disease can occur when water sits statically in a static system, allowing bacteria to breed. Therefore, the efficiency of the system is critical and routine maintenance must be performed to prevent this situation.
Additionally, there's possible exposure to expensive initial investments and financial rewards may come into play. To many individuals or family homeowners, installing solar water heaters in their home involves a expense not easily covered from an immediate income return on the account holder. However, governments in most locations could provide financial rewards to installing local homeowners. Residents should find out if such incentives exist to some of their areas before making the purchasing decision.
Lastly, owners need to understand that solar water heaters may need to be adjusted according to climate change as it dramatically affects how they run. Ongoing studies needs to be implemented to reflect optimal solar water heaters usage habits that align with ecological data.