$TSSP  Greenhouse Gas Emission Savings

Comparison of the greenhouse gas emission savings of solar water heating versus both natural gas and electric water heating.

Natural Gas Water Heaters

 The average family uses 60-80 gallons of hot water each day. A natural gas water heater, which is typically 58% efficient, generates 3,200 pounds of CO2 emissions per year. Solar saves the average household 2/3rds of the fossil fuel energy consumed for water heating, and saves 2,131 pounds of CO2 annually.

Electric Water Heaters

 An electric water heater will consume 4,275 KW-h annually to heat the 80 gallons of hot water each day. The solar hot water heater saves at least 2,851 KW-h of this amount. Half of all power plants in the US use coal to generate electricity. By replacing electricity with solar to heat water, you will save 6,272 pounds of CO2 annually.