Solar hot water heater vs. solar panel. Worth it vs. not.

Question

Having visited joolze quite a bit, I've found that (based on my location) joolze considers a solar hot water heater "worth it" and installing solar panels "not really worth it." Now, I realize that the investment is quite different for the two ($5k vs. $24k) but I'm wondering if there is some other reason for this besides the total investment...

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Reduction in the volume of carbon production is the best part of solar hot water heaters.

Answer 2

Solar Water Heaters Reduce or eliminate hot water heating energy costs with a solar water heating system. Solar hot water heaters save money, reduce carbon, and lower our dependence on imported energy.

Answer 3

Besides the smaller initial investment, Solar Water Heaters have a much quicker payback.  Of course, this also depends on the number of people living in the house.

Answer 4

Other then the obvious of electricity vs hot water, solar thermal is by far the most efficient, cost effective way to use solar energy. Just 2 solar thermal collectors can generate as much energy, displace as much carbon as 9 solar electric panels. For people that want to benefit the ecology of the planet but truly don't have a benefit in energy savings, solar thermal is the best application.