Learn About Solar Hot Water

Solar hot water is a mature, economical and sustainable technology that contributes towards energy efficiency in B.C. while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Solar hot water is a growing industry around the world and not just in sunny, tropical climates. Japan and Germany are currently world leaders in solar markets, yet our BC climate shows greater solar potential than both Tokyo and Berlin. In fact, the solar potential in Vancouver is only slightly less than that of Miami, Florida. Miami has greater consistency of solar potential from month to month, however taken across a whole year, Vancouver’s annual daily average solar energy production is only 8% less.

Solar hot water technology has the potential to be widely used in homes and businesses across BC. Hot water demands the 2nd largest amount of energy in our homes, after space heating and it represents about 30% of total energy use in our homes. A solar hot water system can meet approximately 50% of total hot water needs. Domestic solar hot water systems reduce the peak loads on electricity or gas heaters and so can reduce the demands on utility infrastructure.

Domestic solar hot water systems are designed to last twenty to forty years, minimize environmental impacts, and promote community economic development through the building of a sustainable industry economy.