Solar energy is a clean and abundant energy resource that can be
used to supplement many of your energy needs. Solar energy can
be utilized as a form of heat, such as solar water heating, and
as electricity, such as solar photovoltaics. Solar water heating
systems are commonly referred to in the industry as Solar
Domestic Hot Water (SDHW) systems. Consumers often ask if there
is enough sunlight in Canada to support solar applications such
as water heating. In fact, there is enough solar energy to
deliver an average of 2500 kWh of energy per year. This means
that a solar water heater can provide enough solar energy to
meet about one half of the water heating energy needs for a
family of four. Water heating is one of the most cost-effective
uses of solar energy, providing hot water for showers,
dishwashers and clothes washers. Every year, several thousands
of new solar water heaters are installed worldwide. A solar
water heater reduces the amount of fuel you need to heat water
because it captures the sun's rene