Solar Water Heating

Solar water heating uses the sun's energy to provide hot water for your home. System components for cold climates typically include a solar collector, a heat exchanger, and an insulated storage tank. The sun is used to warm a heat transfer fluid (such as a propylene glycol), which passes through the heat exchanger to transfer the sun's heat to your domestic hot water. Types of solar collectors include evacuated tube collectors (pictured here) and flat-plate collectors.  For more information about solar water heating technologies, see the US Department of Energy's solar water heating information.

How much will a system cost?

Residential solar water heating systems often cost less than $10,000, and can reduce your water heating bills by 50-80%.

What incentives and tax credits are available?

There are several options available. Visit our Financing and Incentives page for more information on your options.

Where can I find an installer?

The column on the right hand side of this page lists a number of installers operating in Montana. These companies are all MREA members! You can also visit our full Installer Directory for an interactive map of installers.

Where can I find more information?

Solar Water Heating information from the US Department of Energy

Montana State University Extension E3A Solar Hot Water Fact Sheets

Photo credit (this page): Liquid Solar Systems