Saturday, September 20, 2008

Solar Hot Water Systems in Israel

Solar Hot Water Heaters in Israel
Solar Hot Water Heaters in Israel
Photo credit: www.flickr.com/photos/juliepics
I continue my series on solar water heaters with the interesting information that more than 90% of Israeli households have solar water heating systems. Today, Israel is the world’s largest per capita user of solar water heaters. Actually, solar hot water systems are so popular in Israel because by law, all houses constructed in Israel must have them installed.

These heaters were first installed during the 1950's when Israel experienced a fuel supply shortage and severely restrictions were placed on the times when people could heat their water. As a result, many Israelis started to purchase and install solar water heaters on the rooftops of their homes.

In 1983, about 60% of the population heated their water with the sun. Eventually, a law was passed making solar heating mandatory for new residential buildings. The law has saved Israel and its citizens millions of shekels in energy costs. And each year it is also saving between 2% and 3% of the country's electricity needs.

Over the years, the solar hot water systems improved and mass production lowered the cost, so that more companies entered the field. Today purchasing and installing (usually by the builders) a solar water heating system is common practice.

The country’s leader in solar water heating sector is Chromagen with a range of thermo-tanks from 30 to 300 liters capacity linked to solar collector panels. The company produces small and large systems for domestic and industrial purposes. The systems are suitable for households, hotels, hospitals, senior citizens homes, swimming pools and other commercial uses.


4 comments:

ebeing said...
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Mariya said...

Please stop to promote your business by posting links here. Thank you!

Kim said...

This is so cool! Just looking at all those solar water heaters makes me happy, thanks for the post!

Marti said...

This is really great and I can't help but wonder what the heck is wrong with the USA. Especially in the south western states, there is no reason why we can't be doing the same thing. Great article thanks solar girl!