We are a nation of consumers and spenders. As new products, services and conveniences enter the marketplace we find ourselves adding to our list of needs. 15 years ago would you have considered your cell phone a need or an optional convenience? How about e-mail? As optional conveniences slowly shift into our needs column we begin to lose sight of what they are actually costing us. They become needs, have-to-haves, and we choose to ignore or justify the financial side effects.

Most of us would consider hot water a basic need, right? I know I do. The convenience that water heaters provide is of great value. How would you heat your water if you did not have a water heater? Showers, washing dishes and cleaning your home would become much more difficult. Utility companies fully understand the leverage they hold and are not the least bit hesitant to use it. They know you will pay whatever price they tell you to pay as long as you “need” the convenience that water heaters provide.

Solar water heaters do more than save money and reduce CO2 emissions. They fundamentally change how you consume. More specifically, how you consume energy. Instead of buying the convenience of hot water from your utility company (gas or electricity), you are utilizing the sun’s energy to heat your water. You are no longer at the mercy of your utility company.