A solar water heater uses the sun's energy rather than electricity or gas to heat water, thus reducing your monthly utility bill. When installed properly, solar water heaters are more economical over the life of the system than to heat water with electricity, dedicated heat pumps, heat recovery units or propane. nobis Inc. Rhode Island, New England - your partner in green energy and radiant heating. The energy of the sun can serve many purposes. One of them is to generate heat. This is what we call solar heat. Using solar collectors the sunlight is directly converted into heat. The use of solar heat has many advantages. It is a clean, quiet and reliable energy source. Solar systems have been used since the 19th century. Nowadays the use of solar heat is widespread. World wide about seven million households presently use Solar Hot Water Systems. In households connected to a public energy grid (electricity, gas) the use of a Solar Hot Water system can save 50% or more on the energy bill for domestic hot water preparation. This is an high energy efficiency. In remote areas without a connection to a public energy grid, solar energy is used for heating water for households and hospitals or for drying agricultural products. Use renewable energy and be aware of high oil price and high gas price.