Division of Energy

Using Solar Energy - Backup Systems

Solar Energy Main Page | What is Solar Energy? | How Much Solar Energy is Available? |
How Can Solar Energy Be Used in Missouri?
| Energy Efficiency |
Daylighting and Passive Solar Building Design
| Solar Water Heating | Backup Systems |
Collector Positioning
| Active Systems | Net Metering | Designing a System | Siting | Installation |
Solar Contacts
| Solar Thermal Equipment Performance Ratings | Bibliography

In Missouri, you should connect your solar water heater to a backup water-heating system for use on overly cloudy days, or when your hot water use exceeds your storage capacity. To be most cost-effective, a solar water-heating system should be sized to provide about 60 to 80 percent of your total annual hot water needs.

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