Solar hot water circulator

When it comes to solar energy, most people seem to think of solar photovoltaics, or electricity-producing panels. But solar hot water systems are cheaper upfront and typically pay for themselves faster. On the other hand, electricity is a more versatile carrier of energy, compared to hot water.

Sunnovations is a company that showed off a solar hot water circulation system that does away with pumps. Instead, the heat from the panels creates a "geyser pump" that pushes the heated fluid and powers the circulation system. In addition to saving money on pumps, the system will work with cheaper tubing because it doesn't operate at high pressure, according to company representatives.