Solar Water Heating and Power Turns Luxuries Green

When most people think of "going green," they think of paring down and making sacrifices. Efforts such as taking shorter showers, shutting off the air conditioner, giving up the convenience of plastic water bottles or switching to a small hybrid car with less horsepower are all prime examples of the typical lifestyle changes for those who want to minimize their carbon footprint.

But what about those who don't want to give up their lives of luxury? Well, the technology of solar water heating has allowed those with the right funds to keep a clear conscience without giving up their lavish lifestyles.

For example, solar water heating can be used to power hot tubs. A typical system would involve both thermal and electric solar panels. In a system like this, the thermal panels would take care of the solar water heating as the water is pumped through the system. The electric panels capture sunlight in order to generate the electricity that makes the pumping possible. They also enable the hot tub to circulate and filter water and to power massage jets.

Aside from being able to truly relax in your hot tub without worrying that you are wasting energy and depleting natural resources, you will also be free from the burden of a hike in gas or electric bills. The new green alternatives cost about the same as a gas- or electric-powered tub to install. But once installed, there are no energy bills to pay for. The solar water heating, pumps, and filters will all be powered by the ever-present energy of the sun.

For gadget lovers, who typically suck up a great deal of electricity charging and recharging their technological toys, there is an array of accessories and gear that will wean them off the wall socket. Everything from messenger bags to designer purses to camera straps have been redesigned to include small panels that collect the sun's output and convert it into useful energy. The gear typically contains a USB port from which the user can charge his cell phone, camera, tablet or mp3 player anywhere he goes.

Solar power has even found itself aboard one of the world's greatest luxuries: the yacht. Engineers from around the world have produced several yachts that are powered either partially or entirely by the sun. Some have also integrated wind power and traditional petroleum fuel to create less harmful hybrids.

Many mainstream cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, have also introduced these eco-friendly technologies into their fleets. A typical cruise ship, which is essentially a giant mobile resort, runs on a diesel engine that is fed oil with a high sulfur content. The harmful emissions are a nasty cocktail of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and more. These engines are dangerous to human and animal life and are destructive to the environment, especially in such massive amounts. A step toward a greener vacation at sea is a step in the right direction.