Water heater for heating water using various power sources and enhancing energy savings

A water heater, comprising:

• a housing, comprising:
• an inlet pipe positioned within said housing for receiving water;
• a first heating element positioned in said inlet pipe, wherein said first heating element heats the water to a first temperature, and wherein said first heating element is powered by a first power source;
• an outlet pipe positioned within said housing and operatively connecting said inlet pipe, wherein said outlet pipe discharges the water;
• and
• a second heating element positioned within said outlet pipe, wherein said second heating element further heats the water from said first temperature to a second temperature, wherein said second heating element is powered by a second power source or a third power source, wherein each of said second power source and said third power source is different from said first power source, and wherein said third power source powers said second heating element when the second power source is unavailable;
• and
• a controller operatively connecting said first heating element and said second heating element, wherein said controller determines the energy needed from said second power source or said third power source to maintain heat of the water at said second temperature.

A method of heating water in a water heater, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a housing having an inlet pipe, said inlet pipe configured for receiving water;
• providing a first heating element positioned in said inlet pipe, said first heating element heating the water to a first temperature, said first heating element being powered by a first power source;
• providing an outlet pipe positioned within said housing and operatively connecting said inlet pipe, said outlet pipe configured for discharging the water;
• providing a second heating element positioned within said outlet pipe, said second heating element configured for further heating the water from said first temperature to a second temperature, said second heating element being powered by a second power source, said second power source being different from said first power source;
• and
• operating said first heating element and said second heating element such that the energy needed from said second power source is maintained to heat the water at said second temperature.