Solar water heaters are appliances that help in heating water by harnessing renewable energy from the sun with a thermal collector. They are a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable way to generate hot water for home or commercial purposes.
Solar water heaters sometimes called solar domestic hot water systems — can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use sunshine is free.
Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In two-tank systems, the solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In one-tank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank.
There are two types of active solar water heating systems:
Direct circulation systems
- Pumps circulate household water through the collectors and into the home. They work well in climates where it rarely freezes.
Indirect circulation systems
- Pumps circulate a non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid through the collectors and a heat exchanger. This heats the water that then flows into the home. They are popular in climates prone to freezing temperatures.
- The proper installation of solar water heaters depends on many factors. These factors include solar resources, climate, and safety issues.
- After installation, properly maintaining your system will keep it running smoothly.
