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.
