Solar hot water is the most practical way for individual families to begin 'going green'. It is relatively easy to install and pay back happens more quickly than going whole house.
Solar water heaters can be an efficient way to provide hot water
for homes in almost any part of the world as they are adaptable to any climate. And best of all the source of energy they use is free. |
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There are 3 types of collector systems to provide residential solar hot water.
1.Flat-plate collectors are insulated weatherproofed boxes that contain a dark-plate collector under one or more glass or plastic covers. Flat plate collectors which have a dark absorber plate made of metal or polymer without a cover or enclosure are typically used for heating swimming pools.
2.Batch systems contain one or more black tanks or tubes in a insulated, glazed box. When cold water passes through the solar collector it is preheated and pumped to a conventional water heater which acts as a backup heater. These should be used only in milder climates since the outdoor pipes would freeze in colder weather.
3.Evacuated-tube solar collectors are made up of parallel rows of transparent glass tubes which each contain a glass outer tube and metal absorber. These are generally used for commercial applications. |
Active solar hot water heating systems use pumps to move the water. Passive systems do not.
Direct circulation systems which can be used in climates where freezing is not a problem heat the water directly and it is pumped into an insulated storage tank to be used as needed.
Indirect circulation systems pump a non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid through the collector and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger heats the water that then flows into the storage tank. These are best used in colder climates where freezing temperatures occur. |
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Passive solar water heating systems are typically less expensive, but they are not as efficient. They may, however, be more reliable and may last longer. They are also, perhaps, more difficult to install since the water storage tank must be located above the solar collection panel.
Solar hot water heating systems almost always require a backup system for cloudy days and times when the demand for hot water is higher. |
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