Sun-Powered Water Heaters

Solar water heaters, commonly referred to as solar domestic hot water systems, could affordably heat the water in your home. They can be utilized in any environment and their fuel, sunlight, is completely free.

How They Operate

Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which include circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which do not.

Systems Active Solar Water Heating

There are two varieties of systems that use active solar water heating:

• Systems with direct circulation. Pumps transport household water into the structure from the collectors. In areas where freezing is infrequent, they function well.

• Methods for indirect circulation. Through a heat exchanger and collectors, a non-freezing fluid that can transport heat is moved by pumps. The water is warmed before it enters the house as a result. In areas where freezing temperatures are regular, they are widespread.

Systems for passive solar water heating

Systems that use passive solar energy to heat water are normally less expensive than active systems, although they are typically less effective. Passive systems, on the other hand, might be more dependable and endure longer. Two fundamental categories of passive systems exist:

• Passive integrated collector-storage systems. These include a storage tank with a transparent lid that lets the sun heat the water within. The plumbing system is then filled with water from the tank. The greatest places for them are those where it doesn’t often get below freezing. They also function well in homes with high hot water demands during the day and at night.

• System of thermosyphons. When a hot water faucet is opened, water heated in a collector on the roof begins to flow through the plumbing system. These systems typically have a 40 gallon capacity.

Solar panels and storage tanks

The majority of solar water warmers require an insulated storage tank. Through solar storage tanks, an additional outlet and inlet are linked to and from the collector. Before the water reaches the conventional water heater in two-tank systems, it is warmed by the solar water heater. In one-tank systems, the solar storage and backup heating are combined in a single tank.

There are three types of solar collectors available for home applications:

• Collector for flat plates. Glazed flat-plate collectors are insulated, weatherproofed boxes that have one or more glass or plastic (polymer) covers over a dark absorber plate. Unglazed flat-plate collectors, which are frequently employed to heat swimming pools with solar energy, have a dark absorber plate made of metal or polymer that is not covered or enclosed.

• Systems that combine collector and storage. They include one or more black tanks or tubes in an insulated, glass box, often known as an ICS or batch system. The solar collector initially receives cold water, which it then passes through to warm it up. The standard backup water heater is where the water goes after that, giving a consistent source of hot water. Only mild-freeze climates should have them installed because really cold weather could cause the exterior pipes to freeze.

• Solar collectors using evacuated tubes. They are a parallel arrangement of rows of transparent glass tubes. Each tube has a fin and is connected to the glass outer tube by a metal absorber tube. The fin’s coating absorbs solar energy while obstructing heat radiation. These collectors are more frequently employed in commercial applications in the United States.

When using solar water heating systems, a backup system is almost always required for cloudy days and periods of high demand. Traditional storage water heaters, which could be part of the solar system bundle, frequently act as a backup. A backup system for the solar collector might also be present, such as rooftop tanks with thermosyphon components. Because it already stores hot water and also collects solar heat, an integral-collector storage system can be used as a backup for a tankless or demand-type water heater.

How to Choose a Solar Water Heater

The following should be done before you buy and install a solar water heating system:

• Calculate the price and power consumption of a solar water heating system.
• Analyze the solar potential of your place.
• Identify the appropriate system size.
• Look into any local ordinances, covenants, and rules.

Learn about the different parts that solar water heating systems require, such as the following:

• Solar water heating system heat exchangers.
• Fluids for heat transmission in solar water heating systems.

Installing and Keeping the System Up to Date

Installation of solar water heaters must consider a number of factors. It is best to have a qualified solar thermal systems contractor install your system because of these elements, which also include the solar resource, the environment, the local building code requirements, and safety concerns.

Your system will continue to operate efficiently after installation if it is properly maintained. Systems that are passive require little upkeep. Consult the owner’s manual and talk with your system provider about the maintenance needs for active systems. The maintenance requirements for traditional systems are the same for plumbing and other traditional water heating components. In dry locations where rainfall doesn’t act as a natural rinse, glazing may need to be cleaned.

Simple systems just need simple upkeep every three to five years, which is best handled by a solar expert. After ten years, electrical systems often need one or two replacement parts. Learn more about solar water heating system maintenance and repair.

Ask the following inquiries while vetting possible installers and/or maintenance providers:

• Has your business ever set up and maintained solar water heating systems? Select a business that has previous expertise servicing and installing the applications you’ve chosen.

• How long has your business been installing and maintaining solar heating systems? The better, the more experience. Ask for a list of previous clients who are willing to serve as references.

• Is your business accredited or licensed? In some states, having a current license as a solar contractor or plumber is necessary. To learn more, get in touch with your county and city. Consult the contractor licensing board in your state to confirm your license. You can learn more about any complaints made against state-licensed contractors through the licensing board.

Energy Efficiency Improvement

Try these additional energy-saving techniques once your water heater has been installed and maintained correctly to help reduce your water heating costs, especially if you need a backup system. Installing some energy-saving equipment and systems simultaneously with the water heater can save money.