Internet Resources And Audio Books
| Home |
| Solar Power Articles Home |
| QA Solar Power |
| Solar Electric |
| Solar Home |
| Solar Power |
| Solar Power System |
| Solar Technology |
| Solar Thermal |
| Solar Water |
| Wind and Solar Power |
Diving In To Solar Water Systems
Solar water heaters or, as they are also 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. In this article, we'll warm you up to the idea of investing in a solar water heating system as a part of creating an environmentally friendly home.
Sun powered water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of these heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive heating systems, which don't. Passive heating systems are typically less expensive than active systems, but they're usually not as efficient. However, passive systems can be more reliable and may last longer. For active systems, discuss the maintenance requirements with your system provider and consult the system's owner's manual. Most water heaters that run on sun power, 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 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.
Solar water heating systems almost always require a backup system for cloudy days and times of increased demand. Conventional storage water heaters usually provide backup and may already be part of the solar heating package. A backup system may also be part of the solar collector, such as rooftop tanks with thermosyphon systems. Since an integral-collector storage system already stores hot water in addition to collecting solar heat, it may be packaged with a backup water heater.
Before you purchase and install a solar powered water heating system, you should consider the economics of solar energy systems, evaluate your site's solar resource, determine the correct system size and energy efficiency and check into your local codes and regulations. The proper installation depends on your solar resources, climate, local building code requirements and safety issues. It's best to have a qualified, solar thermal systems contractor install your system. Regular maintenance on simple systems can be as infrequent as every 3–5 years, preferably by a solar contractor. Systems with electrical components usually require a replacement part after 10 years.
Although solar water systems do have minor problems, the technology is quickly catching up. These systems are a smart investment for consumers because they pay for themselves in a relatively short period of time by reducing your utility bills. As a bonus, many governments and manufacturers offer rebates to people purchasing environmentally friendly household products. Buying a solar energy system is a win-win situation. You can save money on your utility bills, all the while being environmentally responsible.