The solar thermal systems provide clean energy from the sun for heating the water used in household applications. A solar water heater can be installed if there is an area of your property that is not shaded and it faces south, southeast, southwest, or even west. In this article, you will learn four facts about solar water heaters. You can call solar hot water repairs brisbane service regarding any of the solar water heater related issues.
1. Energy collectors are used in solar water heaters
Every solar water heater includes a collector where water is heated. Your choice of collector depends on several factors, including your home’s location, climate, and intended uses.
A solar water heater collector is one of three types:
- Flat-plate
- Integral collector-storage (ICS)
- Evacuated tube collectors
Flat-plate collectors are the most common type. Flat-plate collectors consist of waterproof boxes with dark absorber plates. The tubes over the heated plates carry tap water to the household plumbing lines over the plates.
ICS systems are sometimes referred to as batch systems. To preheat water with solar energy, black tubes are placed in waterproof boxes. A backup water heater receives the heated water from the ICS collector.
Glass tubes, metal tubes, and fins are used in evacuated-tube collectors to reduce heat loss and absorb solar energy. As the heat remains in the evacuated tubes, the vacuum created between the glass and metal tubes is responsible for holding it.
There is a common feature in all three types of solar energy collectors: water storage. No matter the type of collector, solar energy systems will either be active or passive.
2. Pumps are used in active solar systems
Pumps are used in activated solar water heater systems to move water or heat exchange fluid from your house’s storage tank, through the collector, and back to the plumbing system. In most houses, your water storage is inside the house.
Those who live in freezing climates should use heat exchange fluids. In your hot water tank, as well as the rooftop heat collector, propylene glycol or another approved liquid is used to heat the water.
In regions where freezing does not occur, household water goes directly back down into a tank of hot water or straight into your plumbing pipe if you live in an area without a problem with freezing. In some places, it is required by building codes that you always have a conventional water heater in case a backup system or a water storage unit needs to be used.
If you want to use your water heater pump to provide energy, you will need to have a power source. A solar panel can be used to generate enough energy to run most types of household pumps.
3. No pumps are needed for passive solar heating
Solar water heaters, also known as passive systems, are the simplest type. Solar panels, electrical components, or extra energy are not required to run this system.
On top of your roof, there is a passive hot water tank that holds a lot of water. Water is heated directly by the sun, and gravity transports the hot water to your hot water storage. It may be necessary to provide auxiliary hot water using a conventional water heater, as with active solar heating.
Solar water heaters that use active solar technology are more expensive than passive solar water heaters. On the other hand, active water heaters are more reliable. If you have a heavy passive water tank on your roof, you may need to invest in structural enhancements.
4. There are many benefits to solar water heaters
No matter what type of solar water heater you choose, you can expect to save 50 to 80 percent on your hot water heating costs. Depending on whether the auxiliary system uses gas or electricity to heat the water, your solar provider can assist in determining the actual operating costs of your system.
The solar energy factor is one metric used to determine how efficient your solar water heater is. Divide the total energy delivered by the solar components by the gas and/or electric energy used by the system. If the result is higher, the solar water heater is more efficient.
In a climate where energy costs are rising and fuel is in short supply, solar hot water systems are a suitable option. Your household can still get water from passive systems even when the power goes out due to a storm. Many of these systems are eligible for rebates or tax incentives.
Contact Solar Source today to arrange an installation date for your new solar water heater system.
