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Solar Water Heater
Systems generally are more expensive to buy and install than usual
electric or gas water heating systems. Nevertheless, by heating water
using a solar heater you will save money over time. By choosing
solar technology
you expect savings between 50 to 80% on your heating bill.
Collecting energy from the sun
for heating water is not a new concept. It is known that since 1800 such
systems using solar energy exist. Generating hot water using solar energy
can be implemented almost everywhere and the only fuel needed is the sun.
The main components
of a solar water heater system are the solar collectors that attract solar
energy and the storage tank that will keep the water hot. Such basic system
is called passive solar. When electric pumps or other mechanical or electric
devices are used to force the water through the system, it becomes solar
active. It is very important for the storage tank to be well insulated. The
more insulation the more it will keep the water warm.
Two
configurations are usually available: The first one use what is called a
two-tank system where water is preheated before entering the gas or
electric water heater. On the second
solar water heating
system (one tank system) the same storage tank is used for solar and
electric/gas water heater.
Solar collector are available in different designs. The glazed flat-plate
collector is the most common one for domestic use. Most of them are made
of a black and flat copper plate with tubes fixed to the plate. When the
sun irradiates the black plate the heat obtained is transferred to the
water present in the tubes. The copper plate and pipes are installed in an
insulated flat rectangular box. The box is closed by one or two
transparent covers. Insulation is needed to avoid heat loss it is an
essential point on a solar water heater.
In general solar collectors are installed on the roof, but when such setup
if not possible they can be located on the ground, for example in a corner
of the garden, or even on the roof of a shed. In all cases it is important
that the
solar heating panels
face the south direction.
Each solar water heater has
a different design and operating system. As the sun doesn’t shine all the
time, you will often need a backup water heater running on gas or
electricity for overcast days. Depending on your location, size and
orientation of the collectors and solar water heater system choice, solar
energy can provide most of your hot water needs.
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