Sun Powered Hot Water Heaters
Looking for a way to get your home energy efficient and environmentally friendly? Try a sun powered or solar, hot water heater. It may take a minor construction for an already built home to become ready for a solar water heater unit, but the results will be worth it. For a home that is in the works, a solar unit can easily be diagramed in before the construction even begins. Either way with a little preparation, you’ll be up and running with your energy saving sun powered hot water heater. A solar hot water heater set up may cost a little now, but the future results on your pocketbook and your environment make it a worthwhile investment.
What does a solar powered water heater consists of?
Every solar powered water heating system has two main parts. Some even have more parts, but every system has a solar collector and a storage tank as its main parts. With the tanks, there may be one or two according to the system. It is especially important to have very good insulating on the tanks for solar units in particular. Collectors are generally categorized into three different types for domestic systems. They are: evacuated tube, flat plate, and integral collector-storage (ICS or batch) types.
Categories of solar water heating units
Solar water heating units for homes come in two categories: active and passive. The active units generally cost more and have a slightly higher output whereas the passive tend to have a longer life span. The choice of active or passive units is really a matter of personal preference, the climate where you are living, and your hot water capacity that is needed. Let’s have a look at the types and their breakdown into sub-categories.
Active solar hot water heaters
Active solar hot water heaters are broken down into two main types: direct and indirect circulation systems. With the direct solar heating systems there is no by-pass for the water. The water goes through the collector right to the home. A heat exchanger and heat transfer fluid is used for the indirect active units. When choosing the best active system for your needs, look at your climate. If you live in a temperate climate where there is very little freezing, you may want to choose a direct system. For climates that have regular temperatures that dip to freezing or below, the indirect system typically works best.
Passive solar hot water heaters
Passive solar hot water heaters come in two main types: thermosyphon and integral collector-storage. A thermosyphon system can be more expensive and requires proper space and construction to work properly. The main reason for this is the normally heavy storage tank that is above the collector in order for the warm water to progress into the storage tank. If your household puts out a great demand for hot water, you will probably choose the integral collector-storage type. This unit works best in a more temperate climate though. When choosing which passive unit that you will be purchasing, look into the space and budget requirements and compare them to your situation. Also take your climate and hot water usage into consideration.
Other considerations
Other considerations that need to be addressed are back-up units for days when there is little if any sun and the maintenance requirements of each different system. Some of the solar hot water heating systems come in a package type buying unit so that your backup system is included. You must do a fair amount of research to determine the best choice for your household’s needs. Some units put out more hot water in a certain period of time than others do and some are known for being a more reliable and longer lasting choice.
When considering where you could position the unit, look for an open type place where there is minimal shading from any source. Placement is critical as is having enough space for the desired system. You may need to consult a construction company for answers about placing your system. Make sure to have checked the credentials of any construction contractor before starting any construction project, water heater related or not.
With the amount of investment in finances, space and time that you will have the unit, you want to be sure to have the right system for your needs. There are vast differences in types of water heating systems, so look into your goals for a system and compare the pros and cons of each. You will find that you can indeed save money with a solar hot water heating system even if you don’t see the savings immediately. A sun powered system is also a great choice for people that want to curb their impact to the environment. There are no emissions to worry about and you don’t have to fear that you’ll be running out of gas or having no water if your lights go out. Also, check to see if tax credits for solar water heating system purchase are available.
