Solar Hot Water Systems

About Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water systems capture thermal energy from the sun through a cluster of solar panels and a storage tank to heat water. 

Two panels are sufficient for a four-person household. Four square meters are needed to install two panels and a 300-360L tank. This system makes it easy for hot water heating in the winters and also throughout the year. 

Solar hot water systems are expensive in comparison to other options. Also, they are more time-consuming to install compared to electric water heaters. However, these systems are energy-efficient, durable, and do not require much money or maintenance to run.

Advantages Of Solar Water Heating

There are many benefits of solar water heaters, such as:

• Solar energy is free of cost and sustainable
• It takes up less space compared to solar PV panels
• Approximately 80% of solar energy obtained is converted into heat, so warm water is always available
• Less money spent on heating bills
• A solar pool heater is convenient to use and can come in handy during the cold winter months

Types Of Solar Heating Systems 

There are two main types of solar water heating systems: passive and active. The latter uses controls and circulating pumps, whereas the former doesn't. Let's take a look at them in more detail:

Active Solar Water Heating Systems

There are two active solar water heating systems types:

Direct Circulation Systems

They pump and circulate water within a home through the collectors. They are best for places that don't experience freezing cold weather. 

Indirect Circulation Systems

These circulation systems are prevalent in environments susceptible to cold temperatures. This system uses pumps to circulate a non-freezing heat transfer fluid via a heat exchanger and collectors. Then, the water is heated and then distributed throughout the home. 

Passive Solar Water Heating Systems

These water heating systems are usually cheaper than active systems; however, they lack efficiency. Moreover, they are more consistent and have a longer lifetime. The two basic types of passive systems are as follows:

Integral Collector-Storage Passive Systems

The storage tank in a passive system has an explicit material that allows the sun to keep the water hot. The water stored in the tank then flows into the plumbing system. These systems are most suitable where temperatures hardly descend below freezing. They perform efficiently in those households with considerable daytime and hot water needs in the evening.

Thermosyphon Systems

Hot water is heated in a collector on the roof when the faucet is opened. It then gushes through the plumbing system. This system's capacity is 40 gallons. 

Installation Of A Solar Hot Water System

An experienced and competent plumber must install all water heating systems, including boilers. They ensure that the system and the roof's waterproofing are not compromised. 

To connect an electric booster system and timer, one may also require the expertise of an electrician. 

What Are The Legal Requirements To Install A Solar Hot Water System?

The company installing the system usually helps homeowners acquire building consent. However, they will need to ensure the roof is reinforced to support large cylinders. The builder will have to consider these points before applying for building consent. 

• The panels need to be fixed firmly to prevent them from being damaged by strong winds
• The roof needs to be resilient enough to bear the weight of the solar panel and cylinder

Care And Maintenance Of Solar Hot Water Systems

Though solar hot water systems are generally low maintenance, there are a few things one should keep in mind when installing them:

• Maintenance checks need to be in place for hot water cylinders
• Every six months, hot and cold relief valves should be flushed and cleared
• Collector panels should occasionally be inspected for leaks 
• Collector panels should be washed regularly
• Glazing should be immediately replaced if damaged

Other Things To Keep In Mind

There are certain things one should keep in mind when installing a solar hot water system:

• There is reduced efficiency if panels are not mounted in an area north-facing with too much shade
• Collectors are flat-shaped compared to evacuated tubes which are more efficient and cover less area for a panel to be installed
• When there's less sunshine, an electric or gas booster inside the storage tank keeps the water warm
• The water can freeze up in frost-prone areas, which may damage the panels. Hence, get frost-resistant ones

If you need assistance to find the right solar hot water systems for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.