Solar Hot Water Heater – What you Need to Know

You may be considering installing a solar hot water heater as a way to cut down on your energy bills. They are also very environmentally friendly because they do not produce any emissions.

For off grid living, they are an ideal solution for your hot water needs.

However, before you make your decision, it’s important to know the unique benefits of each type of system as well as which one would be the wrong system for your home.

In the following article, all this is broken down so that you will understand the efficiency of each type of solar hot water system so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

How Does a Solar Hot Water Heater Work?

A solar hot water heater, also called a solar domestic hot water system, uses the sun’s energy to generate heat that can be used to heat water for your home.

The heart of a solar hot water system is its collector. The collector is usually placed on the roof of a home and consists of a dark-colored absorber plate and a glass or plastic cover. As sunlight hits the collector, the absorber plate absorbs the sun’s energy and transfers it to the circulating fluid in the collector. The fluid then carries the heat to a storage tank where it is stored until needed.

When you need hot water, a circulating pump moves the fluid from the storage tank through a heat exchanger in the tank. The heat exchanger transfers the heat from the fluid to the water in the tank, raising its temperature.

Types of Solar Hot Water Heaters

Solar Batch Hot Water Collector

A solar batch hot water collector is a device that is used to collect and store solar energy in the form of heat. This type of collector is typically made up of a metal box that has a glass or clear plastic cover. The box is filled with water, and the cover helps to keep the water warm by allowing sunlight to pass through it. The water in the collector is then used to heat up water in a storage tank, which can be used for domestic hot water needs or for space heating.

Coiled Solar Hot Water Collectors

Coiled Solar Hot Water Collectors are one of the most efficient ways to collect solar energy and convert it into usable heat. The way they work is by using a series of coils to collect solar energy and then store it in a tank of water. The water in the tank is then used to heat your home or business.

There are many benefits to using Coiled Solar Hot Water Collectors. They are very efficient at collecting solar energy, which means that you will save money on your energy bill. They are also very easy to install and maintain, which makes them a great option for those who want to save money and time.

Thermal Solar Tube Collectors

Most efficient and popular collector for a solar hot water system, works well when the sun is not shining and can also operate in temperatures of -40°F.

Thermal solar tube collectors consist of a series of tubes that are connected to a storage tank. The collector is usually mounted on the roof of a building, and the tubes are positioned so that they collect sunlight throughout the day.

The sun’s heat is absorbed by the black surface of the tube and transferred to the fluid inside the tube. This fluid circulates through the system and is stored in the tank, where it can be used as needed.

Circulation Hot Water System Types

It is important to choose the right system for your home as an incorrectly sized or installed system can be less effective and even cause damage. Be sure to consult with a professional before making any decisions to ensure you get the most efficient system possible.

Direct

A direct circulating hot water system uses solar collectors to heat water, which is then stored in tanks. This type of system is well-suited for climates where the sun is shining most of the time. The water in the tanks is circulated through the solar collectors to be heated, and then returned to the tanks. This process is repeated until the water in the tanks reaches the desired temperature.

Indirect or Closed Loop

An indirect or closed loop circulating solar hot water system uses a non-freezing liquid as a heat exchanger. This type of system is often used in areas where the climate is too cold for a traditional solar hot water system to work effectively. The closed loop circulating solar hot water system is a more efficient way to heat water and can be used in both residential and commercial applications.

Active

An active, or forced-circulation solar hot water system uses electric pumps, valves, and controllers to circulate water through one or more solar collectors. The water is then returned to a storage tank where it is heated by the sun.

Active solar hot water systems are more efficient than passive systems because they can be used in a wider range of climates and locations. They are also less likely to freeze in cold weather.

Passive

A passive solar hot water system uses the sun’s energy to heat water without the use of pumps or other mechanical devices. The system consists of a collector, usually a dark-colored panel, and a storage tank. The collector absorbs the sun’s heat, which is transferred to the water in the storage tank by natural convection. The water in the storage tank is then available for use as needed.

The benefits of a passive solar hot water system include its low cost and lack of moving parts, which make it maintenance-free. Additionally, because no pumps are used, the system is quiet and can be used in any location.

How to Size a Solar Hot Water Heater

Here are some tips on how to size a solar hot water heater so that it is right for you:

1. The first thing you need to do is figure out the square footage of your home. This will help you determine the size of the solar hot water heater you need.

2. Next, you need to calculate the daily hot water usage for your household. This will help you determine the capacity of the solar hot water heater you need.

3. Finally, you need to consider the climate where you live. This will help you determine what type of solar hot water heater would be best for you.

Does a Solar Water Heater Work In the Winter?

As the weather starts to cool off and we enter the fall and winter seasons, you may be wondering if your solar water heater will still work.

The answer is yes! Solar water heaters are designed to work year-round, even in cold weather. So how does it work?

Solar water heaters rely on the sun to heat water. They have a dark-colored collector that absorbs the sun’s rays and transfers the heat to the water. In the winter, the sun’s rays are not as strong, but there is still enough heat for the solar water heater to work efficiently.

If you live in an area with a lot of snowfall, you may want to consider getting a cover for your solar water heater to prevent snow from blocking the sun’s rays from reaching the collector.

Pros and Cons of Solar Hot Water Systems

Pros

1. One of the main advantages of solar hot water systems is that they are environmentally friendly as they do not produce any emissions or pollution.

2. Solar hot water systems are a very efficient way to heat water as they make use of the free and renewable energy from the sun.

3. Solar hot water systems require very little maintenance and have a long lifespan.

4. Solar hot water systems can provide a significant saving on your energy bills as they can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.

Cons

One of the main disadvantages of solar hot water systems is that they can be quite expensive to install. The initial cost of the system itself and the installation can be several thousand dollars. This means that it could take many years for you to recoup your investment through savings on your energy bills.

Another disadvantage is that solar hot water systems rely on sunlight to work effectively. This means that during the winter months when there is less sunlight, your system may not work as well and you may have to use backup heating methods to keep your water hot.

Alternative Hot Water Heater  Solutions

When it comes to finding an alternative to a solar hot water heater, there are three main options: propane, wood, and electric. Here is a brief overview of each option:

Propane: Propane is a clean-burning fuel that can be used to heat water in a tankless water heater. Propane tankless water heaters are often more expensive than their electric counterparts, but they offer significant energy savings.

Wood: Wood-fired water heaters are another alternative to solar hot water heaters. These units work by burning wood to generate heat, which is then transferred to the water in the tank. Wood-fired water heaters typically have lower operating costs than solar hot water heaters, but they may require more maintenance and you have to ensure that wood is readily available in or near your property

Electric: Electric tankless water heaters are the most common type of alternative to a solar hot water heater.

Conclusion

There are many different types of solar hot water heaters available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to do your research to find the type of solar hot water heater that will best suit your needs and provide you with the most efficient use of solar energy. With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy the benefits of solar hot water heater for many years to come.