What is a Solar Water Heater
Solar water heaters are a great way to make use of free energy from the sun to help reduce your electricity bills for hot water. The system can be cost effective even when electricity prices are high. The cost of the installation can be substantially less than you expect if you qualify for income-scaled State and Federal tax credits.
The system is a closed loop system that circulates a non-toxic antifreeze transfer fluid (propylene glycol or ethylene glycol) in order to heat the water in a hot water storage tank or cylinder. It is a simple and efficient design that is ideal for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Domestic solar hot water systems (DSWH) are designed to supply up to 80% of your total annual hot water requirements. There are two main types of systems: open-loop and closed-loop. Open-loop systems are the cheapest but require the most maintenance. Closed-loop systems are more expensive but offer greater energy efficiency. The optimum choice depends on your location and your energy requirements.
A solar water heating system is comprised of 3 major components: solar collectors, a hot water cylinder, and a control unit. solar water heater The solar collectors are usually placed on your roof and can be flat plate or evacuated tubes. The collectors are connected to the hot water cylinder via a heat exchanger. The cylinder is typically a double-coil cylinder that has the capacity to store up to 40 litres of solar heated water. A pump and controller are used to operate the system, and a sensor on the cylinder monitors the temperature and sends a signal when the tank is full.
solar water heater Your solar water heater will need to be sized according to your household hot water usage and the amount of sunlight available at your site. We have years of experience in designing solar thermal systems and can provide a custom solution for your home.
A reputable installer will install the collectors on your roof in a position that will optimise energy capture, with minimal impact to your house and garden. The cylinder should be located in an area that minimises pipe runs and is well insulated.
Depending on your region, the most economical option may be an open-loop solar water heating system that uses your existing electric hot water tank as backup. This is suitable for climates where freezing temperatures occur rarely. In colder regions, a closed-loop solar water heating system is recommended. This system consists of a piping network that carries an antifreeze mixture from the solar collectors to your storage tank and back again. The antifreeze mixture is heated by the solar collectors and then sent to the storage tank where it combines with your hot water. The hot water is then pumped to the site of use, while the cooled antifreeze returns to the solar collectors to be heated again.
Like any mechanical system, a solar water heating system requires some regular maintenance to keep it operating at peak performance. We can create a maintenance plan for you that includes checking the condition of the collectors and piping, flushing the system to remove sediment, cleaning the solar panels when necessary, and ensuring that the pump and controller are working correctly. A regular maintenance schedule can help to minimize breakdowns and extend the life of your system.
