What you need to know about solar water heating systems
Around the world, solar water heaters have become very popular thanks to the many benefits they have to home owners. This has helped to ensure that every home is able to enjoy hot water through out the year. As a cost effective system, it is very cheap to run and has a long lifespan.
What is a solar water heater?
This is a system that is designed to heat cold water into hot water using solar energy generated by the sun. Cold water is pumped through the solar energy collector where it is heated and pumped back into the home for use in cleaning laundry, washing dishes and for showering.
This system has been found to be one of the most effective means of cutting a household's carbon footprint by decreasing the reliance on dirty fossil fuel usage. For home owners who are looking to save not only currently but also in the future, offsetting the use of electricity, gas and heating oil ensures financial savings through energy cost reduction.
The best thing about the system is that it utilizes free energy – solar energy – which is generated by the sun.
Types of solar heaters
Before you understand how the system works, you need to know the types of solar heater systems available in the market. There are two types namely:
- Active solar water heating system
- Passive solar water heating system
How does it work?
Active solar water heater
This system is composed of circulating pumps, flat panel collector, antifreeze fluid, controls, hot and cold water pipes plus solar water storage tank. In active solar water heaters, you will find two types of systems namely:
- Direct circulation
- Indirect circulation.
Direct circulation
The system works by pumping cold water through the collectors where it is heated before being pumped back into the home for use. This system is perfect for use in areas where winter is frequently experienced as they don't freeze.
Indirect circulation
The system works by circulating a non freezing, heat transfer fluid through the collector where it is heated. The fluid is pumped back into a heat exchanger tank where it heats the water passing through before flowing into the home where it's used for different purposes. This type of system is popular in areas prone to freezing temperatures.
Passive solar water heating systems
This type of system is less expensive than the active system but according to solar water heater installers, they are not very efficient. They are more reliable and may last longer than their counterparts. There are two types which include:
- Integral collector storage passive system,
- Thermosyphon systems
Integral collector storage passive system
The system is designed to work best in areas where temperatures rarely fall below freezing point. They are also designed to work well in homes with significant daytime and evening hot water needs.
Thermosyphon systems
It works by allowing water to flow through the collector which may be placed on the roof or in an open space. The collector is usually placed below the storage tank to ensure that hot water is able to rise quickly while cold water sinks. The system is reliable and it's expensive than the integral collector storage passive systems.
Benefits
Energy savings
Majority of homes utilize hot water for cleaning utensils, laundry and bathing. The water is heated by systems running on either electricity, gas and oil. In a year, majority of homes will have used so much energy which will lead to carbon dioxide production and emission. Carbon dioxide is a gas that contributes greatly to global warming which has adverse effects on the world. When homes opt for solar water heaters, they get to save energy as they will be utilizing free solar energy from the sun.
Reduces your energy bills
Home water systems are powered by gas, oil or electricity which means that one will be required to settle energy bills at the end of the month. An average home consumes a lot of energy within a given month and year.
With solar energy, homes don't have to worry about energy bills as it is free. All one needs is to have the system installed and voila! hot water will be flowing through the pipes every day.
Reduce environmental impact
Natural gas and oil are mined from fossil fuels therefore impacting the environment negatively since the mining process produces a lot of waste that contributes to global warming. With solar powered water heaters, homes can get to save tonnes of greenhouse gases emissions. This helps to reduce the existence of global warming and its effects by a large percentage.
Is it readily available
Thanks to improved technology, majority of home owners can be able to install solar water heaters. All one needs to do is contact the nearest solar water heater installers and they will have it installed within no time.
Do a lot of people use the system
According to studies conducted by experts, usage of solar powered heaters is currently picking up which means more families are embracing it. This has been seen as a positive response thanks to the benefits the system is providing families such as energy savings, reduced environmental impact and reduced energy bills.
What's the process of getting it set up
In order to have your solar powered water heater set up, you need to consult a licensed and experienced contractor. To find one, you can ask family members, friends, work colleagues or even research on the internet.
Once you find the best contractor, you need to discuss the many options available as well as requesting for solar water heater quotes therefore allowing yourself to have the best. It is wise to follow the contractor's advice as they know best. Once you have selected the best system, the contractor will install it, test it and ensure it's up and running before exiting your home.
What does it cost?
Averagely, the cost of the whole system can range between £1000 to £1800 but what you need to know is that when you find the best contractor, you will be able to save in the process thanks to affordable solar water heater quotes.