Solar Hot Water
Types of solar hot water systems
Solar hot water systems use the energy of the sun to heat water at a greatly reduced cost, compared to non-solar hot water systems. Solar hot water systems heat water by passing water through solar collectors located on the roof of the house. The main types of collectors used in solar hot water systems are flat plate, evacuated tube, and heat pumps.
How do solar hot water systems work?
Solar hot water systems are made up of three components: a storage tank, solar collectors, and a natural gas or electric booster. Water circulates between the storage tank and the solar collectors in the morning, until the radiant heat of the sun heats the water to around 50°c. This process continues until late afternoon. If the water in the storage tank is not at temperature when hot water is required (eg. at night), the water is automatically bypassed through a gas or electric booster, which "boosts" the water temperature to the temperature you require.
Heat pump solar hot water systems
Heat pump solar hot water systems use the reverse of a refrigeration process, transferring heat from the air to the water stored inside the hot water systems tank. The heated water is stored for use in an insulated storage tank, just like conventional non-solar hot water systems.
What to consider when buying solar hot water systems?
Solar hot water systems need unshaded North or West facing roof space, in order to work most efficiently. Solar collectors should also be inclined for optimum performance. Storage tank size is also important when selecting solar hot water systems - with gas or electric boosting, you will never run out of hot water, however, the larger the storage tank the more free solar hot water you are able to store before relying on boosting. Finally, consider the placement of your solar hot water systems storage tank. Tanks can be placed either on the roof, or at the side of your home.
Want to know more about solar hot water systems?
Click here to have a Green Living Consultant contact you about solar hot water systems.
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