If you have been considering switching your gas or electric water heater over to the more efficient solar water heaters, this article is for you! A solar hot water heater can sometimes also be called solar domestic hot water systems. But no matter what name you call it, it can be a cost and energy efficient way to heat water for your home! Much like solar panels on your roof, solar heaters can be used in almost any climate and type of weather. The best part about solar water heating is that the energy used to generate heat is free! As long as you have ample sunshine shining down on your home, you’re a great candidate to install a solar panel heater.
Here at The Energy Professor, we want to give you the information you need to not only save money on your energy bill, but to also become more energy efficient. We hope find this post helpful! And makes it easier for you to know more about solar water heaters. Be sure to also check out our one of a kind energy savings calculator!
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What are Solar Hot Water Heaters?
A solar powered water heater is a system that is the most efficient way of heating your water while using renewable energy. The use of solar hot water heaters do not use energy from the power grid. They work similarly to solar panels in that the solar heating system draws in power from the sun. Where as traditional water heaters use energy from your power company to heat water in a tank somewhere in your home. Unlike traditional heaters, a solar panel water heater utilizes solar collectors attached to your roof to turn sunlight into solar energy. This transformed solar energy is then used to heat the water you use in your home!
Does a Solar Panel Water Heater Need Electricity?
- No, there is no electricity needed to use a solar hot water system. In fact, there aren’t even electrical components on the system! All solar water heater panels use solar collectors that take in energy directly from the sun. This energy is then used to heat the water for your home.
Along with wind power, solar hot water has been around for quite some time! In 1981 the first solar heater was patented by C.M. Kemp Manufacturing Company. In the last 30 years, solar panels started to be attached to these systems. This was to create a more energy efficient and faster way of heating water using the sun.
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How Does Solar Water Heating Work?
In order to understand how a solar water heating system works, we have to break down the types of systems available. Currently, there are two main solar power water heater systems available for residential use which are active and passive. Although these various designs are available, all of the water solar panel systems include a collector and storage tank. These absorb the sun’s thermal energy and transforms it to heat the water. The active and passive systems work differently and require different equipment. So it’s important to know about both before deciding to install your own solar water heater for home. And although different, each system can still collect enough hot water to satisfy your hot water needs!
Active Solar Water Heating Systems
There are two types of active solar water heating systems:
- Direct Circulation Systems – This system has pumps that circulate household water through its collectors. Then transfers the water into the home. Direct Circulation systems work well in climates where it rarely freezes.
- Indirect Circulation Systems – By pumping a non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid through the collectors, this system heats an exchanger. Then the exchanger heats the water that then flows into the home. Indirect systems are popular in climates prone to freezing temperatures.
Passive Solar Water Heating Systems
There are two basic types of passive systems:
- Integral Collector-Storage Passive Systems – This system of solar hot water panels consists of a storage tank covered with a transparent material to allow the sun to heat the water. Water from the tank then flows into a plumbing system. This type of system works best in areas where temperatures rarely fall below freezing. But also work well in households with significant daytime and evening hot-water needs.
- Thermosyphon Systems – With this type of passive solar water heater, water is heated in a collector on the roof and then flows through the plumbing system when a hot water faucet is opened. The majority of these systems have a 40 gallon capacity.
Passive solar water heater systems are typically less expensive than active systems. However they tend to not be as efficient as Active solar water systems. But passive systems can be more reliable and may last longer as well.
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Storage Tanks and Solar Collectors
While similar, there are some major differences between normal solar panels and solar water heating panels. The biggest difference you’ll find is that a hot water heater solar system requires a well-insulated storage tank. There are three major types of tanks used for residential systems. Flat Plate Collector, Integral Collector-Storage System, and Evacuated-Tube Solar Collectors. No matter what type of tank you have, you’ll have an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the tank’s collector. In a two-tank system, the water heater will preheat before it enters the main water heater. However in a one-tank system, there is a back up heater that is combined with the solar storage unit in one single tank.
Rooftop Solar Water Heater Tank Types
- Flat-Plate Collector -A glazed Flat-Plate Collector is an insulated, weatherproofed box that contains a dark absorber plate under. These are located under one or more glass or plastic (polymer) covers. Unglazed Flat-Plate Collectors which are only typically used for solar pool heating tend to have a dark absorber plate. This plate is instead made of metal or polymer, without a cover or enclosure.
- Integral Collector-Storage Systems – These systems feature one or more black tanks or tubes in an insulated, glazed box. First, cold water passes through the solar collector. This begins the process of preheating the water. Then the water continues on to the conventional backup water heater, providing a reliable source of hot water.
- Evacuated-Tube Solar Collectors – With parallel rows of transparent glass tubes, each containing a glass outer tube and metal absorber tube attached to a fin. The fin’s coating absorbs solar energy but inhibits radiative heat loss. These collectors are used less frequently for residential use.
Like regular solar panel systems, solar water heating systems do not work well on cloudy days. Therefor it is almost always required to have a backup system for days when the sun is not shining. This can also come in handy for days when there is an increased demand for hot water. A backup system may also be part of the solar collector, such as rooftop tanks with thermosyphon systems.
Related Post: Do Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days?
What are Solar Water Heaters? – FAQ
Q: How Much Does it Cost to Install a Solar Water Heater?
A: Like any renewable energy system, solar hot water systems are an expensive investment. Your typical solar water heater can cost anywhere from $4,000 – $13,000 to install. There are an array of variables to consider when determining the final price of installing a solar water heater. On average, homeowners spend about $9,000 on their solar hot water system.
Q: How Much Will I Save if I Switch to a Solar Hot Water Heater?
A: While the initial investment is expensive, you can save an average of about 50% – 80% on water heater bill. The best part about solar water heating is that the sun is free! So you are protected from any future fuel shortages and price hikes that may occur on the energy grid.
Q: Do Solar Water Heaters Work in Winter?
A: Yes! Solar water heaters do work in the winter. But since the water is heated by solar panels, they will be less efficient when the sun’s radiation is weakest. Shorter days also reduce solar thermal input. As well as cold outdoor temperatures can make it hard for water to remain hot for extended periods of time. However, most solar water heaters include freeze protection. This helps keep snow and ice from accumulating around them.
Q: Will Solar Water Heaters Stay Hot Overnight?
A: Solar water heaters heat water during the day when the sun is shining. This keeps insulated takes hot overnight. When using a solar hot water system in colder temperatures, this may be more difficult. But how well your solar water heater keeps water heated in the winter depends on the quality of your system.
Do you Need Cheaper Electricity?
If you’ve taken the time to understand the information on your bill and discovered you’re paying more than you’d like for your electricity, have you looked around for a cheaper deal? The Energy Professor has a wealth of information on ways to save on your utilities, including details of top deals that could significantly reduce your monthly or quarterly electricity bills.
We hope you found this article helpful! If you are looking for ways to increase the energy efficiency and sustainability in your home be sure to take a look at all of the latest renewable energy options in your area. The Energy Professor helps residential and small business owners find qualified energy suppliers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, Illinois, and Massachusetts
