A solar water heater is designed to save a homeowner up to 70% on fuel costs she or he is currently paying out to heat the water needed for the household. That's a pretty impressive number considering that the return on the investment you make into a water heater can usually be recouped in a few years.
The concept of a water heater that utilizes the power of the sun is simple. The water heater is connected to an array of photovoltaic solar panels that are installed on the roof of the house. The number of solar panels you will need depends on the size of your home and the amount of hot water you require on a daily basis.
The system required to operate a solar water heater includes a solar thermal collector, a water storage tank, pipes that interconnect with one another and a fluid system that will function to move the heat in the solar collector into the storage tank. Heated water can then be used for swimming pools, space heating or cooling purposes, or under floor heating in addition to heating water for daily usage.
Types of Solar Water Heating Systems
There are a few differences between an active and passive solar water heating system. An active heater requires electricity in order to operate because it utilizes circulation pumps and controls to heat the water. Passive systems require no electricity whatsoever.
Active systems can be used almost anywhere in the world, regardless of climate. Passive systems work in warmer climates only. However, both types do collect the sun's energy in order to heat water.
Active Direct System - this type of heater works well in climates that are warmer and rarely experience freezing temperatures. A direct system will circulate water through collectors to be heated.
Active Indirect System - this type of system uses fluid to circulate through the collectors. The fluid captures the heat from the sun and in turn heats the water. Colder climates, especially ones that experience freezing temperatures on a regular basis, require this type of solar water heating system.
Passive ICS System - the ICS stands for integral collector-storage, which is a solar water heating system in which the storage tank functions as the collector for the water. The tank is typically painted black to absorb the sun's rays. The sun directly heats the water. Then, the heated water is pushed into the home via water pressure from a well or city water system.
Passive Thermosyphon System - the storage tank for this type of solar water heater is mounted on the roof of the home, above the collector. Once the sun heats the water, gravity pushes the heated water through the tank and ultimately into the house. This type of system isn't appropriate for all homes due to the roof-mounted design.
Tips for Choosing the Best One
Determine first which type of system is appropriate for your climate.
Decide how much sunlight is available in your geographic location so you understand whether or not it will be efficient for you to install one.
Figure out how much hot water is required for your household, so you know which type of collector you need and the size of storage tank you require.
Research the options available for your climate.
Determine which one is the best fit for your home and your budget.
The initial investment may seem daunting, but the return on your investment will be well worth it within 3 to 7 years!
M.S. Rochell, Ed.M. is the owner of New Earth Enterprises which seeks to inspire and educate people about new options for healthy and sustainable choices for daily living. Her website http://www.Go-Green-Solar-Energy.com offers practical and affordable solutions for using solar energy at home. Please visit for more solar water heater information, and to receive our free Solar Panels eBooks.
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