Solar Hot Water Heating Explained

Solar water heating systems have grown to be a practical choice for many homeowners as technology have moved forward and associated costs have declined. Heating water consumes a great deal of energy, particularly for large families.

Laundry, bathing, doing dishes and many other activities require the use of hot water. These needs can place an economical burden on large families in the form of high electric or gas bills.

Using solar water heating can lower these bills over time.

Options

In colder areas that experience frozen conditions for several months in the winter, there are not as many choices for solar hot water heating. In these climates, the water has a tendency to freeze because of lack of heat.

Homes in climates that are milder can opt for solar hot water heating to save money and the environment. In these climates, the homeowner can also have solar energy installed using roof panels to help with the homes overall energy cost and consumption.

For homes that are in locations where the sun shines year-round and they have their homes situated with the roof toward the south, homeowners can sometimes harness enough energy from the sun to basically eliminate their power bill and possibly even earn money from selling excess power to the local electricity company.

Solar water heating units come in two categories that each has two different types available within their category.

Active solar hot water heating devices contain a circulation pump to move the water through the solar panels for better heat distribution.

Direct circulation systems move the water into the home using the collection system while indirect circulation systems move the water through the circulation system and a heat exchanger. The direct circulation system is better suited for colder climates.

The second type of solar water heating systems is the passive system. Passive systems can be integral collector systems or themosyphon systems. These systems are only suited for warm climates due to the possibility of freezing.

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