Solar Water Heating System

2008-10-15

Solar Water Heating Systems

Solar energy is a clean and abundant energy resource that can be used to supplement many of your energy needs. Solar energy can be utilized as a form of heat, such as solar water heating. Solar water heating systems are commonly referred to in the industry as Solar Domestic Hot Water (SDHW) systems. Water heating is one of the most cost-effective uses of solar energy, providing hot water for showers, dishwashers and clothes washers. Every year, several thousands of new solar water heaters are installed worldwide.

Types of Solar Collectors

The most common types of solar collectors used in solar water heaters are flat plate and evacuated tube collectors. In both cases, one or more collectors are mounted on a southerly-facing slope or roof and connected to a storage tank.

When there is enough sunlight, a heat transfer fluid, such as water is pumped through the collector. As the water passes through the collector, it is heated by the sun. The water is then circulated to a heat exchanger, which transfers the energy into the water tank.

Benefits from Solar Water Heating

When the homeowner uses hot water, cold water from the main storage tank enters the bottom of the solar storage tank. Solar heated water at the top of the storage tank flows into the plumbing system. If the water at the top of the solar storage tank is hot enough, no further heating is necessary.