Solar Water Heaters Solar water heaters, also called solar domestic hot water systems can be a
cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can
be used in any climate, and the fuel they use (sunshine) is free.
How They Work
Solar water heating systems include
storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar
water heating systems: 1.
Active, which have circulating pumps and controls and,
(Click here for an illustrated description.)
2. Passive, which don't have circulating pumps and controls.
(Click here for an
illustrated description.)
Most solar water heaters
require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have
an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the
collector. In two-tank systems, the solar water heater preheats
water before it enters the conventional water heater. In
one-tank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar
storage in one tank.
Three types of solar collectors are
used for residential applications: � Flat-plate collector
Glazed flat-plate collectors are insulated, weatherproofed boxes
that contain a dark absorber plate under one or more glass or
plastic (polymer) covers. Unglazed flat-plate
collectors typically used for solar pool heating, have a dark
absorber plate, made of metal or polymer, without a cover or
enclosure. � Integral collector-storage systems
Also known
as ICS or batch systems, they feature one or more black tanks or
tubes in an insulated, glazed box. Cold water first passes
through the solar collector, which preheats the water. The water
then continues on to the conventional backup water heater,
providing a reliable source of hot water. They should be
installed only in mild-freeze climates because the outdoor pipes
could freeze in severe, cold weather.
� Evacuated-tube solar
collectors
They feature parallel rows of transparent glass
tubes. Each tube contains a glass outer tube and metal absorber
tube attached to a fin. The fin's coating absorbs solar energy
but inhibits radioactive heat loss. These collectors are used
more frequently for U.S. commercial applications.
There are
two types of active solar water heating systems:
� Direct
circulation systems
Pumps circulate household water through
the collectors and into the home. They work well in climates
where it rarely freezes.
� Indirect circulation systems
Pumps circulate a non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid through the
collectors and a heat exchanger. This heats the water that then
flows into the home. They are popular in climates prone to
freezing temperatures.
You may request service by applying
on-line and save 15% off, or phone us, or email us
at
info@sugarbearplumbing.com.
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