Designed to save you money and conserve energy, solar water heaters are a great alternative to their traditional counterparts. Since water heating is one of the biggest expenses in any home, a solar water heater can help you cut your bills.
And, you don’t have to live in a warm climate to use them; solar water heaters are designed to work in any climate. In fact, solar water heaters have been accepted and used in Greece, Turkey, Israel, Australia, Austria, China and Japan.
So, how do they work?
These water heaters have a piece of equipment on them called a “solar collector” that absorbs sunlight. Then, it converts that solar radiation into a more useable form of energy.
There are two main types of solar water heating systems – active and passive. Active systems have pumps that circulate the water as its heated; passive systems don’t. Active systems use two tanks; passive systems only use one. Two-tank systems have a solar water heater and a conventional heater, and they both work together. One-tank systems also have both, but the conventional water heater is only used as a back-u
What kinds of buildings can solar water heaters be used in?
Solar water heaters are used by both big commercial companies and in private residences. Those found in commercial power plants are more complex in nature; those found in residences are, as you might expect, smaller and simpler.
In residences, 3 main types of solar water heaters can usually be found:
- Flat plate heaters, which are kept in weatherproof, insulated boxes.
- Internal Collector-Storage systems (also known as ICS or Batch systems), which have one or more black tanks in an insulated, glazed boxes
- Evacuated heaters, which are made up of parallel rows of transparent glass tubes that work as solar collectors
If you install a solar water heater in your home, you’ll have your choice between an active and a passive system.
Because active solar water heaters circulate the water, they are better for warmer areas. If you live in a colder climate, you are better off getting an active system that uses indirect circulation – meaning that a non-freezing fluid flows through the system, heating the water as it travels around.
If you opt for a passive system, instead, you will have 2 options:
– An integral collector-storage system
Since these systems are the simplest type of solar water heater, they are also one of the most popular. In one of these systems, cold water is pulled into a storage tank on the roof. Then, the water is heated up and sent to the ground floor, where it then passes through a conventional water heater.
– A thermosyphon system
These systems use basic science to heat up water. Since hot air rises, and cooler air sinks, they position their solar collectors directly underneath the storage tank. As the hot air starts to rise, it warms up the water in the tank.
How much does a solar water heater cost?
It depends.
There are plenty of different factors that can affect the price of solar water heaters. If, for example, you have a big family that uses a lot of water, you will need a bigger system. Or, if you have strict local codes and regulations, it can drive up the cost.
Typically, passive systems cost less than active ones. However, passive systems are also less energy-efficient.
You will also have to factor a back-up system into your solar water heater cost estimates. After all, on cloudy days, your solar collectors will have nothing to collect! You will need another water heater system in place so that you’re not stuck with cold water.
The price of solar water heaters ranges from as little as $1,000 to over $8,000. Again, that range incorporates a variety of factors. However, on average, a solar water heater can reduce your energy bills by about 50%. Plus, you may also get a tax credit for buying one – so it can save you money in the long run.
How do you install it?
It’s best to get a qualified contractor to install your system, since installing any piece of machinery can be tricky. However, if you decide to go the route of a DIY solar water heater, there are several things you should consider, like:
– Is your home located in an earthquake-prone area? If so, you’ll want to be sure to put straps around your tank to keep it in place during the shaking.
– Is your new tank a different height than your old one? If so, you’ll need to use flexible pipe connectors for the water inlet or outlet.
– Do you have the correct specifications required by your local government?
For your project you’ll also want to make sure that your roof faces south, and that it’s shade-free between the hours of 9a.m. to 4p.m. every day. Finally, be sure that your system is sized correctly for your home and with respect to local regulations.
What about maintenance?
In order to keep your solar water heater running at its best, you need to make sure that it gets regular maintenance. Passive solar water heaters do not require as much maintenance as their active counterparts do. Your owner’s manual can tell you exactly what your system needs.
Bottom line – there are several reasons why solar water heaters are a great investment. Not only can they be cheaper for you; they are also better for the environment because it uses a free and unlimited resource – the sun. Though it slips away for half of the day, it’s still there – and unless an unexpected and huge galactic disaster occurs and changes the entire scope of outer space, it always will be available to heat your water!