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How does solar hot water work?

19th May '23 • By Georgia Budden

As we become increasingly aware of our impact on the environment, there is a growing interest in alternative energy sources. One of the most popular forms of renewable energy is solar power.

Solar hot water systems are an excellent example of how we can use solar energy to power our homes, reduce our carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. 

Below we’ll explore how solar hot water systems work, their benefits, and the best practices for maintenance.

Overview

  • What is solar hot water?
  • Solar hot water system components
  • How solar hot water works
  • Types of solar hot water systems
  • Installation and maintenance

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fading-sunset

What is solar hot water?

Solar hot water systems, also known as solar thermal systems, use the sun's energy to heat water. The sun's energy is absorbed by the solar collector, which then transfers the heat to the fluid. The heated fluid is then circulated to a storage tank, where it can be used for various purposes, including bathing, washing, and space heating. 

Solar hot water systems are an excellent option if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. 

Solar Hot Water System Components

A solar hot water system is made up of various components, including:

Solar Collector

The solar collector is a device that absorbs the sun's energy and converts it into heat. It’s typically made of metal or plastic, with a layer of glass or plastic on top to trap the heat. There are two types of solar collectors: flat-plate and evacuated tube. Flat-plate collectors are the most common and consist of a flat panel with tubes or channels that carry the fluid. Evacuated tube collectors are more efficient and consist of a series of glass tubes, each with a metal absorber that captures the sun's energy.

Storage Tank 

The storage tank is where the heated water is stored. It is typically made of metal, such as copper or stainless steel, and is well insulated to keep the water hot. The size of the storage tank depends on the size of the system and the hot water needs of the household.

Circulating Pump

The circulating pump is responsible for circulating the fluid between the solar collector and the storage tank. It’s typically powered by electricity and is controlled by the system's controller.

Controller

The controller is the brains of the system. It monitors the temperature of the fluid in the collector and the storage tank and controls the operation of the circulating pump. It also controls the backup heating system, if there’s one installed.

Backup Heating System (Optional) 

In some cases, a backup heating system may be included to provide hot water during times when the sun's energy isn’t sufficient enough to meet the household's needs. The backup system can be powered by electricity, gas, or another similar fuel.

How Solar Hot Water Works

The way a solar hot water system operates includes the following steps:

  1. The solar collector absorbs the sun's energy and converts it into heat. 
  2. The fluid in the collector is heated and is then circulated through a series of pipes or tubes that carry it to the storage tank.
  3. As the hot water enters the storage tank, it displaces the cooler water that is already there.
  4. The hot water is drawn from the tank as needed for washing and bathing, and when the hot water supply is depleted, the backup heating system (if installed) will kick in to provide more.

solar-hot-water-running

Types of Solar Hot Water Systems

There are two main types of solar hot water systems: passive and active. 

Passive Systems

Passive systems are simpler and cheaper to install than active systems. They rely on natural convection to circulate the fluid between the collector and the storage tank, and are more suitable for warmer climates where freezing is not a concern.

Active Systems

Active systems use a circulating pump to move the fluid between the collector and the storage tank. They are more expensive to install but are more efficient and suitable for colder climates where there’s a potential for freezing.

Benefits of Solar Hot Water Systems

There are several advantages of using a solar hot water system, including:

  • Lower energy bills: Solar hot water systems can significantly reduce your power bill, as they rely on a renewable source of energy.
  • Reduced carbon footprint: They’re an eco-friendly alternative to traditional hot water systems and produce no greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Long lifespan: Solar hot water systems have a long lifespan, typically lasting up to 20 years or more.
  • Low maintenance: They require little maintenance, with only occasional cleaning and inspection required.

Installation and Maintenance

Factors to Consider When Choosing a System

When selecting a system, you’ll need to think about:

  • The size of the system 
  • The hot water needs of the household 
  • The climate
  • The available space for installation

Installation Process

The installation of a solar hot water system typically involves:

  • Mounting the solar collector on the roof
  • Installing the storage tank
  • Connecting the pipes and electrical components

Keep in mind that the installation should be carried out by a qualified solar installer.

Regular Maintenance Practices

Regular maintenance for your solar hot water system will include: 

  • Cleaning the collector
  • Checking the fluid level
  • Inspecting the pipes and electrical components
  • Flushing the system periodically to prevent corrosion

As you can see, solar hot water is an excellent option if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. They’re efficient, eco-friendly, and have a long lifespan, while moving us towards a more sustainable future.

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Further Reading

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