Solar Hot Water

Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water heating systems are a great way to effectively conserve energy and reduce your energy bill.

Contrary to popular belief, solar water heating is not a new technology. Solar water heating systems have been used commercially for over a century now, with the first commercial water heater (the Climax Solar-Water Heater) going on sale in 1891 in the United States. Due to its effectiveness and low cost, the solar water heating gained popularity until, by 1941, more than half the population of Florida was getting its hot water through solar water heaters!

The United States is not the only country with a solar water heating history. Important Facts about Solar Hot Water Heating Systems

* Solar water heating can be used in any climate. * The fuel used to run a solar water heater is sunshine. * A solar hot water heater can reduce your water heating bill by fifty to eighty percent. * Aside from reducing your energy bill right now, a solar water heating system will protect you from future energy price increases. * Solar heaters can be installed in combination with backup systems. In fact, you could install a solar water heater next to your existing system and make it possible switch to conventional water heating whenever necessary. -Types of Solar Hot Water Heating Systems

There are two types of solar water heating systems, active solar water heating systems and passive solar water heating systems. - Active Solar Hot Water Heating

There are two main designs of active water heating systems. - Passive Solar Hot Water Heating

Passive solar water heating systems are usually cheaper than "active solar water heating systems," as they do not need controls or pumps to circulate the water.

If you live in a warm climate, a passive water heating system might be all you need. Passive water heating systems are also known for being very reliable.

Essentially, solar water heating systems consist of a water storage tank and its solar collectors. The solar collectors are used to collect solar energy which heats water, and the tanks store the heated water.


Solar Hot Water Heater - A Great Way To Save Energy

Typically in a solar hot water heater the heat will transfer the water into pipes or other types of storage systems then it is exposed it to sunlight, heating the water contained in the pipes. In a solar hot water heater the storage tank needs to be very well insulated to keep the water's heat level elevated.. Many passive systems depend on the water temperature to move water to the storage tank as cold water sinks to the bottom and hot water ends up rising to the top.