An Introduction to the solar Water Heater

Posted by admin on Jan 11, 2014 in Posts

Conventional water heaters particularly the gas and the electric one’s are good and require low initial investment to setup, but in the long run they prove to be costly and inefficient; whereas a solar water heater is equally effective in providing ample amounts of hot water up to 140°F at almost no cost.

Multiple factors determine the amount of hot water a solar water heater can provide the principal one’s ear:

• The ability of the site to access sunshine.
• The type and the size of the solar heater to be installed.
• The typical climate and its influence on the site.
• Basic design of the building in question.

“Flat plate” solar water panels are the most commonly used ones, it consists of simple and durable parts namely a weatherproof, thermally insulated box made up of aluminum or ceramics and one absorber plate. Its more expensive counterpart is a concentrating type system, which can heat water up to much higher temperatures, but are less effective on cloudier days than their less costly counterpart.

Before going for a solar water heater, one should get a free energy audit of their homes to precisely determine the cost savings one can get. There are certain factors that should be considered for an energy audit. The important ones are:

• Expenditures and complexities to set up piping, ducts and plumbing from the terrace on the ground floor.
• Whether the roof is suited and accessible so that power panels can be fitted, and if not then an equivalent place on the ground.
• If wall sections will be required to open up to allow water pipes to pass through.
• The room’s on the ground floor and the basement has space for a water tank, and if it is possible to move or load the water tank in it.
• The time required and the ability of the roofing materials to fasten with the collector’s support. (e.g. Materials like slate, tiles, and clay are difficult to work with)
• Aesthetics and design of the home once the system is in place.

Some tips and advices for the best functioning of your solar water heater:

• Always keep the solar collector panels facing the sun at a right angle.
• Bypass or avoid shade particularly during 9 am and 3 pm.
• Set up the solar water heater such that it faces true south and not towards the compass south.