How to Choose a Solar Water Heater

Posted by admin on Jan 23, 2014 in Posts

It is really a satisfying feeling when you do something realizing that it will make the earth a better and greener place to live. Getting a solar water heater installed in your home is a move, which can be considered to be eco-friendly and one that will be cherished throughout your life. Many a times, we may not have the required know-how about how sustainable science works, and how to reduce your carbon footprint. But whatever it may be, we should never hesitate before going for an eco-friendly option if it is available. This will surely do something to make the lives of our children better, and they will thank you for that. This article explains how to choose a solar water heater as per your requirements and budget.

Know how it works

Getting a solar water heater can be a daunting task as initial investments are high. A simple passive type solar water heater consists of a solar collector tank and tubes which are made up of glass. A solar water heater uses the heat radiations of the sun to heat water to an optimum temperature and sends it directly to our taps for use. The simple passive water heater relies on gravity and physics to transfer water from the roof to your taps while the active one has its own pumping arrangements.

Stick to the Principles

All solar water heaters use the same basic principle to heat water with slight modifications. A solar powered water heater can basically be categorized into “Active” and “Passive” systems. The Active system uses storage tanks, electric pumps, and anti-freeze liquid, reflecting mirrors and is more costly than the Passive ones.

The passive system depends upon the natural tendency of hot water to move up the pipes, and the warm water is collected in a tank situated above, they are suitable for most of the houses and demand less structural considerations and cost. In ICS (Integral Collector and Storage) system, water first passes through a storage tank where it gets slightly heated before going into a conventional water heater and acts like an auxiliary water heater.

Climate

As a solar system depends on the sun as their source of power, the climate plays an important factor for installation. Direct circulation systems are well suited for tropical climates, but when there is no sun or where the climate remains on the colder side throughout the year, going for an active solar system is a much more reliable option.