With growing world population and escalating energy use worldwide many predictions have been made about the dire consequences of depleting non-renewable forms of energy. Not only do you have the environmental damage associated with the attractive fossil fuel industries but you also have the human cost as energy sources become increasingly scarce. There is an urgent need to find alternative ways for supplying our energy needs including water heating.
Solar water heaters have become very cost effective with the energy supplied for heating the water coming from the sun. The sun is a natural renewable source of energy that is available (albeit at different intensities) around the globe. Since solar energy is available worldwide solar heaters can be implemented in any location and climate.
Solar water heaters are used for both residential and commercial purposes. The major components of every system are the collectors and the tank. There are basically two kinds of solar water heating systems; active and passive systems. An active system includes a pump (or pumps) for circulating the fluids in the system as well as a control for determining when to turn the system on. A passive system uses natural circulation from heated water rising to move the fluid in these systems. Active systems fall into two main groups; direct systems where potable water is pumped from the storage tank through the panels and back to the storage tank, and indirect systems where a heat exchanger separates the solar loop from the potable water loop. Direct systems are appropriate where the weather doesnt get too cold and the water quality is good enough that the potable water would not erode the pipes in the solar panels. Direct systems cost less than indirect systems because they contain fewer components. Active systems are more efficient than passive systems.
Solar water heating systems need to have some for of back-up energy that would be used during periods of reduced solar availability. This back-up energy source insures that the system produces the desired quantity and temperature of heated water regardless of the weather conditions. The type of back-up heat source, size of system, and system design all play a part in determining the installed cost of a system.
A number of factors should be considered when it comes to installing a
solar water heater. The first consideration is the actual location of the solar panels. Since the solar panels require sun to generate heat it is important to place the panels in a location that receives a lot of sun during the day. Ideally the location for the panels would be installed in a location that doesnt receive shade between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. every day. This is typically on the roof although yard mount and wall mount systems are not uncommon. The second consideration is where the storage tank will be located. Since active systems require energy for pumps as well as any back-up heat source the storage is generally located with the buildings other mechanical equipment. The actual usage of hot water in the building will dictate aspects like storage size and collector array size. It is important that these aspects are figured out ahead of time. It is very important to get the help of a reputed and licensed company. The company that you work with should also provide labor as well as equipment warranties.
Every plan should be discussed with the installing contractor and the system should be tested in such a way that you are convinced that the system is in proper working order.
Solar water heating systems require proper care and maintenance. Regular visits of professionals are recommended to ensure that there is no problem with the heaters. Overall, solar water heating is the best option for taking advantage of renewable energy sources for your everyday energy needs.
