Do you want to reduce your energy consumption costs while also reducing the amount of harm you do to the planet? You can be spoilt of choices by solar water heating systems which may suit you the latter. Some of these systems harness heat energy derived from the sun to heat water, unlike conventional water heaters. In a bid to achieve this, this article will make an attempt to explain how SWHSs function, the advantages they present, and how you can integrate them into your home.
What is a Solar Water Heating System?
Solar water heating system is a method used to warm water with the help of solar energy. These are mostly made of solar collectors, a storage tank, a pump and a controller. It can be integrated with your current water heater, or function as the water heater itself depending on your requirements and the local climate.
How Solar Water Heating Systems Works
Solar water heating systems operate using a simple process:
- Solar Collectors:
These are normally fixed on your roof. They capture light and heat and convert them into heat. There are two main types of collectors: These are the flat-plate collectors and the evacuated tube collectors. They are used interchangeably but they vary by the level of effectiveness and expense.
- Heat Transfer Fluid:
Within the collectors, one transfers heat, typically with water or with a solution of water and antifreeze, to a storage tank. This heated fluid is then circulated throughout the system.
- Heat Exchanger:
The hot liquid passes over a coolant, by which after it loses heat, it flows into the water stored in the tank.
- Storage Tank:
The hot water is also held in a storage tank so that it is readily available for use since it is most of the time kept hot to minimize wastage of energy. It also must have a second heating component so that the hot water is always available even during the days with little sunshine.
- Controller and Pump:
Pump and controller are also required to circulate the heat transfer fluid through the heat transfer system. The controller keeps track of the temperature and turns on the pump in the case where heating is necessary.
Benefits of Solar Water Heating Systems
Switching to a solar water heating system offers several advantages:
- Energy Savings:
Those are according to the prospects of utilizing solar energy which is said to be free. When you use it to heat your water, you are likely to discover that the amount of money that you pay for energy is greatly reduced. Independent of the locality and size of the system either solar-assisted water heating can reduce the current cost of heating water by 50% to 80%.
- Environmental Impact:
Solar energy is an easily accessible, cost-effective, clean, and renewable source of energy. The expectations for a solar water heater also include lower carbon emissions and therefore introducing a solar water heater means a contribution towards lowering the carbon footprint on the planet.
- Increased Home Value:
Having a solar water heating system in your home adds its value. Prospective customers tend to look at solar energy systems as added features since more outlets are charging high tariffs for energy.
- Low Maintenance:
After the installation solar water heating systems are user-friendly and also they need very little maintenance. A solar collector is very easy to maintain because it only requires annual or semi-annual checks on the system and the collectors do not require frequent washing.
Types of Solar Water Heating Systems
There are two main types of solar water heating systems:
- Active Systems:
These systems use pumps as well as controls for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid. They are and are capable of working well under varied environmental conditions as compared to human beings. But they are more complicated and normally more costly to install than the normal wiring system.
- Passive Systems:
Passive systems do not use pumps: there is natural circulation within the system. These are easier to install and less costly than other types but have low efficiency and are suitable for warm climate zones.
How to Install a Solar Water Heating System?
Solar water heating is a project that entails a complicated process. We’ve mentioned that you can also install solar panels on your own, but a professional installation is advised. Here’s a general overview of the installation process:
1. Site Assessment
To make an informed decision before installing, evaluate the compatibility of your home with a solar water heating system. Consider the following:
- Sunlight Exposure: Ideally, your roof should get sunlight through the day because that is where you get your power from. South-facing roofs are ideal.
- Roof Condition: Make sure that your existing roof, where you plan mount the solar collectors, is in good condition and strong enough to bear the load.
- Plumbing: See if the present plumbing of your house can be used in the solar water heating system you want to install.
2. Choosing the Right System
From your analysis of the site and the needs of the households select the type and size of this system that will be required. A professional can also advise you between an active and passive system and what type of solar collectors, as well as how many storage tanks should be used.
3. Installation of Solar Collectors
If you are giving the solar collectors a ‘home’ then place them on your roof preferably in the south direction. The collectors should be placed at an angle to your latitude so as to get the best out of the system.
4. Connecting the System
Once the collectors are in place pipe them to the heat transfer fluid loop. Screw the heat exchanger and provide it with a connection to the storage tank. If you are employing an active system, you should also fit the controller and the pump.
5. Testing the System
Run the system to check whether all components are running properly after installation. Inspect for water leaks, make sure that the pump is running in an effective way and ensure that the water is heated to the correct temperature.
Conclusion
Solar water heating systems are one of the best long-term investments that a homeowner can make. These products will save precious energy, they are environmentally friendly, and they also help to add value to your house. You must be wondering how this installation is going to be achieved, but the advantages of this installation process outweigh the challenges and the costs that are involved in the installation process. For persons who are still in a position of planning to switch to solar power, there is no better time than the present for them to start enjoying solar energy.
