Solar Hot Water- Basic Tips on Which Solar Hot Water System to Use Where
When looking to cut your energy costs at home, it is surprising the number of ways it can be achieved. Simple energy efficiency and changes to your usage habits goes a long way. However, as heating water accounts for a big part of our bills, it pays to look at options. Solar energy offers a great solution to most people as its essentially "free" for use. For some, the answer is solar panel electricity [http://www.solardiytips.com] using Photovoltaic panels (PV) systems, while for others its Solar Hot Water. The choice of DIY over commercial systems is again one of cost of installation and your skills.
Solar hot water will "harvest" more energy than PV systems as they are more efficient in extracting the heat energy from the sun, the downside is - no electrical power. However, if you are happy to use the "grid" but modify your usage, that's fine. When you check the cost of a solar hot water system, especially a DIY project, the benefits are more obvious as they pay back faster. A well designed solar hot water system(SHW) is typically able to provide either all or up to 70% of your home hot water needs. While it depends on your geographic location as to what type you install, they work extremely well even in snowy climates. When you calculate the savings on energy bills to provide hot water, you can really make a huge difference to your running costs.
Solar Hot water systems fall into 5 main types of operation and where they are best used. The technology has been well tested over many years. There are two main types, "Open", where the water that is heated is used, and "Closed" where there is a heat transfer liquid which in turn heats a water storage unit.
Either way, the systems are very efficient, and the choice of which to use may depend somewhat on your particular requirements and where you live. Consideration must be given to whether your location is affected by freezing conditions. However, they are reliable, long lasting and usually require little maintenance. While some use active or mechanical parts for pumps and valves, others are totally passive and rely on heat transfer and thermal circulation to operate.
Solar hot water will "harvest" more energy than PV systems as they are more efficient in extracting the heat energy from the sun, the downside is - no electrical power. However, if you are happy to use the "grid" but modify your usage, that's fine. When you check the cost of a solar hot water system, especially a DIY project, the benefits are more obvious as they pay back faster. A well designed solar hot water system(SHW) is typically able to provide either all or up to 70% of your home hot water needs. While it depends on your geographic location as to what type you install, they work extremely well even in snowy climates. When you calculate the savings on energy bills to provide hot water, you can really make a huge difference to your running costs.
Solar Hot water systems fall into 5 main types of operation and where they are best used. The technology has been well tested over many years. There are two main types, "Open", where the water that is heated is used, and "Closed" where there is a heat transfer liquid which in turn heats a water storage unit.
- Batch (Good choice for homes in moderate climates with low chances of freezing )
- Thermosyphon (Used in nonfreezing climates only)
- Open-loop direct (For hot climates where freezing never occurs)
- Pressurized glycol (The only choice in very cold climates)
- Closed-loop drainback (Very reliable in all areas, pump & antifreeze considerations)
Either way, the systems are very efficient, and the choice of which to use may depend somewhat on your particular requirements and where you live. Consideration must be given to whether your location is affected by freezing conditions. However, they are reliable, long lasting and usually require little maintenance. While some use active or mechanical parts for pumps and valves, others are totally passive and rely on heat transfer and thermal circulation to operate.
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