Solar Water Heating

Solar water heating

It’s undeniable that the demand of the amount hot water during winter season increase significantly. And we all are aware that the global warming process more and more worried day by day. Solar water heating systems are going to popular because of their green & friendly technology. They use the sunlight as source power (unlimited resource) without having worry anymore about the unfriendly byproducts such as CO2 emissions (like when we use gas and oil heaters). Theoretically when we use solar water heater, we can contribute to reduce Carbon Dioxide up to 400 kilogram and get 60 percent more efficient performance.

The installation of solar water heaters is complicated, particularly for a beginner. Other hand we realize well that the properly or improperly installation will influence significantly to the performance of the unit and even for the maintenance cost. Therefore by hiring and pay heating contractor is not bad idea to ensure the properly finished of the installation. The installation cost usually depends on the large size power capacity of the unit and the mechanism system type that you desire. Their variety sizes power capacity to heat the water make them can be arranged (or modified) to several functions of appliances such as; not only as hot water heater for home use but also superior for larger appliances like swimming heaters.

There are several components to construct solar water heating system but basically there are three major parts that are; water cylinder (some don’t need it), the heat transfer system (has function to transfer heat into water) and surely the solar panels (the basic and primer component). Solar panels have the main function to collect the amount sun energy then finally convert to the heat energy. Almost of solar panels usually is still use semiconductor principle. They are consisted in two types that are evacuated tube panel systems and flat panels.

Solar water heating systems are currently available in a wide several types, but overall they are consisted three major basic types that are; thermo siphon, active types, and passive types. Each type has the different advantages and drawbacks. Passive models require simpler installation and more affordable but unfortunately not too satisfied in their efficiency performance. Other hand active types usually require and need more complicated installation mechanism and more extra maintenance but promise more powerful and efficient performance! These active models are available in three types that are drain back systems, closed antifreeze, and drain down mechanisms. Then about the thermo siphon system types, usually will use big water storage tank that usually is already insulated and sealed to prevent the heat loss!

One of the big downsides when using solar water heating system is about the enough sun energy especially during the long winter season that usually the daylight is shorter than the time of night! Therefore you still need other water heater unit that can be used when your solar water heater cannot work optimally and powerfully. The other drawback is about the high cost for the installation which range start from $2,000 up to more than $5,000! But overall, although you must pay for the high cost installation but you can save your money in the long term (free of the energy bill) and you can contribute to reduce the global warming effect!

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