(Guest Post by Solar Gaines LLC)
Solar may be getting more and more affordable, but for many people, it may be easier to start with a smaller investment and work your way up. One great way to do this – and to lower your electric bill – is to use solar as a source of energy for your water heater rather than electric or gas. Solar hot water heaters include two main components: a solar panel which collects energy from the sun, and the tank itself, which stores the water being heated.
As with whole-home solar panel systems, many people think solar hot water heaters can only be used if you live in a hot, sunny climate. Thankfully for people outside of these regions, that’s just a misconception, and you can reap the benefits of solar power nearly anywhere in the world. In fact, Germany – which is not exactly known for a tropical climate – is one of the leading users of solar power. So, how do you choose the right one for your family, your home, and your climate?
First, look at the types of systems available. The method of heating water can be either direct or indirect circulation. Direct systems are best for regions that rarely experience a freeze, since they are, as the name implies, directly heated by the energy collected by the panel. Indirect circulation systems are better for regions that regularly experience freezing weather, since the energy from the panel is conveyed to the water by a heat-transfer fluid, which can have anti-freeze properties.
Another important aspect to consider is whether the solar hot water heater functions actively or passively. The difference is that a passive system does not include a pump and relies on the natural tendency of heated water to move upward (convection), while an active one uses a pump to circulate water or whatever heat-transfer liquid is being used. A passive system requires much less maintenance and comes at a lower cost, but it may not be as suitable for those living in very cold or very warm climates, since it provides little protection from overheating or freezing. Passive solar tanks must also be placed higher than the collector (solar panel) since the heat has to travel up to circulate the fluid.
Active systems, on the other hand, are more expensive but are also more flexible in their use. This setup includes a pump to move the water or heat-transfer fluid, and it can be either an electric pump powered by your home electric system, or a bubble pump, which is powered by solar. The tank can be placed lower than the collector and even hidden. Active systems are also more efficient, provide protection from overheating, and give the user more control. In fact, some active systems include a control pad which displays temperature and allows the user to set and monitor other features.
For those living in colder climates who want a direct and/or passive system, solar water heaters can also be hooked up to an auxiliary energy source to ensure it doesn’t fall below a certain temperature. Gas or electric home central heating systems serve as one possibility, but heat from a wood stove chimney can also provide enough power to keep the water hot well into winter.
Ready to start looking at systems? Check out a solar company in your area. They can help you figure out what size and type of solar water heater is best for your needs, and install it for you once you’ve made your decision.
Solar Gaines LLC, is a full service Solar PV Installer serving the Baltimore and Washington D.C. Metro areas.
(Image Credit: http://dnr.mo.gov/energy/renewables/solar6.htm)