Solar Boilers
Residential hot water is a significant energy consumer for most households.
In fact, hot water is sometimes the largest single energy cost. Using solar
energy to provide at least some of the hot water in your household can result in
significant savings.
There are several ways that solar energy can be integrated into a hot water
system. Although solar boilers can be used on their own, they are most often
used in conjunction with traditional water heaters which are powered by gas or
electricity. In this kind of system, the water heated with solar energy can be
used on its own (if it is hot enough) or as preheated water for the traditional
water heater.
Solar boilers can be used in any type of climate but are most practical in areas
which don't have freezing weather during the wintertime. Solar hot water systems
in colder climates can use indirect heating systems which do not expose the
water to the freezing temperatures. Instead, a fluid that resists freezing
circulates through the solar panels and is used to heat the water. Southern
climates can use direct heating systems where the water itself passes through
the solar panels installed on the roof.
There are two basic types of solar hot water systems -- active and passive.
Passive systems rely on gravity and the natural flow of water from hot to cold.
They are simple systems and require very little maintenance. They are durable
and long-lasting.
Active systems make use of pumps to circulate the water. In some systems, the
pumps can be powered with solar energy; otherwise they must be connected to the
household electrical supply. In both systems a storage tank is needed to hold
the heated water.
On hot days with plenty of direct sunlight solar systems can heat water with
surprising efficiency. During this kind of weather, there may be no need to use
electricity or gas as a backup. When the weather is colder, the solar heaters
can preheat the water which passes into the traditional water heater. This
preheated water requires much less energy to bring to proper temperatures which
can result in significant savings on your energy bills.
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