Solar Hot Water System How It Works

Solar hot water systems used for providing hot water can be classified in various ways.

Solar hot water system how it works.

When the sun shines collectors on the roof convert the energy in solar radiation to heat the water. As this cycle repeats the water in the tank will get hotter and hotter until it reaches the system s design temperature. Solar water heaters are typically described according to the type of collector and the circulation system. How it works solar water heaters.

Solar water heaters come in a wide variety of designs all including a collector and storage tank and all using the sun s thermal energy to heat water. Similar to the heat pump s method of capturing naturally occurring energy solar water heating systems do this by circulating a heat transfer liquid between the solar collectors on your roof and the twin coil hot water cylinder inside your home. The water is pumped to the bottom of the storage tank. A solar water heater is typically used in conjunction with a traditional heater since weather affects solar hot water production.

Don t forget to check out our great range of solar hot water systems and rebate information. Solar hot water works because it is both simple and durable in design. Hot water rises so the heated water moves to the top of the tank. The heated water returns to the tank and is stored for later use.

If you have a question about solar hot water not covered below try our faq or please feel free to contact our friendly team. A typical solar hot water panel uses a flat plate collector like this. Or you can complete a brief form for a free no obligation solar hot water quote in the mean time read on to see how solar hot water works. System type direct and indirect open and closed loop passive and active.

They ll be glad to assist you. The parts of a solar thermal hot water system. The traditional heater supplements the solar heater. As the hot water comes in it pushes colder water to the bottom of the tank because hot water rises so cold water must drop where its only option is to go back into the solar panel to get hotter.

Solar water heating systems work by capturing sunlight and using it to provide a significant proportion of your annual hot water demands. Solar hot water systems either heat the water to be used direct or heat a working fluid and transfer the heat via a heat exchanger to the water indirect. These are the main parts. Water from the tank is circulated via a small pump through the roof mounted collectors and is heated.

How solar hot water works on your home. Photo by alan ford courtesy of us department of energy national renewable energy laboratory doe nrel.