Solar Hot Water

Solar Hot Water

Solar hot water heaters collect heat from sunshine for heating water. A properly sized system will meet the domestic hot water needs of the average household for the summer season and most of autumn and spring. Because there are less daylight hours during winter, the system can produce about half of the hot water needed by the household. The total system is designed to integrate with a pre-existing oil, gas or electric hot water system.

A solar hot water heater replaces expensive fossil fuel consumption with solar energy. Given the current costs of oil and natural gas most households will enjoy a return on the initial investment within 5 to 8 years. Following that period, enjoy free hot water.

Major components of solar hot water systems

Thermal collector

• Flat plate(s) or
• Rack(s) of evacuated tubes

Pump controller containing

• Solar loop circulator
• Storage tank circulator
• Heat exchanger

Highly insulated storage tank

Common uses

• Domestic hot water
• Space heating (usually radiant floor heating)
• Heat pool to extend swimming season
• Process heat (industrial use)