Solar Water Heating For Homes

In terms of economic pay-off and manageability, solar water heating systems are probably the most reliable and possibly the simplest to maintain.  It is also possible to provide an 85% of energy output when using this type of conversion for domestic water heating depending on the climate.  The average residential home’s maintenance costs are significantly reduced to two-thirds of its average upkeep as it cuts down electricity or fossil-fuel usage.

There happens to be many types of solar water heating systems available on the market these days.  However, five basic types of systems will be categorized for quick comprehension and convenience for the reader.

Batch Heaters

Solar batch heaters are the simplest form of solar water heating systems.  It has been in use in the US for over a hundred years.  It is also referred to as the Integrated Collector and Storage (ICS). The ICS is a storage tank and a collector combined to make one device.  To put it in simple terms, it’s a tank of water in a glass.  The tank is aimed at the sky where in the water is baked under the sun during the daytime.  A system of pipes is used when draining the hot water, and refilling the tank.

Thermosyphon Systems

Thermosyphon is the most popular form of solar water heating that is used all over the world, since it replaces a conventional water pump, and simplifies the heat and liquid transfer.  Easily recognizable, as the water tank is placed directly above the solar collector, it is effective in reducing costs compared to that of normal water pumps.

Open-loop Direct Systems

The open-loop direct system is used in climates where absolutely no freezing occurs such as tropical areas.  Preferably, one solar collector (attached to normal water pipes) and two tanks are used.  One tank is for simple storage of preheated water accumulated from the solar collectors, and the other for back-up heating.

Pressurized Glycol Systems

Opposite to that of the open-loop system, the pressurized glycol system is an alternative that is very useful in colder climates.  Potable water never reaches the solar collectors but rather straight into the tank.  The collector is filled with a commixture of propylene glycol and water that acts as an antifreeze agent.  A coil of pipe runs directly from the collectors and through to the tank.  Contact with the pipe allows the potable water to be heated.  A secondary tank is also used as a back-up for water heating, preferably.

Closed-loop Drainback Systems

The closed-loop drainback system only requires low maintenance service.  It can function for a whole decade without a lot of routine upkeep, and work smoothly in varying climates.  The heat transfer fluid that is required is merely distilled water (though, one has to seldom replace the water).  The distilled water is stored in a small storage tank, called the drainback reservoir, apart from a larger tank used to fill the normal potable water.  It is then pumped in a cycle that travels to the heat exchanger (contained inside the larger storage tank), through to the solar collectors and back again.  The cycling allows for the potable water to be heated effectively.

With the threats of global warming and the danger of using up all the fuel, a new reality sets in as the world realizes that it may have to turn to the sun for help, and ultimately, a new look on life.

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