Solar Water Heating Systems: Your Energy-Saving Solution

June 11, 2020

One of the cleanest and most reliable renewable energy sources in the world is solar energy. It comes from the radiant light and heat from the sun and subsequently converted into thermal or electrical energy. Different technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, and others depend solely on the energy provided by solar energy.

To generate adequate heat, the concept of solar heating is applied to a specific number of products. Historically, solar heating can be likened to the principles of a sunroom, a room where solar energy is efficiently captured and stored. This specific room permits a huge amount of daylight to enter the room. It may even feature a passive solar building design that helps keep it warm and illuminated.

Advantages of Solar Heating

More and more households are now heading towards solar heating. Different types of solar heating panels or systems are now becoming popular due to the benefits that they bring to residential and even commercial buildings.

First, solar heating can significantly cut monthly energy and heating expenses by a tremendous percentage. And since solar heating relies primarily on the power of the sun, you can certainly gain your desired energy, heat, and light without any additional expenses. Additionally, solar heating can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions since you do not have to consume energy from fossil fuels and natural gas. Lastly, solar heating can regulate the temperature of your property without any problems and difficulties.

Solar Water Heating Systems

Solar water heating is one of the few ways of generating heat from the sun. Solar water heating is done through a solar water heating system that has solar collectors which helps in absorbing solar radiation and converting it into heat. The heat energy from these collectors is then processed and transferred to either a non-toxic glycol antifreeze or water. Subsequently, the warm fluid passes through a heat exchanger or a water storage tank.

To date, there are three types of liquid-based solar water heating systems.

  1. Radiant Floor Systems: The heated liquid from this type of system moves through several pipes that are attached to a thin concrete floor. The same liquid will then radiate heat into your living quarters. Floors that are filled with tiles can hugely benefit from this system. Alternatively, floors that have thick carpeting or mats may expect poor performance from this system.
  2. Hot-water Baseboards: Hot-water baseboards are usually comprised of copper pipes that pump hot water and consequently transfer the heat from the water to the room. This type of solar water heating system is typically installed at the baseboard or a point close to the ground. The location of this system helps in the even distribution of the heat within your home space.  
  3. Central Forced-air Systems: The addition of a heating coil or liquid-to-air heat exchanger in the air-return duct of a room allows the conversion of a liquid heating system into a forced-air heating system. Whenever the duct pulls the air from a room, the heat exchanger will then heat it with the help of the solar-heated liquid. Take note that the heating coil must have the right size to allow the transfer of heat to the room. This system works best for central heating in homes.

The processes behind solar heating and the varieties available for solar water heating systems can clearly help you save a tremendous amount of energy. To know more about solar water heating systems, then feel free to give us a call at Bexley Hot Water Repairs.

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