Solar Water Heater

It took a while but America is finally realizing that the world supply of fossil fuels is over half gone. And with China drinking oil like a drought-parched elephant home heating is on its way to becoming the biggest household expense. So with the governments finally realizing the inevitable new techniques like solar and wind power are finally getting attention.

Start Small

However, when you look online and in magazines the cost of solar panels, batteries, power converters and other accessories that have no comprehension in layman terms the wind suddenly goes out of your sails – or windmill. Then, when you factor in labor, you find that you could install three gas furnaces for the price of an alternative power system.

The good news is twofold: First, the price of the systems and experienced labor is coming down; and, second, you don’t have to do a lot or spend a lot to save money while still operating your present system. You can start small but by heating your water.

Providing your hot water needs is one of the best advantages of solar energy, servicing heated water for showers, dishwashers and clothes washers.

Three Main Functions

1. Solar panels to heat the water.
2. An electric (photovoltaic) module to power the pump needed to circulate the heat transfer fluid through the collectors. This system allows the solar water heater to operate even during a power outage.
3. Storage tank

Solar water heaters can also be used in other applications, for example, car washes, hotels and motels, restaurants, swimming pools, and laundry mats.

How It Works

• Sun activates photovoltaic cells which provide power for the pump.
• Sun heats glycol on solar panel (Glycol is car radiator fluid).
• Heated glycol is pumped to a storage tank.
• Heated glycol brings up the temperature of cold water from source.
• Heated water enters water tank.
• If necessary, water tank element brings up the temperature.
• Hot water enters the home system and can be sent directly to showers, dishwashers, clothes washers and hot water taps.
• Glycol is pumped back to solar panel for reheating.

The hot water tank tops up the heating, if necessary. On sunny days, even in the winter, this may not be the case.

The cost?

In most households the solar water heater can provide up to 65% of the water heating requirements.For a typical family of four the requirements would be two solar panels (6 square meters), 270 liters of solar water storage and a photovoltaic module to drive the glycol pump. The costs start at around $775 depending on your needs and warranties vary but can go as high as 25 years for solar panels.

Grid-Tie Solar Electricity

For a great solar energy article see Solar Electrics.