Monday, November 07, 2005
The Sun Makes Sense: Benefits of a Solar Water Heater
Homeowners are constantly on the look-out for money-saving, energy efficient appliances that are alternatives to electricity and natural gas. One fairly simple solution is to make use of solar power. There are a variety of solar-powered water heaters that will make a real difference on the bottom line of your living expenses.
The Basics.Solar water heaters have three basic parts. The collector is mounted on the roof and pumps the sun's energy into some form of liquid. The storage unit can be mounted on the roof or the ground and will keep water ready for use. The transfer is how the sun's energy heats the drinkable water. Since the sun doesn't shine all of the time, you need a backup conventional water heater available.
Collection. The main considerations when choosing a collection device on a solar water heater are the weight of the unit as well as its resistance to freezing. A collector with a storage tank will require special roof reinforcement in order to compensate for the weight. And a collector that has a low resistance to freezing might pose a problem in lower climates.
Storage. The most typical mode of storage for a solar water heater is a separate tank. In order to store enough water for your family, plan on one person using about 20-gallons of water per day. So you would need an 80-pound tank to have enough water for a family of 4.
Transfer. There are a couple of options to consider when choosing a transfer for your solar water heater. Systems that will operate in warmer climates can have a standard two-line transfer that heats the water directly. For colder climates, special solar water heaters have an anti-freeze transfer system.
The Basics.Solar water heaters have three basic parts. The collector is mounted on the roof and pumps the sun's energy into some form of liquid. The storage unit can be mounted on the roof or the ground and will keep water ready for use. The transfer is how the sun's energy heats the drinkable water. Since the sun doesn't shine all of the time, you need a backup conventional water heater available.
Collection. The main considerations when choosing a collection device on a solar water heater are the weight of the unit as well as its resistance to freezing. A collector with a storage tank will require special roof reinforcement in order to compensate for the weight. And a collector that has a low resistance to freezing might pose a problem in lower climates.
Storage. The most typical mode of storage for a solar water heater is a separate tank. In order to store enough water for your family, plan on one person using about 20-gallons of water per day. So you would need an 80-pound tank to have enough water for a family of 4.
Transfer. There are a couple of options to consider when choosing a transfer for your solar water heater. Systems that will operate in warmer climates can have a standard two-line transfer that heats the water directly. For colder climates, special solar water heaters have an anti-freeze transfer system.
