| A solar water heater is designed to save a | | | | - Active Indirect System - this type of system |
| homeowner up to 70% on fuel costs she or he is | | | | uses fluid to circulate through the collectors. The |
| currently paying out to heat the water needed | | | | fluid captures the heat from the sun and in turn |
| for the household. That's a pretty impressive | | | | heats the water. Colder climates, especially ones |
| number considering that the return on the | | | | that experience freezing temperatures on a |
| investment you make into a water heater can | | | | regular basis, require this type of solar water |
| usually be recouped in a few years. | | | | heating system. |
| The concept of a water heater that utilizes the | | | | - Passive ICS System - the ICS stands for |
| power of the sun is simple. The water heater is | | | | integral collector-storage, which is a solar water |
| connected to an array of photovoltaic solar panels | | | | heating system in which the storage tank |
| that are installed on the roof of the house. The | | | | functions as the collector for the water. The tank |
| number of solar panels you will need depends on | | | | is typically painted black to absorb the sun's rays. |
| the size of your home and the amount of hot | | | | The sun directly heats the water. Then, the |
| water you require on a daily basis. | | | | heated water is pushed into the home via water |
| The system required to operate a solar water | | | | pressure from a well or city water system. |
| heater includes a solar thermal collector, a water | | | | - Passive Thermosyphon System - the storage |
| storage tank, pipes that interconnect with one | | | | tank for this type of solar water heater is |
| another and a fluid system that will function to | | | | mounted on the roof of the home, above the |
| move the heat in the solar collector into the | | | | collector. Once the sun heats the water, gravity |
| storage tank. Heated water can then be used for | | | | pushes the heated water through the tank and |
| swimming pools, space heating or cooling | | | | ultimately into the house. This type of system |
| purposes, or under floor heating in addition to | | | | isn't appropriate for all homes due to the |
| heating water for daily usage. | | | | roof-mounted design. |
| Types of Solar Water Heating Systems | | | | Tips for Choosing the Best One |
| There are a few differences between an active | | | | - Determine first which type of system is |
| and passive solar water heating system. An | | | | appropriate for your climate. |
| active heater requires electricity in order to | | | | - Decide how much sunlight is available in your |
| operate because it utilizes circulation pumps and | | | | geographic location so you understand whether or |
| controls to heat the water. Passive systems | | | | not it will be efficient for you to install one. |
| require no electricity whatsoever. | | | | - Figure out how much hot water is required for |
| Active systems can be used almost anywhere in | | | | your household, so you know which type of |
| the world, regardless of climate. Passive systems | | | | collector you need and the size of storage tank |
| work in warmer climates only. However, both | | | | you require. |
| types do collect the sun's energy in order to heat | | | | - Research the options available for your climate. |
| water. | | | | - Determine which one is the best fit for your |
| - Active Direct System - this type of heater | | | | home and your budget. |
| works well in climates that are warmer and rarely | | | | The initial investment may seem daunting, but the |
| experience freezing temperatures. A direct | | | | return on your investment will be well worth it |
| system will circulate water through collectors to | | | | within 3 to 7 years! |
| be heated. | | | | |