Nowadays, more and more households are considering the use of renewable energy as a way to reduce energy costs and minimize their carbon footprint. One popular choice is the use of solar hot water systems. Solar hot water systems are efficient and reliable and can save you significant money on energy bills annually. However, before you decide to install one for your home, it is important to understand how it works and its components. In this blog post, we will deeply dive into the components of solar hot water systems, how they function, and their significance to the overall system. With this knowledge, you will be better equipped to discuss your options with a solar hot water installer and make an informed decision for your home.
Solar Collector
The solar collector is the first component of a solar hot water system. It is tasked to capture sunlight and convert it into thermal energy to heat the water. The most common solar collector types are flat plate and evacuated tube collectors. The flat plate collector comprises a box with a transparent cover that houses solar absorbers. In contrast, evacuated tube collectors consist of glass tubes that have outer and inner tubes, and the space between them is a vacuum. When choosing a solar collector type for your solar hot water heaters Hawaii, consider the climate in your area, space availability, and efficiency.
Storage Tank
The storage tank is where the heated water is stored and ready for use in your household. The storage tank’s size depends on the house’s expected hot water usage. You may need a bigger tank if you have a big family. Typically, the storage tank is well-insulated to help retain heat and guarantee the availability of hot water for your household needs.
Circulating Pump
The circulating pump moves the water from the solar collector to the storage tank. Some solar hot water systems have two pumps – a solar pump that moves water from the solar collector to the storage tank and another one – a backup pump – that pumps cold water to preheat it for use if there is not enough solar energy available to heat the water.
Controller
A temperature controller is an electronic device that regulates and monitors the water’s temperature in the solar collector and the storage tank and controls the pump’s operation. The controller ensures that the system provides enough hot water when needed, maximizes solar efficiency, and minimizes any standby heat loss – losing heat due to the difference in the air temperature and the water in the storage tank.
Backup Heating Element
A backup heating element is an option for days when no sunlight is available to heat the water. Suppose the solar hot water system is designed and installed appropriately and your household uses hot water efficiently; a backup heating element may only be required occasionally.
In conclusion, solar hot water systems are an excellent way to save money on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. The components vary in size and design depending on your household needs and the climate in your area. Understanding the functions of each component – solar collector, storage tank, circulating pump, controller, and backup heating element- is crucial in making the right decision when installing your solar hot water system. If you are considering installing a solar hot water system for your home, consult a solar hot water installer to discuss your options.