Types of solar hot water heaters
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Choosing a style of solar hot water heater can be quite tricky, and it's a great idea to get a solar professional to work through your options. However, here's an explanation about the various types of solar hot water systems, summarised for you here and more detailed information and pictures in the links.
This article was written by using information from Sustainability Victoria's Solar Hot Water Factsheet.
Close-coupled thermosiphon (mains pressure)
Most common system, solar collectors and horizontally-mounted storage tank that are roof-mounted. No pump needed.
Remote thermosyphon system (constant [low] pressure)
Solar collectors on roof but tank in roof space (300 mm above). Supplies water by constant not mains pressure.
Forced circulation system (mains pressure pumped)
Collectors on roof, tank at ground level, so also needs a pump. Used when roof isn't strong enough for a tank.
Preheaters
Added to existing water heaters to warm water to be used by a conventional heater.
Retrofits
You can use an existing electric hot water heater as the tank, but not gas unless there is enough volume in the tank.
Continuous flow gas-boosted systems
Instant hot water (gas) systems connected to a solar pre-heater minimises the amount of gas used to heat water. More...
Heat Pumps
Not really solar hot water systems, absorb energy from atmosphere to heat water.
General types
Closed loop vs Open loop systems
A system can either be closed or open depending on whether the water that's circulated through the collectors is used in the household or used to heat water in the tank indirectly. Read more...
Active vs Passive systems
Active systems use a pump to circulate water through the system, and passive systems rely on thermosyphon principles to circulate water. Read more...
Other articles you might find useful
What are solar hot water systems?
How to get the most value out of your solar hot water system
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Solar hot water heaters are environmental friendly. Though the initial cost of installing solar systems are high but if you are living in the sustainable area where sunshine is enough,at there prices are going down. In united States more than 1.5 million homes and businesses have invested in solar hot water heater and surveys indicate that 94% of them are satisfied with this investment.
over a year ago by polysun
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