More and more people around the world are switching to solar water heaters. These are simple to install and should run for years in a zero-maintenance environment, if configured correctly. We discuss two types of technology on the market, before sharing the subjective pleasures of owning one.
Two Common Types of Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters warm water circulating through their collector, sometimes from the main water tank in the attic. They continue operating on lightly to moderately cloudy days, although they are faster with clear skies above.
Direct solar heating warms the water as it passes through the rooftop system. However, this water could freeze in the collector, if the system is inactive in heavy winter weather. Indirect systems in North America and Canada therefore use heat exchangers instead. In this instance, the collector is a sealed system containing replaceable anti-freeze water. This transfers the heat to the main water tank through convection.
How Homeowners Using Solar Heaters are Pleasantly Surprised
Electric water heaters switch on when their temperature drops below a set level and triggers a thermostat. This should seldom happen in summer when the sun is high in the sky. New users should consider setting the thermostat lower, in order to save even more electricity, and also installing a timer.
The pleasure of having hot water that stays that way throughout summer is one of the many benefits solar water heaters may bring. Of course, we also recommend them for their savings on utility grid energy, because much this still comes from burning coal and natural gas.
These simple devices do more than just keep our electricity bills lower. They also help reduce the CO2 emissions from fossil power stations. The global electric water heater market will reach $29 billion by 2022 according to Radiant Insights. We must do what we can to counter this trend.
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Preview Image: Hot Water in a California Laundromat
