A solar powered water heating system can be a great addition to a home, especially for someone initially considering adopting solar power. It provides a relatively easy starting point which is long lasting and manageable from a maintenance standpoint. Although there are a number or factors that one should consider before installing a solar powered water heating system, one should understand the basic solar power components and the different options that are available to the consumer. Some of these solar components will need to be matched with the climate of the consumer's location, since factors like sunlight allocation and freezing can have a big impact on the performance of the solar collector.
The solar powered water heating system consists of two basic components. The storage unit stores the water either alone or with a backup conventional hot water heater. The other unit, the solar collector, draws its power from the conversion of sunlight into electricity, the power from which in turn is converted into heat energy that heats the water. Depending on the system that the individual has in place, the solar heating system can be a relatively simple addition to an existing water heating system, or it can be a new standalone unit. Either system can be made to use an on demand delivery, which can in turn make the already efficient solar system even more efficient.
There are essentially three types of solar collectors that are used for residential applications. They vary somewhat, but there essential difference is their function in relation to freezing conditions. A flat plate collector is a solar collector that consists of an insulated, weather proofed box that contains a dark absorbent plate under one or more glass or polymer covers. These kind of solar collectors are typically glazed. This kind of solar collector is made to be installed outside the home, and consideration should be made for freezing conditions. Freezing conditions can damage the components and make the system less effective at generating heat. An unglazed flat plate collector can also be used, and is better suited for very warm climates.
Batch systems are the second kind of solar collectors used for solar water heating systems. They feature one or more black tanks that are contained in an insulated, glazed box. Also called integral collector storage systems, these systems allow cold water to pass through the solar collector where it is preheated. The heated water then continues to a conventional water heater. These kinds of systems are best used in mid freeze climates since the pipes can freeze and become damaged.
Evacuated tube solar collectors are the third kind of solar collectors. They contain parallel rows of transparent glass tubes, and each tube contains a glass outer tube and metal absorbing tube that is attached to a glazed fin. The fin's coating absorbs solar energy but helps to inhibit radiative heat loss. These kind of systems are used more frequently. Adopting solar power can be a big transformation for the home. If the consumer considers their options carefully, there are plenty of systems to fit their needs.
Sisily West writes for http://www.exclusiv-home.de/#solaranlagen where you can read more about solar collectors.
