How To Heat Water With Solar Power Systems

[baqirkhatri]

Hot water is a necessity for carrying out many activities like bathing, washing dishes and laundry. Traditionally water is heated through electric or gas-powered systems. These methods are not only harmful to the environment but also account for costly electric bills. Even though gas-powered systems are cheaper than electric ones, they still contribute to harmful carbon emissions. One alternative method which not only lets you save on your bills but is as green as you can get is a solar power heater. It involves harnessing solar power to heat water. That is right, solar power systems can not only be used to produce electricity but heat water for day-to-day use as well. Solar power can help you in minimizing your energy use and it is perfectly safe for the environment. You cannot expect a solar water heater to deliver hot water every time, however. Since production of hot water through solar power can be affected by weather, a typical solar water heater can be used in conjunction with other heaters. This ensures that you have a continuous supply of hot water for the whole day. solar PV system

How can you heat up water with solar power?

First of all, you need to install a solar power system which can harness solar energy. For hot water production you will require a system of solar collectors connected with water containers. Solar collectors can create heat from sunlight and then use it to heat up the water. There are different methods of installing a solar water heater system. Each of them works well in certain conditions.

Active solar water heating systems

These are further classified into two sub-categories:

>> Direct circulation systems - water is circulated through collectors with the use of a pump. This system is efficient for places which have a warm climate.

>> Indirect circulation systems - this system is essentially used in places where climates are colder and can hit freezing temperatures. Here a non-freezing fluid is circulated through collectors. This fluid transfers heat to a heat exchanger which in turn heats the water.

Passive solar water heating systems

While these systems are less efficient than active ones, they are cheaper as well. These systems last longer and are more reliable. They are of two types as well.

Integral collector storage passive systems - in this system the collectors are positioned around a tank and water warms up steadily inside.

In a solar thermosiphon system the water tank and solar collector are two separate components. Water moves around on its own inside tubes. Warm water rises up while cold water comes down. Solar collectors are placed below the level of the tank.