People use solar water heaters for bathing, boiling, and for everyday routine work. Do you know how much energy is used in generating this amount of water?
The US Department of Energy states that almost 18 % of home energy is used in water heaters. This non-renewable source of energy uses fossil fuels like gas and oil for commercial and residential purposes. Modern domestic boilers run on gas, water is heated through electricity which is the most expensive method of heating. By switching to a solar water heating system you can reduce the energy use and cut the costs as well. Such systems take energy from the sun to heat and store water which in turn saves money. Isn’t it exciting! So, before you find and approach the best solar companies in India know the types and benefits of a Solar water heater.
Understanding the work and concept of solar water heater
A high-efficiency appliance that utilities sun to heat water. The panels inside use solar energy with the help of a water-based fluid that carries the sun’s heat down to your hot water tank. Without mixing the fluids the system transfers the sun’s heat into your hot water tank and the water is supplied to you with the help of a heat exchanger.
Types of Solar heating systems
There are two types of solar heating systems which are as follows
- Active systems
The active system has sub-types, which are;
- Direct circulation systems and
- Indirect circulation systems.
Direct circulation systems pump and deliver water with the help of collectors. The system has automatic controllers when the sunlight is available. On the other hand. Indirect circulation systems pump water through a heat-transfer liquid. It is then supplied to your houses through a collector and heat exchanger.
- Passive systems
Just like active systems the passive systems have subtypes too; An integral collector-storage passive system and a Thermosyphon system. An integral collector storage passive system consists of the storage tank, the solar collection unit, and pipes that pump cold water into the collector and supply hot water during the day, unfortunately, it does not support when the temperature is cold outside. While in a thermosyphon system warm water rises into the storage tank and cold water sinks.
Benefits of solar heating system
The solar heating system is beneficial in socio-economical, financial, and environmental ways.
- Zero-cost
The solar panel accumulates energy from the sun which means it is renewable, free, and available all day. This does not ask you to pay even a single penny to the power grid for using electricity. It fulfills 80 percent of your hot water needs even in temperate climates.
- Highly-efficient
Solar panels convert almost 80% of radiation into heat energy without using any external fuels that makes it highly efficient.
- Low maintenance
A manufacturer guarantees that a solar water heater will run smoothly for almost 20-25 years. You need not get into the hassle of maintenance as there will be no tear and break which would need repairing. It only demands simple cleaning.
- Protects water quality
The use of fossil fuel for water supply includes carbon, particulates, and toxic chemicals that threaten rivers, streams, lakes, and other water bodies which reach your taps and are harmful to your health. Solar water heating can put a stop to this contamination and watersheds and heat your water naturally.
- Less space and choice of size
Solar thermal panels require less space and offer enough storage to meet your hot water needs. If your family is small then a 50-60 gallon storage tank will do the job, but if your family has more than 5 people then an 80-gallon tank is suitable.
Other environmental benefits
- It reduces greenhouse gas emissions
- It is effective even at low temperatures
- It lowers your carbon footprint
- It is a natural source, free, renewable, and unlimited.
- It cuts down massive electricity bills
These are the varied ways in which a solar power heater is beneficial. The sooner you adopt the sooner you will get its benefits.