In this part of Full Plumbing Course, we will learn about Solar water heaters in Plumbing.

Solar Water Heaters

A solar water heater is a great way to provide hot water to your home without burning fossil fuels. A typical water heater uses electricity to store hot water and then release it at a set temperature. Instead of using electricity, these units use thermal energy stored by sunlight to convert it into usable heat. Solar heating systems can be installed indoors or out. Installing them indoors allows for lower operating costs and higher efficiency than those of solar panels.

1. Water Heater Efficiency

The efficiency of any device depends on how much energy is being produced by the device. The amount of usable energy produced per unit time is called thermal efficiency. In terms of solar heating systems, we want to maximize the number of units of usable energy produced each year. A water heater with a 90% efficiency would produce 9 times more usable energy than one with only 50%.

2. Thermal Storage

We can store the energy captured by the system using thermal storage. The larger the quantity of stored energy, the longer the payback period. To calculate the payback period, we take our total yearly energy production (usable kilowatt-hours) and divide it by the cost of electricity consumed by the system. If we do not use the thermal storage, we just add the monthly energy cost to the total costs. If we use 10 kilowatt hours of thermal storage, then we divide the estimated annual usage by 0.9(10). That’s the payback period (in years).

3. Solar Radiation Sensors

In order for us to know when to turn on the system, we need sunlight sensors. These devices measure the intensity of the sun radiation. They operate on a couple of principles including photovoltaic cells and thermopiles. The first method converts sunlight directly into electricity. Thermopiles work on a different principle. Instead of converting light directly, they convert heat into electricity. They are cheaper than PV cells. However, they are not nearly as effective as PV cells and require greater amounts of energy.

4. Solar Panel Size

There are two ways to determine the size of a solar panel. First, we can look at the area of the collector. The smaller the surface area of the collector, the less energy it produces over a given period of time. Second, we can look at how long it takes the solar panel to collect enough power to offset the average electrical consumption of a home. We can calculate the length of time by dividing the total energy output by the energy consumption rate. When comparing two panels, keep in mind that the bigger the panel, the higher its initial operating temperature. Also, the higher the operating temperature, the lower the lifetime of the panel.

5. Rooftop Mounting Location

If you have a small roof space, consider mounting near flat surfaces where you get direct exposure to the sun throughout the day. Do not mount close to trees or buildings, as these could block out more of the sun's rays.

6. Panels Orientation

Panels should face south for best efficiency. Sunlight heats up objects that are facing towards the sun, but does not affect those facing away. Thus, if possible, place the panels on the northern side of the house.

7. Roof Pitch

Roof pitch refers to the angle between the sloped roof and the horizon. On a sunny day when the sun is high in the sky, a slope of about 30 degrees is good. This allows the majority of sunlight to fall on your rooftop.

What is a solar hot water heater?

A solar hot water heater (also known as a solar pool heater) is a device used to provide heating for domestic hot water. Solar water heaters use the sun’s rays to warm water flowing through them. These devices are commonly installed in the ground near the home, although some models may be mounted above the ground.

Uses of solar hot water systems?

The uses of solar hot water systems vary widely. Many individuals choose solar water heaters over conventional methods due to their convenience, affordability, and environmental friendliness. If you live in a region where the weather is cold, solar hot water systems offer a way to keep your homes warm without using any fossil fuels.

Benefits of solar hot water heating systems?

There are several major benefits that make solar hot water heating systems attractive options for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint. First, these units do not emit harmful gases or particulates into the air. Second, they are inexpensive to install and maintain. Third, many types of solar hot water heaters don’t require ongoing maintenance, making them affordable even if you have a small budget. Fourth, solar hot water systems allow you to save money and lower your utility bills. And finally, they produce free and renewable energy!

Advantages of solar water heaters?

Solar water heaters are extremely versatile. They can be used to heat swimming pools, spas, saunas, bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, water towers, and basements. Because they work well in almost any climate, homeowners can enjoy warm showers no matter what time of year it is. In addition, solar water heaters are highly durable and reliable. They often last at least 15 years before needing repair or replacement. Additionally, many people find solar hot water heating systems aesthetically pleasing. They are generally unobtrusive and blend naturally into the landscape.

Disadvantages of solar hot water heating system?

While solar hot water systems are highly effective, energy production doesn’t always coincide with peak demand times. That means that, depending on the type of unit you purchase, you could experience a drop in temperature during certain times of day. You should also expect to pay for installation costs and monthly fees.

A solar water heater uses solar power to generate electricity that is stored in batteries or charged using photovoltaic cells. The stored energy provides enough electricity to turn a pump and circulate water through pipes to radiators where the heated water is distributed throughout a building. Solar water heaters are usually placed atop a roof to collect sunlight. A typical system heats 1-25 gallons (depending on size) per hour. Most systems have thermostats designed to activate heating only when temperatures fall below 72 degrees. Some units automatically shut off after they reach their maximum temperature setting. In general, however, you should allow the heat of the unit to warm the house before turning on any water taps. You may want to consider installing a tankless hot-water heater in place of a standard electric resistance boiler when you replace your existing water heater. Tankless hot-water heaters use less energy than traditional electric boilers, require no fuel or oil to operate, and provide instant hot water from a closed loop without having to wait for hot water to flow out of a storage tank.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that a home with a solar water heater could save about $20-$40 dollars each year on utility bills. In addition, you'll enjoy a quieter, lower-energy household environment. If you're interested in making a greener choice for your home, check out some of these top reasons to install a solar water heater.

a. Save money on your monthly utility bill. Installing a solar water heater can reduce or eliminate your need for electricity to run a conventional water heater. As a result, you could potentially reduce your monthly energy costs by at least 15%-35%.

b. Get free hot water. Unlike heat pumps, which require outside air to function properly, solar water heaters deliver hot water directly from the sun. So, even if you don't have much direct sunlight, your solar panels can still supply plenty of hot water.

c. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, a home with a solar PV array produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions than a conventional furnace.

d. Improve your home's comfort. When the weather gets cold outside, solar water heaters help keep your house comfortable. And, because they work independently of the grid, they won't fail during times of high demand, leaving your home vulnerable to blackout conditions.

e. Protect wildlife. Many people find that solar water heaters create safer environments for birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. You'll also benefit by reducing runoff pollution caused by storm drains and sewer systems.

f. Benefit local economies. Locally owned businesses often invest heavily in renewable energy technology. Because many manufacturers take advantage of federal tax incentives for clean energy, installing a solar water heater could help small business owners increase profits and expand employment opportunities in your community.

g. Help protect our planet. Using clean, green energy helps avoid the release of toxic chemicals into our atmosphere.

h. Make your home more eco-friendly. Not only does a solar water heater produce fewer emissions, it reduces the amount of toxic substances released into the environment. Plus, since it doesn't rely on fossil fuels, you don't need to worry about running out of fuel.

Types Of Solar Water Heaters

There are mainly three different models of solar water heaters depending on their size and how they work.

(a) Collecting tanks – These tanks collect sunlight through reflective panels and store the heat until it warms the water, which is circulated via a pump. The tank is placed close to the house and vents warm air out.

(b) Storage tanks – These tanks store the heated water till it reaches optimum temperature. From here, it is released back to the system through a pipe.

(c) Reservoirs – These are small reservoirs which hold the heated water at a constant temperature for use. In order to maintain the temperature, pumps circulate the water constantly.

These are some of the most popular solar water heaters. However, there are many others that can be installed if you choose to do so.

Benefits of having a solar water heater are numerous. Firstly, it saves money especially if you live somewhere where electricity is expensive. Secondly, it reduces carbon footprint since it doesn’t rely on fossil fuel to generate electricity. Thirdly, it helps conserve energy since it does not depend on the grid; therefore, it eliminates transmission losses. Lastly, it helps save space since the solar water heater takes up less room than traditional heating methods.

Installation

Installing a solar water heater requires expertise and proper planning. If you decide to install one, make sure that it is properly sized according to the number of people who will be using it. You may want to consider a model with a storage tank to avoid running out of hot water. Also, check whether the installation will go with your home and its layout.

You should also ensure that you have enough space around the tank and that it won't get wet. Once you've decided upon a place for the tank, the next step is to install a ventilation system to prevent overheating. Make sure that the ventilation area has no obstructions. Make sure that the roof overhangs of the tank are covered.