Solar water heating is not what you would call a technological ingenuity. In fact, solar heating panels can be installed relatively easy helping you save money and energy.
Solar heating systems are generally composed of solar thermal collectors, a fluid system to move the heat from the collector to its point of usage, and a reservoir or tank for heat storage and subsequent use.
Solar water heating can be used for your home, to supply daily water needs, but also for larger projects such as your swimming pool.
According to Energy Saving Trust, there are three major methods of using this kind of alternative energy to get domestic hot water:
- Solar panels or collectors - are fitted to your roof. They collect heat from the sun’s radiation. There are 2 main types of collector:
- Flat plate systems - which are comprised of an absorber plate with a transparent cover to collect the sun’s heat
- Evacuated tube systems - which are comprised of a row of glass tubes that each contain an absorber plate feeding into a mainfold which transports the heated fluid
- A heat transfer system - uses the collected heat to heat water;solar
- Hot water cylinder - stores the hot water that is heated during the day and supplies it for use later.
Solar water heating can provide you with about a third of your hot water needs. The average domestic system reduces C02 by around 325kg per year and about $450 a year of your hot water bills, when installed in a gas heated home. Just imagine how much we could save if we all cheeped in!
Of course, a problem arises: installing such a device can cost up to 5000 US Dollars. However, when considering the benefits, this sum is not all that huge.
As you see, the results of installing a device like this are amazing: a typical system reduces the need for normal water heating, therefore reducing the costs of electricity or fuel and also the negative impact on the environment.
Yes! Keeping in mind the drastic environmental changes and rising fuel prices going Solar is one option open to all at minimal investments. The Solar Water heating systems are so easy to install and most of them come in a Do-it Yourself kit, With the technological advancement the once heavy, bulky hard to move panels are now available widely in light weight easy to carry by one personal only packages. The advancement in technology is not only limited to light weight, but for those concern about the asthetics of the panels, the good news is that the panels are now available with a variety of teim colors to choose from and can be easily matched to your roof. Saving about $25.oo on ones electricity bill on a residence of 4. We all use hot water, as one of our basic needs and what can be a better way, than helping our environment, saving our resources and ourself’s some money other than by investing in a Solar Water Heating System.
There are a couple useful websites I’m aware off, that I would like to share with you
1. http://www.dsireusa.org- is a comprehensive source of information on state, local
, utility ans federal incentives that promote renewable engery ans energy efficieny.
2. http://www.powerpartnerssolar.com- one of the many manufacturers of certified Solar Water Heating Systems available. One place I saw the light weight panels and trim color options I was mentioning earlier.
Lastly, the local utilites in some areas also provide additional rebates and incentives for adding a Solar Water Heating Sytem to your exisitng water tank.
Keep the look out on. Feel Good and save- money for you, environment for us.