Have you ever been enjoying a long hot shower when it suddenly turned icy? Instantly available hot water is often taken for granted, and is not totally appreciated until it stops. Water heaters are most commonly run on fossil fuels, and the supply of heating oil and natural gas is not infinite, as we all know from their relentlessly upward prices.
There is a fuel, however, which costs absolutely nothing once the proper collection equipment has been seated. The transition from fossil to sun-based power is usually best done by a solar thermal systems technician who is familiar with all the details of installation. He or she will take into consideration the regional climate, including the average amount of sunlight available during any given year.
Included in this process are the roof-top solar collectors and the connected storage units. They often fall into two popular types of systems, including the passive-type system, which does not require a pump. The active system, however, does come with a pump and its controls. All systems in general require the installation of at least one storage tank, and sometimes more.
Solar collectors are usually roof-mounted. Most residences will use one of three types, including the integral collector and storage system, a flat-plate collector, and evacuated tube solar collection devices. These panels are visible, but do not look intrusive or out of place on most buildings. Sunlight passes through the outer coating of all these plates, and is converted to "long wave heat", rather like the interior of a closed-up automobile in the hot sun.
The collected or stored energy goes from panel to storage tank. Some systems accomplish this by utilizing a special hot fluid that is pumped there by an electric device powered by a wall outlet, or even by a comparatively small photovoltaic unit adjacent to the collectors. No heat is lost, and the unit will almost always be ready for someone to take a shower or wash the dishes.
The supply will not run out, even on those heavy-use days. The storage tanks are larger than conventional heaters, and designed to last through the night. If use is overwhelming, most will have a backup system connected to conventional power sources. The collectors, however, are super-efficient, and are able to absorb the maximum amount of solar radiation available on any given day.
Before making the switch to solar, begin by screening your potential contractor. Ask about the company's experience with solar heating systems, and check licensing and certification, which varies by region. The initial investment is solar water heaters is not cheap, but will save very substantial mounts over a period of years, especially as the price of oil and natural gas increases. When the old heater dies, consider installing an energy-efficient solar heating system as a replacement.
There is a fuel, however, which costs absolutely nothing once the proper collection equipment has been seated. The transition from fossil to sun-based power is usually best done by a solar thermal systems technician who is familiar with all the details of installation. He or she will take into consideration the regional climate, including the average amount of sunlight available during any given year.
Included in this process are the roof-top solar collectors and the connected storage units. They often fall into two popular types of systems, including the passive-type system, which does not require a pump. The active system, however, does come with a pump and its controls. All systems in general require the installation of at least one storage tank, and sometimes more.
Solar collectors are usually roof-mounted. Most residences will use one of three types, including the integral collector and storage system, a flat-plate collector, and evacuated tube solar collection devices. These panels are visible, but do not look intrusive or out of place on most buildings. Sunlight passes through the outer coating of all these plates, and is converted to "long wave heat", rather like the interior of a closed-up automobile in the hot sun.
The collected or stored energy goes from panel to storage tank. Some systems accomplish this by utilizing a special hot fluid that is pumped there by an electric device powered by a wall outlet, or even by a comparatively small photovoltaic unit adjacent to the collectors. No heat is lost, and the unit will almost always be ready for someone to take a shower or wash the dishes.
The supply will not run out, even on those heavy-use days. The storage tanks are larger than conventional heaters, and designed to last through the night. If use is overwhelming, most will have a backup system connected to conventional power sources. The collectors, however, are super-efficient, and are able to absorb the maximum amount of solar radiation available on any given day.
Before making the switch to solar, begin by screening your potential contractor. Ask about the company's experience with solar heating systems, and check licensing and certification, which varies by region. The initial investment is solar water heaters is not cheap, but will save very substantial mounts over a period of years, especially as the price of oil and natural gas increases. When the old heater dies, consider installing an energy-efficient solar heating system as a replacement.
About the Author:
Use your hot water heater to ensure that there is plenty of water for cleaning and bathing. A DIY solar hot water will save money on utility bills.
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