Solar hot water – renewable energy solution for your home
Solar thermal energy is a renewable energy technology that uses energy from the sun as a heat source. It’s a brilliant way to generate power and provides heat, hot water and cooling to homes. The most common uses include heating household water, pool water, and living space. Here we will talk about solar thermal energy systems for hot water.
Like photovoltaic solar energy, this is a sustainable green energy source. With worldwide awareness of environmental concerns and rising energy costs, many homeowners are looking for ways to save money, especially in alternative ways to generate power. Things to know about solar thermal for home hot water include:
Types of collectors. There are three basic types of bent collectors: low, medium, and high. Low collectors are flat plates used to heat swimming pools. Medium collectors are also flat plates and are used to heat water and air. Tall collectors use mirrors, lenses, and other materials with reflective surfaces to collect sunlight for use as general electrical power.
Facility. The panels are very light and can be easily assembled. A major overhaul of the wiring and structure is usually not necessary. Basic space requirements include a few hundred square feet of flat space.
What equipment is needed? To take advantage of the sun’s energy through solar thermal energy, the following is needed:
1. Collector
2. Storage tank
3. Expansion tank
4. Solar station with pump
5. Controller
6. Sun fluid
7. Mounting hardware and
8. Pipe
How does this work? Solar collectors, including pipes or tubes with fluid (often oil or water) inside, are placed on top of the roof. The sun will heat the tubes and therefore the solar fluid. The controller filters the system temperature. The solar station pumps drive the fluid from the collector to the hot water tank. The fluid will then flow through a pipe that is coiled inside the water tank and heats the water inside the hot water tank. The water from the hot water tank can be used directly for household needs. The fluid is pumped back to the collector to be heated again by the sun. To realize the full potential of your rooftop solar collectors, face south and angle it 45 degrees toward the sun.
How about during the winter? Does it work efficiently during cold seasons compared to hot sunny days? Daylight heat is limited during the winter season and therefore solar thermal collectors will work less effectively. However, the system will still provide significant savings throughout the year.
Long before fossil fuels were discovered, humans managed to find their way to survive and live. Now that these supplies are running low, humanity will have to switch to renewable energy to continue living a life of comfort. Solar thermal energy is free and with improved technology, it is easier to convert it into electricity that a home can use. Solar thermal energy as a power source not only helps save the environment from further damage, but also ensures that people can live better by saving on energy costs. Solar thermal energy can also be used to heat and cool the home. Stay tuned for our upcoming articles on these technologies soon.