Solar water heaters—also called solar domestic hot water systems—can be an energy-efficient, cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. Solar water heating systems consist of storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don't.
For residential use, the most common type of solar water heater is known as a flat-plate collector. Glazed flat-plate collectors consist of insulated, weatherproofed boxes that contain a dark absorber plate under one or more glass or plastic covers. These systems can be either direct or indirect circulation systems. Direct circulation systems pump household water through the collectors and into the home, while indirect circulation systems pump a non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid through the collectors and a heat exchanger, where water is heated with heat from the heat-transfer fluid. In areas that freeze during the winter, such as New York City, the indirect circulation system is the more appropriate option.
Solar water heaters are very reliable, and can be used exclusively (sometimes with a gas or electric tankless water heater as a backup) or in conjunction with other systems as pre-heaters. The good news is that these systems usually only cost around $1500 to $3500, and can pay for themselves in four to eight years. You can shop for solar water heaters online at solarhome.org, solarroofs.com, and nextag.com.
For residential use, the most common type of solar water heater is known as a flat-plate collector. Glazed flat-plate collectors consist of insulated, weatherproofed boxes that contain a dark absorber plate under one or more glass or plastic covers. These systems can be either direct or indirect circulation systems. Direct circulation systems pump household water through the collectors and into the home, while indirect circulation systems pump a non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid through the collectors and a heat exchanger, where water is heated with heat from the heat-transfer fluid. In areas that freeze during the winter, such as New York City, the indirect circulation system is the more appropriate option.
Solar water heaters are very reliable, and can be used exclusively (sometimes with a gas or electric tankless water heater as a backup) or in conjunction with other systems as pre-heaters. The good news is that these systems usually only cost around $1500 to $3500, and can pay for themselves in four to eight years. You can shop for solar water heaters online at solarhome.org, solarroofs.com, and nextag.com.
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