HOME > ENERGY SYSTEMS > SOLAR HOT WATER

solar hot water

How Do Solar Water Heating Systems Work?

Solar Hot Water Energy Systems, Solar Water Heating Systems, Solar H2O Energy, Solar Thermal Heating Systems, Solar Thermal, Solar Hot Water Most solar water heating systems are used for domestic uses (faucets) but theses systems can be used for space and pool heating also. A solar hot water system has two main parts: a solar collector and a thermal storage tank. The most common collector is called a flat-plate collector which is mounted on the roof and consists of a thin, flat, rectangular box with a transparent cover that faces the sun. Small tubes run through the box and carry a glycol mixture (anti-freeze solution). The tubes are attached to an absorber plate, which is painted black/blue to absorb the heat from the sun. As heat builds up in the collector, it heats the fluid passing through the tubes. The glycol once heated circulates through a heat exchanger which transfers the heat to your water storage unit.


Solar water heating systems can be either active or passive, but the most common are active systems. Active systems rely on pumps to move the liquid between the collector and the storage tank, while passive systems rely on gravity and the tendency for water to naturally circulate as it is heated.







© 2008. All photos displayed on this site are actual photos of installations by SunLion Energy Systems, Inc.