Solar Water Heating
Solar Water Heating
With the growing concern for fossil fuel consumption and prices, homeowners are increasingly moving to other sources of energy to heat their water supplies. One of the most popular options for alternative water heating is solar water heating. Using the energy of the sun, solar water heating can save homeowners money while being friendlier for the environment.
How do they work? Solar water heaters are broken up into two categories: passive and active systems. A passive solar water heating system has no pumps and is therefore less expensive to install and maintain. Water is moved from the collectors to the storage tank as it heats up. However, this comes at the price of lower efficiency. Passive solar heating installations will have less outflow of hot water than an active system. They are still a good choice for any home looking to save money and save the environment.
An active system is usually more expensive to install but is more efficient. It pumps heated fluid through a system of tubes to transfer heat to your water tank, then pumps this heated water into your house. The heat transfer is quick, but the pumps are more expensive and prone to wearing out quicker than a passive system.
Solar water heaters aren’t perfect. They have problems working with high demand and when the sun isn’t out. Most solar water heaters are backed up with a conventional water heater in case the demand can’t be met. However, they’re a good choice for any environmentally conscious consumers looking to lower both their footprint and their energy bills.