With the increasing demand for oil, and the cost of electricity and gas shooting through the roof, now there is more attention on renewable energy resources. Solar energy, in particular, plays a significant role in bringing energy-efficient techniques to your homes.
The common man’s increased awareness and preferences have helped renewable energy surpass coal for the first time in 134 years.
If you are looking to reduce the numbers on your electricity bill and contribute positively to the environment, solar heater systems are the way to go. To know how solar heaters work, click here.
Here’s how you can choose the right solar water system for your home:
Your Location
Most solar water heater systems are configured based on the expected output of hot water during certain climates. If you live in an area where there is abundant direct sunlight for long hours during the summers, then even if you install a small system, it will provide a good amount of hot water.
But if you live in colder regions, the heater system will require a large collector and an active system to meet your hot water needs. There are also risks of potential freezing of the system.
In such cases, you can go for a “drain-back” system or model, which will automatically detect the temperature to minimise the risks of the pipe bursting in the collector. Some heaters also come with antifreeze valves.
Quantity of Water You Will Need
Your lifestyle impacts how effective the performance of the solar water heater will be. When there is a large demand for hot water, mainly in the day time, then you should choose the active system that comes with a large collector.
But if there are only two or three members in your household and use water only for infrequent works like laundry, a passive system will be the best fit.
You can determine the expected hot water usage for your household by multiplying the total number of people in the house by 18 gallons.
Active or Passive Solar Heater
In passive systems, the warm water rises as cold water sinks to help the hot water circulate through the system, whereas the active system will push the water with a pump’s help. Active systems come with more equipment like circulating pumps and other components, which can be expensive.
It runs on electricity and is less energy efficient. But the active system provides continuous and abundant hot water as the pump is used to circulate water through the system.
Solar water heater systems do not have to be that expensive as you think. Solar water heaters are much more affordable and have a faster return on investment compared to photovoltaic arrays. You can buy commercially manufactured affordable systems for warmer climates.
Energy Efficiency
One of the most significant advantages of using solar water heater systems is their part in reducing carbon-based fuels like natural gas and coal. It is the most economical and energy-efficient option that alters your lifestyle and positively impacts the environment.
To cut down the energy usage completely, you can choose systems that do not use any additional energy to function. You can either choose a simple batch heating system or passive systems that use thermodynamics.
Once the system is installed, you can alter your lifestyle in such a way that you can take advantage of the solar-powered hot water system.
You can also reach out to your local contractor, who can visit the house and assess your site. Once they get a fair idea, they will recommend the best system and take care of the installation and maintenance.
