Did you know there’s a cost effective way of generating hot water for your home? Have you been searching for the best ways to use solar water heaters?
Solar water heaters can be used in any climate, so it is highly recommended. It makes use of renewable energy – the sun.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what solar heaters are, the uses and best ways to use solar water heaters.
What are solar water heaters?
A solar water heater is a device that generates hot water using solar heat energy. It is made up of a solar collector that is put on a building’s roof and connected to a water storage tank. Unheated water can be pumped from the tank through the collector to be directly heated, or it can be heated by a high-capacity heat-exchange fluid that was warmed in the collector and transmits its heat through tubes in the water in the tank, depending on the system.
While heat transfer from the solar collector to the unheated water can be accomplished passively without the need of mechanical devices, “active” solar hot water systems rely on energy to circulate the heat-exchange fluid as well as to power mechanical pumps and controllers.
Types of solar systems
- Active systems
Mechanical pumps and differential controllers are used in active solar hot water systems to regulate and guide the flow of the heat-transfer fluid or water from the solar collector to the tank.
- Passive systems
Passive systems, which rely on gravity rather than electricity, are most efficient in hot climates where night or wintertime freezing is not present.
Read More: Solar energy and sustainable development
Uses of solar water heaters
The basic requirement for hot water is extremely costly because it consumes a significant amount of energy. Heating water consumes more than 18% of all domestic energy. The majority of houses and businesses get their energy from fossil fuels like gas and oil. The majority of modern household boilers are gas-powered and heat water on demand.
Furthermore, many individuals prefer to heat their water with electricity, which is the most expensive technique of all.
Humans also can’t deny that we use hot water on a daily basis, and that hot water is the lifeblood of various manufacturing operations.
The introduction of “green energy” has aided individuals in adopting more efficient and sustainable means of carrying out daily tasks.
Read More: How To Read A Utility Meter
Benefits of using solar water heaters
There are numerous benefits of using solar water heaters, they include:
Hot water throughout the year
The solar water system works throughout the year, though you’ll need to heat the water with a boiler or immersion, especially during Harmattan.
Reduced energy bills
You don’t have to worry about bills anymore because the sun is free, so your hot water costs will be reduced.
Lower carbon footprint
Solar water heating is a renewable energy source that can help you lower your carbon footprint.
Conclusion
Leveraging the sun has numerous advantages. Solar energy has played a big role in generating hot water for the home.