What makes up for a sizeable share of electricity expenses in most households? The simple answer is the water heating costs. How to control this cost without limiting hot water usage? The best answer is to install a solar water heater. Don’t worry about paying for solar energy. This renewable energy is 100% free. You can use as much as you want to heat water and enjoy an uninterrupted supply of hot water. Here are some interesting facts about solar water heaters you must know;

Components of a solar hot water heater

Available in various styles, and designs, solar hot water heaters cater to the varying needs of different people. You can choose a solar hot water system based on your unique needs and budget. What are the components of a solar water heater? The main parts include the collector, insulated water storage tank, heat exchanger, controller system, supporting stand and connecting pipes and instrumentation.

Various types of solar heaters

You can find two basic types of solar water heaters in the market these days. The first category is flat plate collector (FPC) and evacuated tube collector (ETC) hot water heaters. As the name implies, FPC contains flat plate collectors. These collectors come with an insulated outer metallic box. The top of this box is covered with a glass sheet. The collectors on the FPC system absorb solar radiation with high efficiency and send the heat energy to the water following through them. ETC water heaters are made using double-layer borosilicate glass tubes. These tubes are evacuated to deliver superior insulation. You can find a material coating on the outer wall of the inner tube. Like FPC, the collectors absorb heat and pass it to the water flowing through them.

How do solar water heaters work?

As mentioned above, the collectors absorb the rays of the run with the help of the absorber. Then, the heat energy is transferred to the water flowing through its surface. Once the water gets heated, it is sent to the insulated tank. The insulation prevents heat loss. The thermo siphon system makes the water flow from the tank into the collectors and then, again to the tank seamless. It is done automatically to ensure an uninterrupted hot water supply.

Applications of solar water heaters

Solar heaters have taken the efficiency of water heating to the next level. Further, the entire process has become more cost-efficient. Thanks to the abundant presence of solar energy. Several homeowners have installed solar hot water cylinder systems to make water heating more convenient and efficient. In addition to homes, solar water heaters are used in hospitals, schools, restaurants, dairy plants, and many other types of commercial places.    

Although you have to spend a few more extra bucks for the installation of solar water hot water heating systems, they outweigh the cost with numerous benefits. You can save hundreds of dollars on your water heating bills with the help of solar heaters.