Most homeowners would love to lower their utility costs and household expenses, and if they could do so while helping to slow global warming and reduce their own âcarbon footprintâ all the better. These are the primary reasons that many people seek out alternative energies from the sun, wind or water.
Today, millions of homeowners enjoy a remarkable amount of financial relief through the installation of solar panels that collect and generate energy as well as provide domestic hot water supplies. To date, there is no single all-encompassing application that provides a single alternative energy answer to the numerous systems throughout any home â just as there is no single traditional energy answer for an entire home.
While there are currently no solar technologies that can completely eliminate a home or property ownerâs need for traditional electric or utility suppliers, there are several systems that can be incorporated into a home or buildingâs existing systems to help reduce emissions, cost and energy consumption.
One of the simplest systems to address is the domestic hot water supply. To incorporate a solar water heating system into an existing or conventional system requires three essential components: solar panels or collectors, a transfer system, and an appropriate hot water cylinder. Generally, it is suggested that a professional install, or at least design, the system to be utilized. This is because a solar water heating system has several factors to be considered before being purchased and installed.
First, an ample supply of southern facing roofing must be available to meet the needs of the required system. Generally, evacuated tube systems will require significantly less roof space than the more traditional flat plate systems. Next, the existing system must be analyzed in order to see if it is suitable for a second solar water-heating boiler to be added. Currently, most combi boilers are not suitable for any solar water heating systems to be incorporated. Finally, budgetary concerns must be addressed to select the most affordable system for a homeownerâs financial capability.
Financially, the âaverageâ installation of a solar water heating system can save a home or property owner a significant amount of their annual fuel or energy expense and should be figured into the cost of purchasing and installing a solar heating system.
Today, most solar water heating experts in the United Kingdom recommend the installation of evacuated tube systems. They are doing so for several reasons. First, the evacuated tube systems operate at much more effective levels under low-light and cold weather conditions. Because this is a frequent pattern in the United Kingdom the more reliable function of the evacuated tube systems are making it the preferred installation. Secondly, the evacuated tube systems require a lower amount of space for equal performance, which adds to the aesthetic as well as functional value. Finally, evacuated tube systems have very limited maintenance required and they do not allow for some of the traditional problems of flat plate panels which can frequently suffer from standing water and broken seal conditions.
Sara Magee
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/all-about-solar-water-heating-675463.html
how to operate a solar water heating system?
i just moved into a house and i have know idea how to get the hot water to work on this. it has two valves that say solar only, solar and back up only and back up only. it did start to get warm but went away after about 10min. also i have hardley any water pressue when turning on the hot water side of the faucet.
this is a tough one with out seeing it it could be so many things
best bet would be calla plumber who installs and SERVICES those otherwise you will get someone who will spend hours trying to figure it out, but sounds like something is off that should be on or two things are on at the same timebut only one should be its tough to answer without looking at the piping set up
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licenced Plumber/Gasfitter
I agree with davewilliams. A solar water system installer or plumber can figure it out in short order.
My dad’s DIY system is tied into his gas-fired water heating system, with a 2 valves which let the solar heater act as a pre-heater for his water system. The valves are open in the spring but closed in the winter. There is a drain plug on the roof mounted panels to drain the system in the winter, and an automatic air bleed valve at the highest point for the plumbing on the roof. Finally there is a system controller with a differential temperature sensor (thermostat) inputs to turn on and off a low HP recirculating water pump as needed.
Most solar water systems are similar in design. Check the source for some typical designs.
References :
http://kingsolar.net/
solar water heating systems are outdated,in fact I remove them from peoples roofs all the time(im a builder),but sometimes they need to be drained and re-filled to get the air out of the lines,especially if it hasnt been used for awhile,good luck…
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