What To Consider When Installing A Solar Thermal Water Heater
Posted: Wednesday, September 30, 2009
by Tal Potishman
Heating Central
It is well known that solar water heating systems are generally more expensive to buy and install in comparison to conventional water heating systems. However, the long term benefits should be considered against the short term benefits. It may prove to be quite expensive to install initially, and you may find yourself doubting your decision, however a solar water heating system will prove to be more cost-effective for you in the long run. A further benefit is that you can add value to your business or home by installing a thermal water heating system.
How much hot water will you realistically be using?
Where are you located?
How expensive is installing a solar water heating system in comparison to other water heating systems?
What is a solar thermal water heater?
A solar thermal water heater can be best described as using the sun's radiation to heat water. Most solar thermal water heaters will include storage tanks and solar collectors. Solar thermal water heaters can be used alone or with a backup conventional water heating system.
So how does it work?
The dynamics behind how the water gets heated is quite straight forward. The sunlight hits the solar thermal collectors which in turn absorb the energy from the sun. This energy is then transferred to the water in the storage tank. The solar loop is responsible for preheating the water before coming into the water heater. This essentially means that very little or no energy is required by the conventional heater to heat up the incoming hot water. It is always useful to have the conventional water heater there as a back up device just in case a drab and gloomy day decides to make an appearance.
Solar thermal system to use in swimming pool heating
Solar thermal heating has been popular for use in swimming pools. Especially if the pool only needs to be used during the summer, this method of heating can be the most cost effective way. The system is likely to be less complicated to use as it will not need to be operated all year long. The dynamics of a solar pool heating system will usually comprise of solar collectors, pipe work, heat exchanger, and a control system. The installation of the parts will depend on a variety of factors, such as the specification and location.
The many advantages of installing a solar thermal water heating system
There are various advantages to installing a solar thermal water heating system. The main one which will apply to you will depend on your individual circumstances, and reasoning's behind your purchase. If you wish to install it for environmental reasons you are making the right choice as solar thermal water heaters reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the environment. If you are doing it to save money, again the savings you can make can be life altering .It has been reported that installing a solar thermal water heating system can save up to five times the energy used by an electric boiler.
Do not underestimate the power of a solar thermal water heater.
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about boilers, central heating, Weston Super Mare plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
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