How does a Solar Hot Water Systems Work?
Solar hot water systems have been in use for years. The modern design and components make solar hot water systems efficient and reliable. There are two basic types of systems. One is an active system, which uses circulating pumps and controls. The other is a passive system which doesn’t rely on pumps and uses the physics of hot water rising / cold water sinking to circulate the water. For a number of reasons the active type system is most often used. The systems typically consist of the solar collectors (panels), a storage tank, a circulating pump and a heat exchanger.
Components that make up a solar hot water system.
- Solar collectors - These are boxes that are constructed of weatherproof materials and have rows of piping inside to absorb the heat of the sun. Most collectors are sealed with a glass or plastic cover.
- Storage tank – The insulated tank where the hot water is stored.
- Circulating pump – The pump that moves water through the system.
- Heat exchanger – The heated fluid from the collector is circulated through a series of coils and transfers the heat created by the sun into your household hot water system.
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