What is a solar hot water system?
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A solar hot water system is a system that harnesses the sun's energy to heat water for household use, instead of using electricity or gas. A solar hot water system consists of 5 parts, a collector, a tank, a heat exchanger, a pump and a control system. How does it work?
Part 1: Collectors
Collectors are the method used to trap the sun's energy, and there are two types of collectors.
Flat plate solar collectors
Flat plate solar collectors are panels made up of copper pipes covered with black (absorptive) glass. Water runs through the copper pipes and is heated, which is then transferred to the tank.
Evacuated tube solar collectors
Completely empty (hence "evacuated") tubes collect and trap the heat from sunlight. This heat is collected by a device called a manifold, which also has water flowing through it. The heat is transferred to the water, heating it.
Flat plate solar collectors vs evacuated tube solar collectors - which is better?
Part 2: Hot water tanks
Once water is heated, it needs to be stored somewhere. This is where a hot water tank comes in - usually positioned above the collectors on the roof, and is well insulated to keep the newly heated water hot. Tanks come in various sizes and can also be fitted to an instant hot water service for hot water on demand 100% of the time.
Other parts: Heat exchangers, pumps and controllers
These are the parts that make the hot water system work, by pumping water around, exchanging heat and ensuring that the water doesn't get too hot or too cold.
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Read our summary of state and federal rebates available hereto find out how much you can save on switching to solar hot water.
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