No matter where you live there is at least one energy source that will always be free. It can't be stored and no one can own it or supply it. That energy comes from the sun. So if it's free, why not use it to heat your water? Solar water heaters do just that.
There are essentially two types of solar water heaters: passive and active. The difference between the two types is how liquid is circulated. An active system has circulating pumps and controls, while a passive system doesn't. In this article, we will be discussing active solar water heaters.
Active solar water heaters also have different types. The two types are direct and indirect. The difference between the two is how water is heated. Both systems consist of a solar collector and an insulated storage tank. In a direct system, water is pumped up into the solar collector on the roof. The solar collector looks similar to a solar panel and is located on the roof of your home where the most sunlight is available. The solar collector is made of various material and come in a variety of setups, each one with its own unique abilities. When the water is moved into the solar collector, heat is transferred from the solar collector to the water. The water is then moved into an insulated storage tank inside the house, where it awaits use. Because the water travels outside the house during this process, his system is best suited for areas where the temperature doesn't fall below freezing.
The second type of active system is an indirect system. Here, water is heated indirectly through a heat transfer fluid. This system resembles the direct system in every way aside from what liquid is being pumped. In lieu of water, a heat transfer fluid is sent through the solar collector and is then moved to the storage tank. However, instead of moving into the plumbing system, the fluid is run through pipes inside the tank, heating the water inside. This method allows for heat transfer to the water, without the water actually moving to the roof where it can become frozen during cold weather.
Most solar water heating systems require a backup conventional water heater. This allows for hot water at nighttime, on days which are not sunny, and on days where the hot water demand is greater than what the solar heating system can provide.
Due to the energy savings that they provide, solar water heaters usually pay for themselves within 4 to 8 years. After that, your solar water heater will produce nearly free hot water. Solar water heaters may also qualify for federal tax rebates as well as Colorado GEO rebates.
