While they may have one or two pros but conventional electric systems are less energy efficient than solar and heat pump systems, and generating electricity from fossil fuels produces greenhouse gas emissions. As well as these environmental costs, rising electricity prices also provide an incentive to seek more efficient energy sources. Solar water heating should or would definitely come to your mind. In this and subsequent articles, we are going to explore solar water heating.
Water heated by the sun is used in various ways. While perhaps best known in a residential setting to provide domestic hot water, solar hot water also has industrial applications, e.g. to generate electricity.Designs suitable for hot climates can be much simpler and cheaper.
What are the benefits of solar water heating?
1.Hot water throughout the year. The system works all year round, though you'll need to heat the water further with a boiler or immersion heater during the colder months.
2.Reduced energy bills. Sunlight is free, so once you've paid for the initial installation your hot water costs will be reduced.
- in most areas they will require electrical or gas or other fuel backup during the colder months
- payback times can vary greatly mostly due to regional sun
- relatively low efficiency of passive solar water heating systems
- they require excellent overheating and freeze protection
1.Hot water throughout the year. The system works all year round, though you'll need to heat the water further with a boiler or immersion heater during the colder months.
2.Reduced energy bills. Sunlight is free, so once you've paid for the initial installation your hot water costs will be reduced.
3.Lower carbon footprint. Solar hot water is a green, renewable heating system and can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions
4. Because of the benefits of solar water heating, adding a unit to your home will also increase its value. So you could end up getting back whatever money you put into a solar heating system when you sell your house.
5.They are efficient. Approximately 80% radiation is turned into heat energy without wasting much of the heat from the sun
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Anything with Pros never lacks some cons...briefly
-relatively high upfront costs- in most areas they will require electrical or gas or other fuel backup during the colder months
- payback times can vary greatly mostly due to regional sun
- relatively low efficiency of passive solar water heating systems
- they require excellent overheating and freeze protection
This is just an overview of Solar water heating. In our subsequent articles we will discuss and expound on Solar water heating. Read, Learn and Share.
