Understanding Active Solar Water Heating

While turning to the power of the sun to meet your home and business hot water needs is a wise decision in both terms of the costs and the environment, it’s not the only decision you’ll have to make. There are a variety of systems to choose from, with active solar water heating one of the most popular.

Active solar water heating refers to the sun’s power, through a solar panel, heating water which will be pumped mechanically around the building for either general or specialized use. The alternative system is passive, which uses no mechanical or technical devices to move the water, just convection, gravity and water pressure.

While active systems are more expensive and require more maintenance through the years, passive systems are less expensive and more reliable. However, active systems are much more efficient and it is this factor that makes them more attractive. With the active solar water heating systems available, there are two principal types of water circulation: Direct (or Open Loop) and indirect (or Closed Loop).

Direct circulation systems use either a flat-plate or evacuated-tube solar collector (panel) to heat water. The water is pumped through the collector, where it is heated and is then pumped directly into the building. This form of active solar water heating system is suited best to areas where there is little risk of freezing, as freezing can cause considerable damage to the collector. It’s also best suited to the needs of smaller buildings, such as a home, though it is possible to add further collectors to increase capacity.

Indirect circulation is more complicated with a heating fluid pumped through the collector and then into a water storage tank, where a copper heat exchanger transfers the heat from the fluid to the consumable water. The heating fluid is generally a mixture of water and anti-freeze and, as such, this system is well-suited to climates were freezing can occur.

There is greater maintenance required when it comes to active solar water heating, with yearly or half-year checks advised. If you are using an indirect system, then the heating fluid will need to be changed about every 3 years. There is also the matter of the heat exchanger in the storage tank, which will age and will need to be replaced in time. However, the system is highly efficient and can be suitable for commercial use.

Regardless of which active solar water heating system you choose, one thing is for certain; the benefits outweigh the costs of conventional water heating at a canter.

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