Solar thermal

How a Solar Water Heater works

Have you ever felt warm water trickle out of a garden hose that’s been sitting in the sun?If so, then you’ve witnessed how a solar water heater works.
Now imagine that same water moving slowly though a system specifically designed to heat and store water – that is the essence of a solar water heating system. People have for centuries used water heated by the sun and stored it for bathing, hand washing, cleaning clothes, heating homes and much more. Unlike solar photovoltaic which uses many solar cell in a solar panel to convert the sun’s heat into electricity, the solar thermal systems used today combine the most efficient techniques for capturing the sun’s heat with modern plumbing systems to produce cost effective hot water and reduce the need for gas or electricity to heat water.

First, we need to ask why. An investment in a solar water heater comes with a variety of benefits. By installing a solar water heater you can reduce the environmental impact of conventional water heaters by minimizing the cost of electricity or the amount of fossil fuels used. Efficiency is also a benefit associated with investing in a solar hot water heater with “a typical household [meeting] 50 to 80 percent of their hot water needs.” Compared to a gas water heater or a tank less water heater you don’t need to pay it every month. Most people see pay back in a little as 3 years. Little to no maintenance is what consumers can expect after installation of a solar water heater. Currently, the US Government is offering a wide number of solar incentives to many states for individuals looking to become more energy efficient or implement renewable energy within their household or business. With the amount of money saved on your average utility costs, as well as the rebates offered by your state, an average investor can expect to see a payback of their Solar Water Heater installation within a few years.
Now is the perfect time to start investing for the future and whatever crisis might be over the horizon. Start by visiting http://fl-energy.com/ and getting an energy survey today.

How it works…


How an Open Loop System works

The simple way of saying it is that the system takes in cold-water heats it up and sends it back into the tank. Also known as “Active” or “Open Loop System”. In this type of system there is no antifreeze solution; the water heated directly by the sun is the same water used by building occupants. A thermometer and controller sense when the solar collector is warm and ready to heat water. The controller starts a pump that moves cold water into the solar collector, where it is heated. The solar heated water is then stored in a conventional hot water tank. It is typical, especially during high use or periods of little sun for the water to be kept warm through supplemental gas or electricity.
Solar Pool Heaters

You can significantly reduce swimming pool heating costs by installing a solar pool heater. They’re cost competitive with both gas and heat pump pool water heaters, and they have very low annual operating costs. Actually, solar pool heating is the most cost-effective use of solar energy in many climates. For many pool-owners, extending the life of your pool throughout the seasons usually comes at a steep price, with energy prices increasing on yearly basis. While there are other ways to increase the energy efficiency of your pool, such as investing in pool covers, installing a solar water heater would bring about a fast turnaround on your investment and help you save a significant amount of money in the long run.

How They Work
Solar Pool Heater


Solar Pool Heater

Most solar pool heating systems include the following:

* A solar collector — the device through which pool water is circulated to be heated by the sun
* A filter — removes debris before water is pumped through the collector
* A pump — circulates water through the filter and collector and back to the pool
* A flow control valve — automatic or manual device that diverts pool water through the solar collector.

Pool water is pumped through the filter and then through the solar collector(s), where it is heated before it is returned to the pool. In hot climates, the collector(s) can also be used to cool the pool during peak summer months by circulating the water through the collector(s) at night.
Some systems include sensors and an automatic or manual valve to divert water through the collector(s) when the solar collector temperature is sufficiently greater than the pool temperature. When the collector temperature is similar to the pool temperature, filtered water simply bypasses the collector(s) and is returned to the pool.

Solar pool collectors are made out of different materials or multiple solar cell. The type you’ll need depends on your climate and how you intend to use the collector. If you’ll only be using your pool when temperatures are above freezing, then you’ll probably only need an unglazed collector system. Unglazed collectors don’t include a glass covering (glazing). They are generally made of heavy-duty rubber or plastic treated with an ultraviolet (UV) light inhibitor to extend the life of the panels. Because of their inexpensive parts and simple design, unglazed collectors are usually less expensive than glazed collectors.