Primarily, solar hot water heaters
are used for heating water at homes and business. The energy
consumption at home includes around 20-40% from hot water. Obviously,
you’re looking for a way to minimize the expensive energy consumption
costs. This is where solar water heater comes in.
Northern
Lights solar water heaters are able to reduce hot water cost by 65-75%.
These DIY solar water heating kits are easy to install and come with
components to complete the installation. Generally, they use special
stainless-steel solar piping and fitting rather than complicated and
complex soldering and pipe work.
Here are a few types of solar hot water heating systems that are worth considering for residential hot water:
1. Pre-Heat Solar Tank System
The
Pre-Heat Solar Tank System comes with two tanks – solar pre-heat tank
and a solar hot water storage tank with an internal heat exchanger for
water heating. However, the solar pre-heat tank system is used to supply
warm water to your existing hot water tank.
This
type of solar water heating kit is the common retrofit as it utilizes
the existing hot water tank and requires very little retrofit to the
plumbing system. The existing main supply line is routed to the pre-heat
tank and drawn back to the supply line after it gets heated.
This
solar water heating system utilizes the stratification principle. In
this process, the solar heating kit is heated using thermosiphon. It
ensures mixing water slowly which results in hottest top layers. Though
the top water draws into the main tank, the hottest water is first used.
2. Solar Tank-Less Water Heaters
The
principle is quite similar as the water gets heater prior to the solar
storage before entering the tank less heater. For example, the water
coming from the main line into home at 40 degrees can be heated in a
pre-heat tank and if the tank less heater is set to 140 degrees, it
supplies 20 degrees of heat energy – which ensures significant heat
savings.
3. Solar Combo Tank System
Solar
Combo Tank System is a specially designed kit that combines a solar
pre-heat tank and electric backup heater in one unit. This tank utilizes
an internal heat exchanger present in the bottom part of the tank.
The
solar loop is piped throughout the loop and heats up water. The top
part of the tank has an electric heating element to attain the water
temperature quickly or aide during the days without sun.
Important Note – While
there is a huge availability of solar storage tanks with heat
exchangers, there are a few systems designed specifically for the North
American Market. They have proper UL certification. The Solar Combo Tank
System is perfect for installation at new home or if you want to
replace the existing solar water tank.
4. Solar Compact Water Heater
Solar
Compact Water Heater is ideal alternative to those looking for solar
heating systems at home. It’s perfect alternative to more advanced
closed loop solar water heating system and has no moving parts or pump.
This
system works perfectly in southern climates that seldom get freezing
conditions and is good to work in 20 F temperatures. Solar Compact Water
Heater generally sits on the ground or gets mounted on the roof. The 80
gallon storage tank is integrated with solar evacuated tubes and
provides hot water to a family of four to five people.
Final Consideration –
When it comes to purchasing the solar hot water heaters, you should look no further than Northern Lights Solar Tubs. For more information about our products https://www.solartubs.com/solar-hot-water-heaters.html , feel free to contact us at +1 (800) 317-9054.