Solar water heaters—also called solar domestic hot water systems—can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use—sunshine—is free.

How They Work

Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don't.

Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In two-tank systems, the solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In one-tank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank.

Three types of solar collectors are used for residential applications:

   Flat-plate collector

Glazed flat-plate collectors are insulated, weatherproofed boxes that contain a dark absorber plate under one or more glass or plastic (polymer) covers. Unglazed flat-plate collectors—typically used for solar pool heating—have a dark absorber plate, made of metal or polymer, without a cover or enclosure.

   Integral collector-storage systems

Also known as ICS or batch systems, they feature one or more black tanks or tubes in an insulated, glazed box. Cold water first passes through the solar collector, which preheats the water. The water then continues on to the conventional backup water heater, providing a reliable source of hot water. They should be installed only in mild-freeze climates because the outdoor pipes could freeze in severe, cold weather.

   Evacuated-tube solar collectors

They feature parallel rows of transparent glass tubes. Each tube contains a glass outer tube and metal absorber tube attached to a fin. The fin's coating absorbs solar energy but inhibits radiative heat loss. These collectors are used more frequently for U.S. commercial applications.

There are two types of active solar water heating systems:

   Direct circulation systems

Pumps circulate household water through the collectors and into the home. They work well in climates where it rarely freezes.

   Indirect circulation systems

Pumps circulate a non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid through the collectors and a heat exchanger. This heats the water that then flows into the home. They are popular in climates prone to freezing temperatures.

Solar water heating systems almost always require a backup system for cloudy days and times of increased demand. Conventional storage water heaters usually provide backup and already are part of our solar system packages.

Selecting a Solar Water Heater

Before you purchase and install a solar water heating system, you want to do the following:

   Consider the economics of a solar water heating system

   Let PEP Solar Evaluate your site's solar resource

   Let PEP Solar Determine the correct system size

   Determine the system's energy production in kilo watt hours

   Let PEP provide local codes, covenants, and regulation information

For information about our specific solar water heater models and systems, contact PEP Solar today

Installing and Maintaining the System

After installation, properly maintaining your system will keep it running smoothly. For active systems, contact PEP Solar today to discuss the maintenance requirements with your system, and consult the system's owner's manual. Plumbing and other conventional water heating components require the same maintenance as conventional systems.

Regular maintenance on simple systems can be as infrequent as every 3–5 years. Systems with electrical components usually require a replacement part or two after 10 years, preferably by PEP Solar.

Improving Energy Efficiency

After your water heater is properly installed and maintained, try some additional energy-saving strategies to help lower your water heating bills, especially if you require a back-up system. Some energy-saving devices and systems are more cost-effective to install with the water heater.

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