Solar Water Heating

One of the most cost-effective ways to include renewable energy into a home or building is by incorporating solar hot water heater.

A typical residential solar water-heating system reduces the need for conventional water heating by about 2/3(two-thirds). It minimizes the expense of electricity or fossil fuel to heat the water and reduces the associated environmental impacts. In Europe and Asia solar hot water heater systems are required by building codes to be included in all new built homes. This trend is being implemented to North America as can be seen in Hawaii’s new building code requiring solar thermal water heating.

Solar water heaters provide you environmentally friendly renewable energy to heat domestic water, swimming pools, homes and industrial processes. The solar energy heats a fluid (water or glycol) then transfers that thermal energy directly or indirectly to the domestic hot water tank.

The initial equipment cost can be slightly higher than a conventional gas or electric water heater, but the fuel… is free energy from the Sun…. And with the grants and low interest loans available, a solar heating system can actually cost less than a conventional heating system upfront!

Solar energy can heat water for different applications:

1. Domestic hot water
2. Potable and process use in commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities
3. Radiant floor heating
4. Swimming pools (indoor or outdoor).

There are three basic types of collectors:

1. Seasonal collectors
2. Flat plate collectors
3. Evacuated tube collectors (Vacuum Tubes)

Want a detailed comparison between the different types of collectors? Follow the link
The number of collectors required for a specific site depends on a number of factors, such as:

1. The size of your thermal load (ie: how much water do you need to heat);
2. The efficiency of the unit;
3. The amount of solar radiation at the site;
4. The amount of storage available, etc.;

Collectors should be aimed as south as possible, and installations require unobstructed access to the sun’s path in all four seasons. Systems can be designed to provide 100 percent of your water heating or to use the solar energy as a supplement to a conventional heating facility.

For an accurate assessment of your needs and a site assessment, a qualified system designer can provide guidance. GALEX SYSTEMS INC has a Code of Ethics to ensure satisfaction for your specific installation. Our company can supply an advanced site evaluation rapport based on accurate measurements and sophisticated  software.