Solar Water Heating - Not Just For Homes
- Author Nicola Brown
- Published May 24, 2010
- Word count 563
Solar thermal systems are mainly used for the provision of standard domestic hot water. A solar water heating system is an energy efficient way to provide domestic homes with up to 70% of their hot water supply.
However there are a number of other ways that these systems are being utilised by forward thinking designers and householders seeking to deliver greener alternatives to energy problems.
Heating homes with solar hot water
Solar panels coupled with a thermal store can be used to provide small areas of underfloor heating. However, before fitting the system there are some important calculations to be carried out. The area that requires heating will dictate the number of solar panels needed, and the quality of existing insulation will also impact on the effectiveness of the system. The better the insulation the less heat will escape keeping the room nice and warm without placing excessive demands of the system.
Calling on the expertise and wisdom of a renewable energy expert to carry out these calculations, will help avoid making mistakes that effect a solar thermal system's overall performance.
Most solar hot water systems are not suitable for powering domestic radiators as they struggle to keep up with the speed that a radiator gives up its heat. To heat a whole home using renewable energy, solar photovoltaic systems are currently a much better alternative.
Solar thermal pool heating
Anyone lucky enough to own a swimming pool will know that they generate huge water heating bills. But by installing solar water heating these costs can be cut by up to 70 – 80%.
Small or large, indoors or outside, solar thermal panels can be used to heat swimming pools. The heating system works with existing boilers and heat exchangers to produce a base load of natural heat to dramatically reduce running costs.
Another advantage of a solar thermal pool heating system is that once installed it costs very little to run. All that is required is a pump and controller which itself requires minimal electrical power (which could be obtained from a solar pv panel).
Large scale solar water heating systems
Solar water heating is not just for domestic use. Clever designers are finally looking seriously at larger scale solar thermal systems for apartment blocks and commercial properties.
The principals for these larger systems are fundamentally the same as with the smaller scale solar water heating systems but the execution is on an altogether different scale Massive constructions and heavy duty elements are required when you scale up from a domestic tank of hot water to a system that might need to supply hundreds of people with thousands of litres of hot water in a day. The good news is that these larger systems are already proving their worth and economies of scale mean that they provides a much faster return on investment.
A word of advice
Before making any investment into renewable technology it is always a good idea to get professional advice. Talk to an alternative energy expert about what you want to use renewable energy for, and give them some details about the location where you want to use it. From this they can provide you with an idea of which technology is suitable and any alternatives that might be on offer. Thus saving you the cost and effort of installing a solution which proves to be unsuitable and unproductive for your needs.
Freesource Energy is a Microgeneration Certification Scheme approved Solar Water Heating Installer. Freesource can offer advice and installation for all forms of renewable energy products including solar hot water, solar photovoltaic, wind turbines and heat pumps. Their aim is to make it easy for everyone to understand and apply renewable energy solutions in their home or business.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Discovering Lighting Stores in Brampton: Spotlight on Fehmilights
- Festive Decor with a Global Twist
- Mixer of Styles, The Boho Mid Century Farmhouse
- Your Go-To Lighting Store in Brampton
- Illuminating Your Spaces: The Role of Lighting Specialists in Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon
- Vintage Furniture Trends: Armoires, Rustic Mid-Century, Farmhouse Styles
- Rustic Lodge Décor with Heritage Antique Doors and Furniture with a Soul
- Handcrafted Antique Wood Doors for Cottages: Vintage Charm and Elegance
- Illuminating Your Space: Discovering Lighting Stores in Brampton, Caledon, and Mississauga
- Rustic Carved Doors for Offices: Adding Charm and Character to Your Workspace
- Elevate Your Farmhouse Design with Antique Wood Doors
- Comparing Quick Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Methods with Conventional Hot Water Extraction
- Removing and Preventing Black Mold on Windows
- Can I Spray Wicker Furniture? A Comprehensive Guide to Painting and Revitalizing Your Wicker Pieces
- Where to Buy the Perfect Office Chair: Your Ultimate Guide to Comfort, Style, and Productivity
- Top Cleaning Tips for Toronto Residents: How to Keep Your Space Spotless
- How to Paint a Vanity Cabinet: A Step-by-Step Guide to Transform Your Bathroom
- What is a Writing Desk? Exploring its Purpose, Design, and Benefits for Your Home
- Vintage Bohemian Charm: Creating a Home Office Retreat
- Embrace the Maximalist Decor : Unleash Your Boldest Dreams
- DeepClean NL Ltd. Expands HVAC Cleaning Services in Conception Bay South, NL
- Smart Water Meters: A Game-Changer for Modern Plumbing
- Emergency Heating and Air Conditioning Repair Services: When to Call and What to Expect
- The Value of Professional Cleaning Services: A Smart Investment for Your Home and Business
- Maximizing HVAC Lifespan: The Crucial Role of Expert Technicians
- Fall rustic farmhouse décor with vintage doors and earthy woods
- The Premier Lighting Stores in Brampton, Caledon, and Mississauga: Illuminate Your Space with Style and Precision
- A Brighter, Cleaner Workspace: The Importance of Commercial Cleaning in Auckland
- Antique Doors in a Spanish Modern Home
- Rustic Modern Mountain Cabins Decor