How Effective Are Solar Hot Water Systems?
Solar hot water heating systems are relatively simple to install, easy to maintain and the most cost effective way to introduce your home to solar energy. They can save considerable energy and cost when they replace an electric hot water heater. And they can be successfully used even if you live in a climate where freezing temperatures are common during the winter.
If you live in a climate that does not have freezing temperatures, and your household consists of fewer than five people, you can install a batch heater. This is the least expensive solar water heating option, and it is relatively easy to build if you have the inclination to do-it-yourself. It is simply a water storage tank that also serves as the solar collector.
Roof Mounted Solar Water Heaters
The tank is enclosed in a glass-covered box that is positioned to allow maximum exposure to the sun. The water in the tank heats up and hot water is available for use. However, it is not the most efficient system, since it takes longer to heat an entire tank of water than to heat a flat panel solar collector. And as the tank cools at night, there is less hot water available for use.
There are two better systems that can be used even in freezing climates. The direct pump system circulates water between a solar collector and a storage tank. With this design, water in the solar collector can heat up faster, and the tank can be insulated for better temperature holding capacity. The pump can be designed to run on electricity from a photovoltaic cell if you want to keep your system completely solar powered.
Thermosiphon Solar Water Heaters
A thermosiphon system also uses a separate solar collector, along with the pull of gravity. More importantly, it allows for the use of an insulated storage tank for more consistent hot water delivery. When using either of these systems in cold climates where freezing is an issue, both the piping and the storage tank should be located indoors and properly insulated to provide hot water even on the coldest days.
Related topics about solar hot water systems
3 things to consider before buying solar panels
Some of the materials used in the newer thin film solar panels are toxic to the environment. Even though this only becomes a problem when you dispose of the solar panels (which probably won't be for another 20 years or more), it's important to know that the panels will need safe disposal when that time comes.
What Are Wind Farms
There are many different forms of renewable energy available today and one of the fastest growing sub industries is that of wind power which is growing approximately thirty percent per year. Wind power works by converting the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity. Rather than having large power stations like many of the traditional methods, this kind of renewable energy comes from wind farms.
Turbine Wind Energy
Learning about alternative sources of power may help you to save a considerable amount of money for your home or business. So, if you're having a building constructed from the ground up, you may want to look into turbine wind energy. Learning more about this principle will help you to do your part for the environment, and the number of wind-powered buildings all around the world is growing daily.
