Solar Boilers - Have the Sun Pay Your Energy Bill
Residential hot water is a significant energy consumer for most
households. In fact, hot water is sometimes the largest single energy
cost. Using solar energy to provide at least some of the hot water in your
household can result in significant savings.
There are several ways that solar energy can be integrated into a hot
water system. Although solar boilers can be used on their own, they are
most often used in conjunction with traditional water heaters which are
powered by gas or electricity. In this kind of system, the water heated
with solar energy can be used on its own (if it is hot enough) or as
preheated water for the traditional water heater. Pre heated water will
also dramatically decrease your energy bill.
Solar boilers can be used in any type of climate but are most practical in
areas which don't have freezing weather during the wintertime. Solar hot
water systems in colder climates can use indirect heating systems which do
not expose the water to the freezing temperatures. Instead, a fluid that
resists freezing circulates through the solar panels and is used to heat
the water. Southern climates can use direct heating systems where the
water itself passes through the solar panels installed on the roof.
There are two basic types of solar hot water systems -- active and
passive. Passive systems rely on gravity and the natural flow of water
from hot to cold. They are simple systems and require very little
maintenance. They are durable and long-lasting. You can easily build
simple systems yourself all you will need are parts that you can find in
any hardware store.
Active systems make use of pumps to circulate the water. In some systems,
the pumps can be powered with solar energy; otherwise they must be
connected to the household electrical supply. In both systems a storage
tank is needed to hold the heated water.
On hot days with plenty of direct sunlight solar systems can heat water
with surprising efficiency. During this kind of weather, there may be no
need to use electricity or gas as a backup. When the weather is colder,
the solar heaters can preheat the water which passes into the traditional
water heater. This preheated water requires much less energy to bring to
proper temperatures which can result in significant savings on your energy
bills.
As with all alternative energy systems there is a lot of room for your own
imagination if you like that. If you don't you don't and just use the
technology, but for those who like to play around with technology like
myself these systems offer a myriad of possibilities to think about.
For example, a stirling engine converts changes in temperature into
mechanical motion, for example to generate electricity. Mmm, that's a nice
thought. A change in temperature is something this system will provide,
but it will also heat your water. A double benefit?
Hans is an off grid enthusiast and author at
http://www.alternative-energy-guide.com / Visit
us for introductory and more advanced articles.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hans_Dekker
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