Solar Boilers: Have The Sun Pay For Your Energy Bill
The 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 easely 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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