If you want to save money on heating water, installing solar hot water systems makes sense. There are two main reasons why you might want to install a solar water heater.
- It is energy efficient – Solar energy won’t make you have to spend much money on electricity anymore.
- It reduces your carbon footprint – Having solar panels installed by a licensed plumber on your roof reduces your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of coal used to heat water which causes plumbing issues sometimes.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about solar hot water systems before deciding to go ahead with the installation with your plumber in Sydney.
Solar Hot Water Systems – What They Do
Most homeowners have cold water stocked in their pipes which sometimes causes leaking taps, gas leaks in the hot water systems or frozen water pipes that blocked drains, and other plumbing work like toilet repairs. When you turn on the tap in your kitchen sink, the cold water travels from the nearest faucet down to the bottom of your house.
As the warm air rises back up towards the ceiling, cool air moves into the space between the floor and ceiling. Since you’re living somewhere where the temperature drops below freezing point during the winter, these spaces become very chilly.
If you live in a warmer climate, then you’ll probably notice that you keep your home too warm in the summertime. To avoid spending money on electric fans, heaters, and cooling units, there are several things you can do to make sure that your household stays comfortable year-round and you won’t need to call an emergency plumber when these plumbing problems arise.
One of those options is installing a solar hot water system, – also called a PV hot water system.
Why Install a Solar Hot Water System?
Installing a solar hot water system, because it is not gas-boosted, could save you some cash over the years. At first glance, this seems rather counterintuitive. Installing a grid-connected solar panel system may cost thousands of dollars in upfront costs, but it will eventually save you hundreds of dollars in monthly power charges.
Why would anyone want to invest in something that will save them money yet still require the same level of maintenance? Well, the simple answer is that you’d like to reduce your dependence on fossil fuels.
By switching to renewable sources of energy, you eliminate the risk of having outages caused by storms or unexpected weather events. Furthermore, you’re likely to find yourself saving on your water bill as well.
Because most homeowners aren’t savvy when it comes to managing their finances, they tend to forget that water heater manufacturers typically charge higher rates for tankless hot water models than for standard ones.
By investing in a solar hot water system, you’re able to cut those expenses in half.
What Types of Solar Hot Water Systems Are Available Today?
Before deciding which type of solar hot water system is right for you, think carefully about what kind of lifestyle you lead. For instance, if you plan on travelling frequently, a conventional solar thermal model may not be a great fit for you.
However, if you only travel occasionally, you might consider purchasing a solar hybrid option instead. Hybrid products combine the benefits of both traditional and solar-powered models. Traditional systems come equipped with storage tanks that hold hot water after sunset.
After the sun goes down, the stored hot water heats the house whenever needed. To compensate for this, hybrid models usually feature additional heat pumps that circulate the heated water throughout the entire house.
These features allow you to enjoy a fully functional hot shower even after dark. Another thing to consider is the size of your property.
Depending on its dimensions, you might be able to add an optional photovoltaic array and still have plenty of usable rooftop area left over for a garden shed or playhouse.
How does Solar Hot Water Work?
There are two main types of solar panel installation methods – those that run under the ground (rooftop) and those that sit above ground (ground mount). Both options offer benefits and drawbacks depending on your specific situation.
In a traditional electric water heater, water passes through coils inside a metal shell where it absorbs heat and becomes warm. The heated water then flows out into a storage vessel called a reservoir.
During the summer months, this water does not get hot because there is no sunlight to convert it into heat. However, in the winter, the sun’s rays penetrate through windows and other skylights allowing the sun’s heat to enter the building and heat the water in the solar hot water system.
As the stored water heats up, extra energy from the sun’s light will transfer to the water until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F.
At this point, the stored water has become “hot water” which means it can now be used to heat your home. The excess heat is transferred back to the water in the tank by the solar collector. The water then returns to its original state once again and is ready to flow back into the tank.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your home energy future. If you’re not already using solar power, then now may be a good time to consider installing one. There are plenty of ways to go solar with everything from simple panels to more expensive systems that include storage.
If you’re unsure where to start, try searching for a “plumber near me” on the internet to help you get started.
