How do Solar Water Heater Works

Most people don’t know that there are three different types of solar water heater collectors. While they all depend on the sun’s thermal energy to generate heat, each differs in operation or functionality.

Evacuated tube collectors
Evacuated tube collectors are typically considered the most efficient solar collectors available. Think of each evacuated tube as a kind of thermos. Each glass or metal tube containing water or heat transfer fluid is guarded by a larger glass tube. The space between them functions as a vacuum responsible for minimizing the amount of heat lost. 

The most significant benefit to evacuated tube collectors is that they are able to operate well on overcast days and in cold climates. The catch is that evacuated tube collectors can run a costly bill, totaling about twice as much per square foot as flat plate collectors.

Batch collectors
Batch collector solar water heaters are also commonly referred to as Integrated Collector-Storage (ICS) systems.  These systems heat the water inside dark tanks or tubes that are housed within an insulated box. The water is warmed and stored until drawn. 
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Batch collector systems are capable of keeping a preserve of water for long periods of time if household hot water demand is low. It is important to note that batch collectors are incompatible with closed-loop circulation systems, making them ill-fit for households in colder climates.

Flat-plate collectors
Flat-plate collectors are typically constructed using copper tubes fixed to flat absorber plates. The most common flat-plate configurations feature an assembly of parallel tubes soldered together at each end by two pipes. The goal of the architecture is to maximize the amount of solar radiation captured. The vast majority of flat plate collectors are sized to contain 40 gallons of water.

Is a solar-powered water heater right for me?

If you’re in the market for a water heater upgrade, choosing a solar-powered system is a great option worth pursuing if reducing your carbon footprint is a top priority. Do your research to find the best system that suits your expectations and demands, asking the three questions below before beginning your hunt:

1. Where do you live?
2. What is your budget?
3. How much hot water will you need?

Ultimately, determining if a solar water heating system is right for you will take careful consideration of the following factors:

• How much sunlight your property receives
• Your hot water demand
• Your preferred solar heating system type
• Your chosen installer’s preferred manufacturer

For more info contact Ariston Solar Water Heater or call us at +971 4 252 2966