When compared to traditional types of home water heating, solar power offers convenience, efficiency and tremendous cost savings. In sunny climates such as that in the Los Angeles area, solar water heating is a very wise choice because the fuel used to heat your water — sunshine — is plentiful and free.
Solar water heating systems include a solar energy collection unit, usually installed on the roof of your house, and a storage tank for the hot water.
There are three main types of solar collectors used in home hot water heating systems:
Flat-plate collector
Flat-plate collectors are glazed, insulated box-like containers. Inside are dark energy-absorbing plates covered by glass or polymer plastic. Flat-plate collectors are very common in home solar power applications.
Integral collector/storage systems
Also called ICS or batch systems. These types of solar water heaters consist of a glazed and insulated box containing one or more black tanks or tubes. Water passes through the solar collector, where it is preheated, then into a standard water heater, where the heating process is completed.
Evacuated-tube solar collectors
Evacuated-tube collectors contain parallel rows of clear glass tubes. Each consists of a glass outer tube and a metal tube that absorbs heat. The metal tube is connected to a fin with an energy-absorbing coating. These types of collectors are found most often in commercial settings.
Before installing a residential solar water heating system, carefully evaluate your home’s solar resource. Solar systems use both direct and diffuse solar radiation to generate heat and power. Even if your home doesn’t get frequent direct sunlight, you may still be able to use a solar water heating system. A house with unshaded areas facing southward is a good candidate for a solar system.
Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. has been a trusted source of residential and commercial heating and air conditioning service since 1967. We serve customers in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including Pasadena, Glendale and Santa Monica. Contact us todayfor answers to your questions about solar water heating, to get an estimate, or to schedule system service or installation.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about hot water options and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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