What is a solar water heater?

A solar water heater is a water heating system that functions much like a traditional water heater, but the energy used to run the unit is limitless and free— the sun! Installing a solar water heater on your home or business can be an excellent way to save money and improve your home. A solar water heater can significantly cut energy costs, decrease your carbon footprint and qualify you for rebates and tax breaks.
A solar hot water system is a simple and straightforward design. Instead of using gas or electricity to heat the water for your home, you use a solar panel to either heat a fluid that then heats your water, or actually heats the water itself directly.
An open-loop or direct solar water heater is the type that circulates the water itself through the collector to heat it. A closed-loop or indirect solar water heater instead circulates the solar fluid or heat transfer fluid through the collector and then to a heat exchange system that heats the household water. Solar water heaters can also work either passively or actively; that is to say, they can either use an electric pump system to circulate fluids or work without a pump.
Solar water heaters can produce more than enough hot water under good conditions for an average home or business. The volume of water produced depends on several factors, including:
the size of the system
the design of the system
the amount of sun available on-site
the installation of the collector
If your home or business is in a locale that doesn't get extensive amounts of sun or has a long winter, for example, there are units that have back-up systems that will supplement the hot water supply if the sun energy available is insufficient.
Consult with a solar water heater expert to ascertain the best options for your home or business. Depending on your water needs and your location, a solar water heater consultant can lay out for you the design and scope necessary to fulfill all of your water needs. It's a move you won't regret— installing a solar water heater will make a big difference to your bottom line and, as an eco-friendly choice, will help you do your part to keep the environment cleaner for you and yours, today and into the future.