Solar Water Heater System

Solar Water Heaters


Hi this is Kamal Purena. My new post is about solar water heating systems. First of all i want to describe about Solar water heaters —Solar water heaters also called solar domestic hot water systems—can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use—sunshine—is free.

There is a great achievement done by CREDA Mahasamund in the field of Solar Water Heating System in Year 2013-14. With the beneficiary contribution received from BRGF 2013-14 Head  and CREDA Subsidy There are 37 nos. of solar water heating systems ( 500 Liter Per Day Capacity each ) have been installed and successfully commissioned by CREDA in All Girls ashram/ Hostels ( Organized by Tribal Department ) District - Mahasamund. Out of those 37 no. of Solar water heating Systems 332 are FPC Model whereas another 05 are ETC Model. 

 We got some feedback from the children and from their respective Ashram/ Hostel incharge. They told us that before installing this all systems max. no. of children were infected from various kind of skin problems every year. but After using the hot water for their various use like taking bath, use in drinking water , use in washing the cloths etc. there are no. any kind of skin problem faced by them. So, After successful result of those Solar Water Heating Systems we are again going to install 50 no. of Solar water heating system in the same District of Chhattisgarh ( With the financial help of District Administration - Mahasamund & CREDA Subsidy   ) .

How They Work

Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don't.

Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In two-tank systems, the solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In one-tank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank.


Three types of solar collectors are used for residential applications:
· Flat-plate collector


Glazed flat-plate collectors are insulated, weatherproofed boxes that contain a dark absorber plate under one or more glass or plastic (polymer) covers. Unglazed flat-plate collectors—typically used for solar pool heating—have a dark absorber plate, made of metal or polymer, without a cover or enclosure.

· Integral collector-storage systems


Also known as ICS or batch systems, they feature one or more black tanks or tubes in an insulated, glazed box. Cold water first passes through the solar collector, which preheats the water. The water then continues on to the conventional backup water heater, providing a reliable source of hot water. They should be installed only in mild-freeze climates because the outdoor pipes could freeze in severe, cold weather.
· Evacuated-tube solar collectors


They feature parallel rows of transparent glass tubes. Each tube contains a glass outer tube and metal absorber tube attached to a fin. The fin's coating absorbs solar energy but inhibits radiative heat loss. These collectors are used more frequently for U.S. commercial applications.


There are two types of active solar water heating systems:
· Direct circulation systems


Pumps circulate household water through the collectors and into the home. They work well in climates where it rarely freezes.
· Indirect circulation systems


Pumps circulate a non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid through the collectors and aheat exchanger. This heats the water that then flows into the home. They are popular in climates prone to freezing temperatures.

Passive solar water heating systems are typically less expensive than active systems, but they're usually not as efficient. However, passive systems can be more reliable and may last longer. There are two basic types of passive systems:
· Integral collector-storage passive systems


These work best in areas where temperatures rarely fall below freezing. They also work well in households with significant daytime and evening hot-water needs.
· Thermosyphon systems


Water flows through the system when warm water rises as cooler water sinks. The collector must be installed below the storage tank so that warm water will rise into the tank. These systems are reliable, but contractors must pay careful attention to the roof design because of the heavy storage tank. They are usually more expensive than integral collector-storage passive systems.


Solar water heating systems almost always require a backup system for cloudy days and times of increased demand. Conventional storage water heaters usually provide backup and may already be part of the solar system package. A backup system may also be part of the solar collector, such as rooftop tanks with thermosyphon systems. Since an integral-collector storage system already stores hot water in addition to collecting solar heat, it may be packaged with a demand (tankless or instantaneous) water heater for backup.


For more information about solar water heating system components, see the following information:


· Heat Exchangers for Solar Water Heating Systems
· Heat-Transfer Fluids for Solar Water Heating Systems

Selecting a Solar Water Heater


Before you purchase and install a solar water heating system, you want to do the following:

· Consider the economics of a solar water heating system

· Evaluate your site's solar resource
· Determine the correct system size
· Determine the system's energy efficiency
· Estimate and compare system costs
· Investigate local codes, covenants, and regulations.
For information about specific solar water heater models and systems, see the Product Information resources listed on the right side of this page (or below if you've printed the page).
Installing and Maintaining the System


The proper installation of solar water heaters depends on many factors. These factors include solar resource, climate, local building code requirements, and safety issues; therefore, it's best to have a qualified, solar thermal systems contractor install your system.

After installation, properly maintaining your system will keep it running smoothly. Passive systems don't require much maintenance. For active systems, discuss the maintenance requirements with your system provider, and consult the system's owner's manual. Plumbing and other conventional water heating components require the same maintenance as conventional systems. Glazing may need to be cleaned in dry climates where rainwater doesn't provide a natural rinse.

Regular maintenance on simple systems can be as infrequent as every 3–5 years, preferably by a solar contractor. Systems with electrical components usually require a replacement part or two after 10 years. For more information about system maintenance, see the following:

· Solar Water Heating System Maintenance and Repair
· Solar Water Heating System Freeze Protection
· Scaling and Corrosion in Solar Water Heating Systems
When screening potential contractors for installation and/or maintenance, ask the following questions:
· Does your company have experience installing and maintaining solar water heating systems?
Choose a company that has experience installing the type of system you want and servicing the applications you select.

· How many years of experience does your company have with solar heating installation and maintenance?
The more experience the better. Request a list of past customers who can provide references.

· Is your company licensed or certified?
Having a valid plumber's and/or solar contractor's license is required in some states. Contact your city and county for more information. Confirm licensing with your state's contractor licensing board. The licensing board can also tell you about any complaints against state-licensed contractors.


For contractor information, see the Professional Services resources listed on the right side of this page (or below if you've printed it out).
Improving Energy Efficiency

After your water heater is properly installed and maintained, try some additionalenergy-saving strategies to help lower your water heating bills, especially if you require a back-up system. Some energy-saving devices and systems are more cost-effective to install with the water heater.