A Solar Solution: Heating Water At Home
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IF you are considering the conversion of your home water heating power source to solar power there are other interior adjustments that need to be made allowing for the power conversion, particularly in regards to your appliances.
When heating your water source with solar power, you may need to purchase a solar powered water heater for this purpose. This is not a traumatic upgrade causing a need to replace all of your home appliances. The conversion is well worth the small investment as it will pay for itself in cost savings through energy efficiency, particularly if you plan on remaining in your home for some time. It is also possible to convert some modern heaters into solar power but regardless of the needed investment it is well worth your efforts.
There is a multitude of ways to heat water through the utilization of solar power. Some even develop their own solar power source. Before entering your home water must travel through a series of pipes with a solar source from attracted sun light. A water storage tank can be used to heat the water. To create hot water you will need a storage tank and a solar collector.
A common solar power collection system involves the flat plate collector, a thin rectangular box with a transparent cover that is able to carry fluid for heating. This may be the water itself or a solution, such as antifreeze, to keep water from freezing. The water then moves to a heat attracting absorber plate. With a hot flat collector plate, it heats the fluid that passes through the tubing. Then as water passes through the tubes, it enters a storage tank for holding. This tank is well insulated enabling water to maintain its temperature longer before entering the home.
There are two types of solar water heating systems, active and passive. An active system relies on pumps to move water between the collector plate and the storage tank. This is the most popular system and is the most efficient of the two. A passive system relies on gravity to feed the water through the system which can be sometimes slower than the demand of the water. The angle of the plate collector and storage tank must be angled appropriately for the passive system to operate at capacity. Either system is being used effectively in homes at this time, it simply comes down to the preferred system of the homeowner.
Using solar power to heat water is quite affordable and can be easily installed. This method of water heating is a great way to contribute to environmental protection. We are learning many ways that solar power can assist us around our homes.
About the Author
Thomas Metscher is the owner of http://www.solarselectives.com. Shop quality solar accent lights for your home landscaping needs and eco-friendly rechargeable lights with many home and outdoor uses. Get lighting products at great prices and a free Solar Power ebook. http://www.solarselectives.com
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