Solar Water Heater Basics?

Hello,

I know I could probably find the answers myself by looking online. Can anyone give me a basic rundown of how these units operate and how they look when they're installed? I know there are different types of collectors as well. I am trying to find out what would be the most cost effective solution for a water heater and since I don't know much about how they operate, I'm having a hard time with pricing. I want to compare it with an electric tankless water heater that would operate from a photo voltaic system.

Thanks!

Sara

I think I have the basics down...

[url href=http://library.energyguidedev.com/EnergyLibraryTopic.asp?bid=jeaprd=10TID=13402SubjectID=7754]Solar Water Heater Basics[/url]

[url href=http://www.thermomax.com/Advantages%20and%20Costs.htm]A Nice Diagram[/url]

If anyone has experience with a solar water heater, I'd like to know.

-Sara

Some resources that I had posted on the old boards:

The American Solar Energy Society Web Site

Solar Today Magazine

Home Power Magazine

As far as I can tell Stiebel Eltron has some good looking solar panels & indirect tanks: http://www.houseneeds.com/shop/atop/solarindex.asp

check out

http://www.southface.org/solar/index.htm

a solar thermal system will definitely be cheaper than a tankless system with PV.  by an order or magnitude.  with the 30% federal tax credit up to $2000 of installed cost, it really makes sense if you will be in your home for a while.

It's entirely possible to heat your water with solar energy, while saving money on your energy bill. You can also help clean up the environment by using solar power instead of using polluting fossil fuels. And if you want, you can even build your own solar water heater.Building a solar hot water heater is actually not that hard. Although there are many designs and systems for solar water heaters, a few of them are relatively simple. It's the ideal do-it-yourself project, if you are so inclined.Here is one of the simplest versions of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects for solar water heating. But don't let the term "simple" fool you into thinking that this is not an effective way to reduce your energy bill.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.lincenergy.us

A solar water heater is a great investment. The ROI is very favorable compared to solar electric PV panels. The added benefit is lots and lots of really hot water that's free.



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A solar water heater is a great investment. The ROI is very favorable compared to solar electric PV panels. The added benefit is lots and lots of really hot water that's free.



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Solar water heating systems can achieve savings on your energy bills.  Based on the results of our recent field trial, typical savings from a well-installed and properly used system are £55 per year when replacing gas heating and £80 per year when replacing electric immersion heating; however, savings will vary from user to user.

Hallo Everyone.

Solar water heater is so important to achieve saving utility bills...Solar water heater also called solar domestic hot water systems. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don't.