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There are multiple ways to use solar energy, other than solar power. One of the best utilizations of the sunlight discovered by mankind is solar water heating. Solar water heating systems are gaining popularity due to the increase in energy prices and global warming. Solar hot water systems can be used in any location and climate, and the fuel they use, i.e. sunshine, is absolutely free.
Before making a decision for installing a solar hot water system in your residential property, you must research reviews about the company you will hire, and proceed accordingly. Everything Solar prides it self in having five-star reviews from a variety of solar customers in the Orlando area for the past 22 years.
“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 [1].
Solar hot water systems are an innovative way to acquire heated water for your daily needs. They produce energy by utilizing or concentrating the solar radiation from the sun and help in reducing energy bills to a great extent.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
These are the oldest type of solar panels. They are made from around 40 monocrystalline solar cells. These cells are made from pure silicon.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are said to be a relatively newer development. They are considered to be more efficient than polycrystalline panels. Polycrystalline solar panels are made from fragments of the silicon crystal melted together.
Evacuated Tube Collectors
These collectors use a series of evacuated tubes to heat water for use. These have glass or metal tubes.
Point Focus Collectors
These collectors are huge parabolic dishes made of reflective material that concentrates the sun’s energy onto a single point.
Line Focus Collectors
These collectors use highly reflective materials to collect and concentrate the heat energy from solar radiation. These are capable of tracking the sun in the sky to ensure maximum sunlight collection.
Flat Plate Collectors
Flat plates are like metal boxes that have transparent glazing as a cover on top of a dark-colored absorber plate.
What Are The Most Efficient Forms Of Solar Thermal Collectors?
The most efficient form of solar thermal collectors is the evacuated tube collectors despite their expensive nature. The metal or glass tubes have a vacuum that allows them to work in colder climates as well.
Make sure that the solar company you contract:
The SWH model allows you to vary the location, hot water load profiles, mains and set temperature profiles, and characteristics of the collector, heat exchanger, and solar tanks. The model was developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for SAM [2].
The major applications of solar thermal collectors are:
Everything Solar
Hire us and take full advantage of what we have to offer. At Everything Solar, we have unlimited design resources with extensive experience serving multiple industries from residential to commercial and have been doing so for the past 22 years.
References
1. Solar Water Heaters. Energy.gov. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/water-heating/solar-water-heaters
2. NREL. System Advisor Model. https://sam.nrel.gov/solar-water-heating.html