What is a Solar Water Heater? A Detailed Overview

The demand for water geysers gets high in winter. However, due to the shortage of gas in winter, water heaters that run on gas do not function optimally. And on the other hand, electric water heaters consume too much power. This is another problem because hiked power tariffs made it impossible to afford electric geysers.

A solar heater is an efficient, cost-effective alternative to gas and electric water heating systems. Solar heaters are domestic hot water systems integrated with solar panels that generate heat for the water heating system.

Here is a comprehensive overview of solar water heaters, their work, and why you need one.

What is a Solar Water Heater?

A solar water heater is a geyser that uses solar power to heat the water. Solar geysers are integrated with PV panels that capture the sunlight and generate heat, which the geyser uses to increase the water temperature. Once you install a solar water geyser at your home will provide a continuous supply of hot water for sanitary use. The best part is that since there is no fuel or electricity consumption in the whole process of water heating by solar panels, zero CO2 emission is ensured, which leads to a greener environment and a sustainable future.

How Does a Solar Water Heater Work?

Solar water geysers are manufactured with two main components: solar collectors and water tanks. Solar panels absorb the sunlight and convert it into heat, which is then transferred to the water tank through a circulating system. Once the system heats up the water at optimal temperature (set by a thermal regulator), the extra heat is transferred back to the backup system connected with the solar geyser. 

Here are the simple steps involved in the solar water heater functionality;

Solar collectors absorb the sunlight.

The captured sunlight is converted into heat.

The heat is transferred to the water tank.

The thermoregulators in the water tank control the optimal temperature of the water.

When there is no sunlight, the solar geyser uses its backup power to provide hot water. 

Generally, solar water heater systems come in two types: active solar water heating systems and passive solar heating systems. Active solar geysers have circulating pumps and controls, whereas passive solar geysers are without circulating pumps and controls. It depends upon the consumer's budget and preference to choose the right solar water heating system for the home or office.

Benefits of Solar Water Heating System

Solar water geysers offer great benefits, and some of the prominent ones are as follows;

Reduced Carbon Footprint: Solar water heating systems require no fuel or electricity to function, thus leaving zero carbon footprint in the atmosphere.

Affordable & Effective: Domestic hot water systems save you from costly gas and electricity bills.

Continuous Hot Water Supply: Solar water geysers have backup systems to provide endless hot water supply even when the sun is not shining. Moreover, it can be used throughout the year.

Summary

Solar power is free. A solar water heating system will save fuel and electricity costs while giving you unlimited hot water supply throughout the year. The system uses sunlight to convert it into heat to increase the water temperature. Compared to conventional water heating measures, a solar geyser is an effective device to provide a hot water supply without hassle.

Also Read: Haier Launches Solar Hybrid AC to Ensure Unlimited Cooling with Zero Electricity Bills