Solar Electric Water Heaters

A new trend for the future of electric water heaters is combining them with solar panels. As green technology continues to advance, we will continue to see an increase in appliances that use this energy efficient power source. Electric water heaters are one of the most cost efficient ways of keeping your house water warm. Adding the convenience of a solar panel only increases the cost savings for you.

Everyone has access to the sun regardless of what climate you live in. This makes it one of the most abundant forms of power on the planet. Electric water heaters also go by the name of, ?domestic hot water systems." One of the great things about harnessing the sun's energy to power your appliances is that it is free.

There are two types of solar heating systems that are available for use with water heaters. Most are commonly used for residential purposes and include a storage tank and a solar collector. The first type is ?active" and includes circulating pumps, and the second type is ?passive" which do not require pumps or controls. Electric water heaters can easily use either type without a problem.

For residential usage, there are three types of solar collectors: a flat plate collector, an integral collector-storage system, and an evacuated tube solar collector. Flat plate collectors are the most common, as they are simply a flat panel with either a glazed or unglazed plate design. The dark surface absorbs energy from the sun and stores it in the water heater.

Electric water heaters can also be fitted with an evacuated tube solar collector. This type of collector features dual rows of transparent glass tubes. They are attached to a fin that absorbs the solar energy and at the same time inhibits heat loss. This kind of collector is the most common kind found in U.S. homes to use with electric water heaters. The third and final kind of solar collector is known as the integral collector-storage system, or batch systems. They consist of a black tank or insulated tubes within a glazed box.

Electric water heaters use this solar technology in a fairly simple way. The cold water rushes into the solar collector where it is preheated. Once it's warm, the water rushes to the backup water heater and creates the reliable source of hot water. One thing to keep in mind is that solar electric water heaters may not work as well during the winter months. They cold air may slow down the energy.

Electric water heaters fitted with a solar panel can end up saving families close to 90 percent in energy costs in homes that see a lot of sun. The pumps of these systems pump the water through a heat exchanger and can be used to heat the home with hot water as well. For most families, regardless of location, solar panel electric water heaters can end up saving them lots of money. The energy efficiency of these appliances also is an added plus.

Electric Water Heaters