How Solar Water Heater Works

Learn How Solar Water Heater Works or Solar Water Heater Working Principle.

Here we will Learn How Solar Water Heater Works or Solar Water Heater Working Principle Explained in Detail with Images, Diagram and Animation Video.

What is a Solar Water Heater?

Solar water heaters or domestic solar water heater are cheap and cost-effective way to supply hot water for your home. They use solar radiation or sunshine as fuel to heat water. This method of heating water is cheaper because we don’t have to pay for heat of the sun.

Solar water heaters are described according to the type of collector and the circulation system used.

How Solar Water Heater Works?

Initial solar water heaters were basically large metal containers painted in black because black color is a good conductor of heat and absorbs a lot of heat getting heated quickly. As the container got heated with the heat of the sun, water stored in these containers also got heated. This was simple but was time-consuming because it took several hours to heat the water.

A Simple Solar Water Heater

With the advancement of technology, solar cells, solar panels and home solar panel system were made and new solar water heaters were developed. These new solar water heaters work on the same principle but have much sophisticated system including pumps, insulated storage tanks, temperature gauges, anti-freeze valves, and solar collector. This new system absorbs more solar energy from the sun and thus heats water quicker.

These more advanced Solar water heaters are manufactured in different designs but all of them have following common components:

  1. A Collector – Batch collector (Not Compatible with closed-loop circulation systems), Flat-plate collector, Evacuated tube collector.
  2. Insulated Storage Tank – Has inlets and outlets connected to and from the.

Solar Water Heater

Circulation System to Heat Water

4 Different types of circulation systems are used in solar water heaters to heat water:

Active Circulation System (forced-circulation)

In this system, controllers, electric pumps and valves are used to force water from the collector to the storage tank. This system is widely used in USA.

Passive Circulation System

In this system, water automatically moves from the collectors to the storage tank as it heats up. This process happens because of convection. There is no need of any electric pump.

Direct Circulation System

In this system, water is circulated through solar collectors where it is heated by heat of the sun. This heater water can be piped to a tankless water heater, or it can be directly used. This system is suitable at places on Earth where there is no snowfall. At places with very cold climate or where there is snowfall, the system will require protection from freeze.

Closed-loop Circulation System (indirect system)

In this system, non-freezing liquid is stores in collectors. Heat from the Sun heats this liquid that passes passes through a heat exchanger in the storage tank. This process transfers heat from the non-freezing liquid to water in the tank. The non-freezing liquid then cycles back to the collectors.

This system is best suitable for places with very cold climate or where there is snowfall.

Solar Water Heater Diagram

Solar Water Heater Diagram

Video: How Solar Water Heater Works Animation

I hope now it is clear How Solar Water Heater Works and it Working Principle. Please SHARE if you Liked.

FAQs: Solar Water Heating System

Solar water heating systems are eco-friendly and can significantly reduce energy bills. They harness free and renewable solar energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, they require minimal maintenance and have a long lifespan, contributing to both environmental and financial savings.

Yes, solar water heating systems can work in various climates. While they are most efficient in sunny areas, modern systems are designed to work in colder or cloudier conditions as well. However, their efficiency might be slightly reduced on cloudy days or during colder seasons.

The amount you can save depends on factors such as your location, system size, and energy usage. On average, solar water heating systems can provide savings of 50-80% on water heating costs. Over time, these savings can offset the initial installation costs.

Solar water heating systems are designed to heat water using solar energy directly, while solar PV systems generate electricity from sunlight. PV systems can power various appliances in your home, while solar water heating systems focus solely on providing hot water for domestic use.

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Santosh Das

Santosh, founder of this Electronics Tutorial Website, is an Electronics Geek, Blogger and Young Entrepreneur. He possesses vast experience in the field of electronics, electronic components, PCB, Soldering, SMT, Telecommunication, ESD Safety, and PCB Assembly Tools, Equipment and Consumables. Keep visiting for daily dose of Tips and Tutorials.

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22 Responses

  1. Kathirvelu says:

    Is it possible to get heat water immediately after opening the tap

  2. Victoria Addington says:

    Thanks for helping me understand how solar water heater works. I am hoping to install a hot water system at home, but I am not sure what type works best for my needs and my budget. It’s good to know that this type is cheap and cost-effective, as it uses solar radiation to heat water. Hopefully, I can find one that offers this kind of unit and provides installation services as well.

  3. Anup Kurup says:

    does solar water work at night ,rainy and cold season and does it mainatin a good temperature ?????

  4. williams david says:

    Dear sir/madam
    I would like to introduce to you that
    We are in needs of buying the below Products from your valued
    Company. Solar panels Battery, solar water Heaters, Solar water pumps etc.. I
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  5. AgniSolar says:

    This blog provides valuable insights into two distinct types of solar water heating systems: the direct circulation system and the closed-loop circulation system (indirect system). The direct circulation system involves the direct heating of water through solar collectors, making it ideal for regions without snowfall. On the other hand, the closed-loop circulation system employs a non-freezing liquid to prevent freeze-related issues, making it a reliable choice for colder climates and snowy areas. Both systems showcase the remarkable potential of solar water heaters in harnessing the sun’s energy for efficient and eco-friendly water heating solutions.

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