subject: What You Need To Know About Hot Water Solar Panels [print this page] Energy efficient homes are very popular these days. Whether they are being retrofitted in order to reduce the home's environmental impact or you are trying to lower energy costs, the fact is that hot water solar panels are something that you may want to consider using.
You may have only seen panel systems used to generate power. This is a more traditional form that many people have seen or utilized in the past. You can also use a slightly different panel system to heat water instead of generate electricity. You can then use the heated water for a number of different purposes.
A solar heater is able to heat water due to a series of tubes that carry water through the panel itself. Solar radiation hits the tubing and the water gets warmer. That water circulates back into the building where it will be used. There may be a tank that is used to store the water or it may circulate through a further series of pipes that bring it to where it is needed most.
One use for water heated by a solar panel is in radiant heating. In this style of heating system, the heated water travels through tubes installed under a floor. The heat radiates up through the floor and alters the temperature of the rooms where it is installed. This type of heating can be a great match for solar panel heating. This is because it does not require water to be heated to the same kind of temperatures that tap water may be expected to attain.
Solar panels are usually quite effective even if you are not living in an area that has a lot of strong sunlight every day. In the winter, a back-up system may be required but even if you are using a back-up system that is run off of hydro or natural gas the overall cost will still be quite affordable.
You need a few basic things in order to install your solar panel. A large area that is free of overhead obstructions is needed. A small amount of screening may be okay but if you place your panel in an area where it is blocked by buildings you may not get the energy you need to heat your water. You should look at the size of the system you want and then search out where you will position it before you go to the expense and effort of ordering it. The last thing you want is to spend money on a system that you cannot use.
When looking for information on hot water solar panels, consider looking online. There are many different websites with information you can use to pick the right system and find deals that make them even more affordable.
