Depletion of natural resources at fast pace compels people to find some of the alternative sources of energy that are economical and can be used for a large number of years. Considering the fact; solar energy proves a blessing in disguise in this direction. Being considered as one of the inexpensive forms of energy; process of converting sun’s energy into thermal energy is known as solar thermal energy. The applications of solar thermal energy are varied such as can be used for cooking food, heating water, generating electricity, etc. Nowadays, this technology is used by people of all over the world due to its innumerable benefits.

There are a series of products available for Solar Thermal energy in the market such as solar thermal water heating system, solar cooker, etc. Solar water heating systems involves advanced and viable technology for converting sun’s energy into hot water at a temperature ranges from 60 to 120 degrees. It consists of solar collector, insulated storage tank, cold water supply tank, toughened glass and insulated piping. These systems not only cater the needs of houses, but also hotels, restaurants, hospitals, etc. It is worth to disclose that these water heating systems work on sunny days also, but with less efficiency.

Principle on which solar water heating systems work

Black bodies have natural capacity of absorbing heat faster and these systems work on this fundamental principle. Solar collector has copper sheet of black color which absorbs solar thermal energy and heats up the water. Then, heated water, being lighter in weight rises up and gets collected in the insulated storage water tank. Afterwards, this heated water can be used both for domestic and commercial purposes.

Benefits of using the system

•    These systems have long life span of 10-15 years if maintained properly.
•    Maintenance and operation cost is negligible.
•    Less dependence on electricity further results in reducing electricity bills.

However, the benefits list is extensive and only some of the benefits which can be availed by installing these systems are listed above. Therefore, it can be said that products based on solar thermal energy are useful, cost-effective and have long life-span. In order to gather more information about solar water heating systems, then avail the valuable guidance of professionals who are ready to provide the installation and other related services at cost-effective rates.

We have been getting our energy requirements from the sun for ages, actually heating our water since the early 1800s. What’s particularly exciting now though is the fact that solar energy for homes has become economically viable for us to use in our homes and factories on a scale only imagined then.

Solar power can possibly meet all your home power needs. Where you live, the design of the system and collector size will all influence the amount of energy that can be provided to heat or light your home.

Solar heaters come in a variety of styles, configurations, performance levels and of course complexity and costs. To heat water they may have a back up in place like gas or electricity for the times when there is little or no sunshine as well as the collector, storage tank, circulating pump and controls.

Types of Solar Energy for Homes Systems:

There are basically two types of heating system, both use solar collectors, both have storage tanks, but the forced circulation system will need a pump to circulate the heated water to the storage tank. Most domestic systems are like this.
A passive system uses the fact that hot water rises so generally the storage tank is above the solar collector, using the natural convection of water flow to move the warmed water to the storage tank.

Collectors:

There are several types of collector, many can be acquired in kit form or made from plans available from commercial Solar Energy suppliers and on the internet.

A simple kind of solar collector is the flat plate type. It might consist of copper pipes in a rectangular painted box. As solar energy falls on the box it warms the water in the pipes before it is transferred to the storage tank.
The evacuated tube collector is another type where the tubes are enclosed in structures similar to vacuum flasks to minimise the loss of heat from the system, increasing the efficiency and cost savings.
There is an all in one solar energy for homes collector that also stores the heated water ready for use within the collector. Also known as a batch water heater, they are great for smaller houses and warm climates where there is no risk of freezing.

Most solar collectors are mounted on the roofs of buildings, out of shady areas cast by trees and tall buildings. Solar energy water systems can be used for all domestic hot water needs, including domestic, pool heating and industrial needs.