Passive solar water heaters
Passive solar water heaters work with the help of gravity and the inclination for water to circulate as it gets warm. Passive systems are considered to be more unfailing, easier to preserve and, have more extended working period as they comprise no electrical constituents. The two most widely used kinds of passive systems are the following:
1. Integral-collector storage systems contain one or more storing tanks put in an isolated box with a glassed-in side that faces the sun. Such solar collectors are appropriate for areas with rather mild climate. They are also suited for households with considerable day and evening needs of hot water. However, they do not function well in households with mainly morning use as they lose the major part of saved energy for night.
2. Thermosyphon systems are quite reasonable and unfailing choice, particularly in new households. Those systems are based on the usual convection of heated water rising to move water through the
collectors and to the tank, set above the collector. When the water in the solar collector gets warm, it becomes lighter and rises naturally into the tank above. At the same time, the chiller water runs down the lines to the bottom of the collector, enhancing the circulation. Some producers set the storage tank in the garret of the house, hiding it from view. Indirect thermosyphons may be fixed in climates inclined to freezing, if the pipes are properly protected. 
The benefits of solar water heating
The most widely spread usage of the solar energy in households is to ensure light and heat. Nevertheless, there is a considerable inclination for supplying with hot water too.
Solar water systems comprise many benefits, such as unfailing hot water when the electricity is off, lower electricity expenses and raising consciousness of a renewed source of energy.
In accordance with present prices on electricity, you may save from $350 to $450 per year at home by setting up a solar water heater. Those savings will keep on rising because the prices on electricity and natural gas are planned to boost during the coming years.
The environment benefits considerably as well. In case every household had its own solar water heater, the emissions of carbon dioxide from electricity production would be diminished by nearly 2 million tones a year. If solar water heaters would be set up by commercial and industrial companies, the environment would benefit even more. The usage of solar water heating more broadly throughout the world would put a great load off energy reserves.
Is it suitable for my home?
Solar water heating may be used either in houses or for bigger applications, for example, a swimming pool. It will be needed 3-4 square meters of southeast to southwest that face a garret getting direct sunlight for the major part of the day for a domestic system. If needed, some space may be used to place an extra water cylinder.
Selecting a system appropriate for your needs involves taking into account a series of factors, such as the area of south that faces the garret, the current water heating system and your financial status. An experienced professional installer will manage to understand your situation and discuss with you the best arrangement to meet your requirements.
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