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Solar Energy - Have the Sun pay part of your energy bill
from: Hans Dekker Residential hot water is a significant energy consumer for most
households. In fact, hot water is sometimes the largest single
energy cost. Using solar energy to provide at least some of the
hot water in your household can result in significant savings.
There are several ways that solar energy can be integrated into
a hot water system. Although solar boilers can be used on their
own, they are most often used in conjunction with traditional
water heaters which are powered by gas or electricity. In this
kind of system, the water heated with solar energy can be used
on its own (if it is hot enough) or as preheated water for the
traditional water heater.
Solar boilers can be used in any type of climate but are most
practical in areas which don't have freezing weather during the
wintertime. Solar hot water systems in colder climates can use
indirect heating systems which do not expose the water to the
freezing temperatures. Instead, a fluid that resists freezing
circulates through the solar panels and is used to heat the
water. Southern climates can use direct heating systems where
the water itself passes through the solar panels installed on
the roof.
There are two basic types of solar hot water systems -- active
and passive. Passive systems rely on gravity and the natural
flow of water from hot to cold. They are simple systems and
require very little maintenance. They are durable and
long-lasting. You can easely build simple systems yourself all
you will need are parts that you can find in any hardware store.
Active systems make use of pumps to circulate the water. In some
systems, the pumps can be powered with solar energy; otherwise
they must be connected to the household electrical supply. In
both systems a storage tank is needed to hold the heated water.
On hot days with plenty of direct sunlight solar systems can
heat water with surprising efficiency. During this kind of
weather, there may be no need to use electricity or gas as a
backup. When the weather is colder, the solar heaters can
preheat the water which passes into the traditional water
heater. This preheated water requires much less energy to bring
to proper temperatures which can result in significant savings
on your energy bills.
As with all alternative energy systems there is a lot of room
for your own imagination if you like that. If you don't you
don't and just use the technology, but for those who like to
play around with technology like myself these systems offer a
myriad of possibilities to think about.
For example, a stirling engine converts changes in temperature
into mechanical motion, for example to generate electricity.
Mmm, that's a nice thought. A change in temperature is something
this system will provide, but it will also heat your water. A
double benefit?
About the author:
Hans is an off grid enthusiast and author at
http://www.alternative-energy-guide.com/ Visit us for
introductory and more advanced articles.
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