If you need water heating systems, then you definitely need to go green with solar power.
A solar water heating system is very much different than the most commonly known solar-powered electricity generation. While solar power is most commonly used in order to generate electricity from the sun’s energy, a solar water heating system uses the sun’s heat in order to physically heat water up.
And with the latest technology advancements, solar water heating systems are becoming more common and replaces traditional water heating systems that use electricity.
If you want to have a solar water heating system installed in your home, here are 6 characteristics of the ideal solar energy water heating system you should look for!
1. Durability
Even though most of the industry debate is centered around efficiency, based on obvious selling points, people tend to focus more on the long-term performance of collectors instead of the short term.
Keep in mind that there is no substitute for quality so the water heating system that you install today needs to be designed to last for at least 40 years.
The easiest indicator of quality of a solar water heating system collector is the warranty. Most manufacturers offer a 10-year warranty and there are some who extended this to 15 years. Although you might pay a bit more with longer warranty models, such models tend to have larger burners or elements which can speed up water heating and has thicker insulation for less heat loss.
Moreover, you might also want to check with the reputation of the manufacturer and how long they have been in business. There are some companies that have been making products since the ‘80s and ‘70s and continued to produce long-lasting products.
Also, you need to make sure that the solar water heating system you purchase comes with all the standard certifications. This should help you gauge the reliability, durability, and efficiency of the system.
2. Brass Drain Valves
Valves are utilized in order to supply cold water to the storage tank and are usually located near the base of a heater device. There are some devices which have plastic-made drain valves, typically the cheaper ones. However, you need to opt for a brass drain valve since it is more durable and stable than the plastic drain valves.
3. Digital Displays
Choose a solar water heating system with digital displays. This helps you customize operations and monitor levels more easily. There are even some solar pump hybrid water heaters that allow you to set a vacation mode which uses just the heat pump for an added efficiency when you are away.
Displays on a solar water heating system usually show collector and tank temperature as well as pressure readings and more.
4. Glass-lined Storage Tanks
A storage tank is used in order to store cold and hot water together. Choose a storage tank which is glass-lined in order to reduce corrosion that typically occur inside the solar heating system. A coating layer is usually applied to the tank’s inner steel and is heated in order to generate a protective, porcelain glass-like layer.
5. Anti-Scale Buildup Devices
Solar water heating systems usually form scale buildup when circulating water through the collectors. Scale buildups minimize the lifespan of the heating process within your solar water heater. Therefore, look for a solar water heating system that has an anti-scale device that reduces the buildup of mineral scale at the bottom of the tank.
However, you do not need to invest in fancy features in order to get a long-lived solar water heater. Just choose a water heating system with a 12-year warranty that usually includes a thicker or longer element.
6. Dual Functions
A regular solar water heating system only works when it is warm and sunny outside. But, if you are looking for a consistent performance from your solar water heating system, try to look for a unity with dual functions.
This dual function means that the solar water heating system should be able to work really even if it is not as sunny outside.