Types of Solar Hot Water Panels
Solar panels crop up in the news all the time, but what exactly are solar panels. How are they different and are some better than others? The answers are relatively easy as there are only a few types of solar panels to choose from and each type has a specific purpose. Solar panels can be classed as Active solar power which means you are actually harnessing solar energy on purpose.
Solar Water Heating
Here we are harnessing the suns energy as heat in the form of hot water. The sun may heat the water directly or indirectly via a heat exchanger in which the sun may heat oil or usually water containing chemicals, such as some form of anti-freeze.
These panels do not produce electricity and therefor cannot be used to power your home. Instead they heat water that maybe be used for washing, showering or heating. Each home will have varying water use but on the average, depending on location, you could save 50% or more on your water heating costs.
Flat plate solar water panels
Flat plate panels are simpler than evacuated tube solar panels and are somewhat cheaper to produce. These basically consist of a large metal plate that acts as the heat-sink for the suns says this then transfers heat through conduction to water flowing in pipes along its surface. Ideally these should be mounted on your roof which should be orientated to face the midday sun.
Evacuated Tube Solar water panels
Evacuated Tube solar panels are more efficient than flat plate solar panels and are often smaller in size for the same heat generation capacity. This efficiency allows Evacuated tube panels to be more productive in the winter months. As with Flat plate solar panels, roof mounting and orientation is a factor to consider to maximize its hot water output .
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