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Solar heating systems are generally composed of solar thermal collectors, a fluid system to move the heat from the collector to its point of usage, and a reservoir or tank for heat storage and subsequent use. Systems use daylight to heat water. They may be used to heat domestic hot water, for space heating or to heat swimming pools. These systems are composed of solar thermal collectors, a storage tank and a circulation loop. The two basic classifications of solar water heaters are:
Active systems utilize pumps to circulate water or a heat transfer fluid (forced circulation systems). This therefore gives more flexibility in the design of the system and offers improved efficiency especially at low levels of solar energy levels.
Passive systems circulate water or a heat transfer fluid by natural circulation. These are also known as Thermosyphon systems. When the water in the collector becomes warmer than the water in the storage tank, it rises to the tank, drawing cooler water from the bottom of the tank into the bottom of the collector. The circulation in Thermosyphon is thus self starting and self controlling as it only occurs when the water in the collector is warmer than the water in the higher storage tank. In this type of installation, the solar collector must be mounted lower than the storage tank. At night the remaining water can freeze and damage the panels and the storage tank if exposed to outdoor temperatures.
In order to heat water using solar energy, a collector (panel) is attached to the roof or wall or ground facing the sun. Panels are usually installed on the south facing side of the property. The panels are available as a flat plate collector or a vacuum tube collector. Vacuum tube collectors give a higher energy yield than flat plate collectors, however the energy yield is only considerably more at high working temperatures (approx. 20%). They tend to be more expensive and are more fragile than a flat plate collector. Panels are normally fitted at a predetermined angle rather than flat against flat roofs, walls or the ground to ensure maximum absorption.
