Of all household appliances, electric water heaters use the most energy. About one quarter of all the energy used by a typical family, is used to heat water. In an average-sized family that accumulates dirty dishes by the ton, and with four or five bodies that need washing, this can add up to quite a lot. Cutting costs and saving energy is a major concern, especially with the cries of “energy crisis” ringing in our ears. Home-owners can save a whopping 85% on their electricity bills by installing a solar water heater, and gain peace of mind with the knowledge that they are doing their bit for the well-being of the planet.

Solar water heating systems perform three basic functions:

• They collect solar radiation via a solar collector.

• They transfer the energy collected to a storage tank, either naturally, using thermo-siphon systems or with a circulator, such as a low-head pump.

• They store the heated water until it’s needed.

Evacuated tube solar collectors are one of the most common methods used in solar heating. The system consists of two strong borosilicate glass tubes, the transparent outer tube allows light rays to pass through to the inner tube, which has a selective coating that minimises reflection and maximises the absorption of solar energy. The tubes are fused together at the top. The air in-between them is pumped out to create a vacuum, which serves to insulate the inner tube and curb the amount of heat that is lost from the environment.

Thermo-siphon systems are becoming increasingly popular because they’re the most natural and the easiest to maintain. The system consists of a storage tank, which is placed above an energy collector. It makes use of a vertical closed-loop that uses gravity and natural convection to heat large amounts of water. The liquid in the loop is heated, causing it to expand and rise upward in the system until it reaches the tank, where it is stored. Cooler liquid from the bottom of the system, rushes in to fill its place and the cycle is repeated.

A good solar water heater should provide over 20 years of uninterrupted service, although as with conventional, electric heaters, they do require some maintenance. The insulation on the pipes needs to be checked regularly to ensure that energy isn’t unnecessarily lost to the environment and the tank may need periodic flushing. The pump may need to be serviced and will probably need to be replaced after about 10 years, as will the tank, but this is no more than what electric water heaters demand to remain in good working order.

The initial cost of installing a solar water heater may be daunting, but when you compare it to replacing a broken geyser and leaking pipes, you’ll find that the difference isn’t so great after all. And when you consider that you’ll be slicing 85% off your electricity bill every month, solar power becomes even more attractive. In times when every cent counts and a penny saved is almost literally a penny earned, solar water heaters are worth their weight in gold.

Recommended sites:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/87983/the_advantages_of_of_a_solar_water.html?page=3

http://www.solarenergy.com/ws400CS.cgi?category=info_solar_water_heating.html&cart_id=1080421045809550&page=water_heating.html&dci=

http://www.solarenergy.com/ws400CS.cgi?category=info_using_sunshine.html&cart_id=1080421045809550&page=water_heating.html&dci=#1a