What is a Solar Water Heater?

A solar water heater heats hot water using the sun’s free energy. These systems are usually supplemented with electricity or gas backup heating for cloudy days and times of peak demand.  solar water heater malaysia They are highly effective in our climate and can reduce your household electricity use by up to 50%.

A typical system consists of solar collectors and a hot water storage tank. The collector is fastened to a roof, ideally angled for maximum exposure to sunlight. It may be a flat plate or evacuated tube collector, and can be either active or passive (depending on the type). A thermal insulation layer is placed between the collector and the roof surface to prevent ice build up in winter.

Inside the collector, a heat transfer or working fluid – often non-toxic propylene glycol – absorbs the sunlight’s energy and then passes it to the tank via a piping loop. The circulating pump is automatically operated by the controller. When the system is operating, heated glycol or water from the collector is piped to the hot water storage tank to warm the tank’s portable water. The cooled glycol or water is then returned to the collector to be warmed again.

Once your new solar water heating system is in place, a maintenance schedule will be set up to monitor the operation of the pumps and sensors. If there are any problems you will be notified. You will need to empty and flush the tank annually to remove collected sediment and to wash the glass in the collector. This will keep the system at its best and ensure optimal performance.

You do not usually need to apply for planning permission for a solar water heater, as it is categorised as a ‘permitted development’. However, homeowners in conservation areas or listed buildings should check with their local council before proceeding.

Installing a solar hot water system can be as simple or complex as you want. The easiest way to install a system is as part of a new home build, with the storage tank being located directly above the collectors. This will minimise the number of piping connections and will help to avoid water leaks. Other systems involving thermosiphoning will put the solar tank higher on the roof, which may require reinforced roofing.

Most manufacturers provide warranties for 5 or 10 years, and solar hot water system maintenance is similar to that of conventional systems. You should set up a calendar to check for system issues like leaks or antifreeze levels, and have the system checked over by a professional every 3-5 years.