Solar Water Heating

Solar water heating systems are simple extensions to a building's hot water plumbing system that have components and controls similar to those of a hydronic (hot water) heating system. Three of the most common types to be found on buildings are: unglazed; glazed flat-plate; and evacuated tube solar collectors. Schematic design of a solar water heating system specifies the size, type, and location of major components. The chapter also provides details of the other components that would make up a complete solar water heating system, such as mounting systems, pumps, and heat exchangers. Residential water heating is perhaps the best application for solar water heating because water is used at several times of day, seven days a week, and 52 weeks per year. Finally, the chapter presents system thermodynamics and computer tools for analysis of solar water heating systems.