A typical solar system will reduce the need for conventional water heating by about two-thirds. Often the plumbing from a solar heater connects to a houses existing water heater, which stays inactive as long as the water coming in is hot or hotter than the temperature setting on the indoor water heater. When it falls below this temperature, the homes water heater can kick in to make up the difference. Incorporating passive solar designs can reduce heating bills by as much as 50 percent. High-temperature solar water heaters can provide energy-efficient hot water and hot water heat for large commercial and industrial facilities.
Many large commercial buildings can use solar collectors to provide more than just hot water. Solar process heating systems can be used to heat these buildings. A solar ventilation system can be used in cold climates to preheat air as it enters a building. And the heat from a solar collector can even be used to provide energy for cooling a building. The Co-operative Insurance Building in Manchester has the largest commercial solar system in the UK. I think it looks very futuristic and cool!
You can generate electricity for a single building like more…
Thanks to technology, inventions help make life easier for us. It all started with the solar calculator. From there, people discovered that the sun can be used for regeneration - just like how Superman re-charges by flying to the sun whenever he is weakened by kryptonite.
One of the latest inventions concerning solar energy is the solar pool heater. Pushing the envelope further, solar home heating can also be done. This was basically inspired by the experience of getting burnt once your skin gets in contact with water (primarily from hose) that has been sitting out on the sun for too long. This is called passive solar water heating.
Before the beginning of the 21st century, states like Los Angeles and Florida have already taken advantage of passive solar hot water systems. There were a number of sytems using solar water heating that are located in the mentioned states’ roof tops.
Nowadays, the solar water heater is referred to as PSWH, Bread Box and Batch Heater. However, the technical term for this contraption is the Integrated Collector and Storage System or ICS for short.
Usually starting with 40 gallons of water in a lined tank made of glass, these systems more…
When it comes to heating water, there are several different ways to go. The most
popular of water heaters are surely hot water gas heaters. This type of heater
is the most economical. However, modern technology offers several other options
for heating water. Electric and solar heaters are popular on the market. But most
people still prefer good old gas water heaters. Is there a reason for it? What
are the advantages and disadvantages of gas heaters compared to other types?
Other types of water heaters
Hot water gas heater is not your only option. There are several other heaters,
you can use where gas supply is not readily available. For example electric
water heater is in high demand and many people prefer electric to gas. However,
gas water heaters are still the most popular and majority of people who buy
heaters, buy gas water heaters.
Instant hot water heaters
A recent invention is a tankless water heater. This type of heater brings you
hot water the moment you turn the tap on. As the name suggests tankless heaters
have no storage tank for water, they heat it as you use it. more…
