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The primary use for solar water heating systems is to help provide domestic homes with their supply of solar hot water. However many people think that it is only possible to use water heated by the power of the sun in hot countries.

This is simply not the case. The water in a solar hot water system is heated by the amount of sunlight, not the ambient temperature of the environment. 

Solar Thermal Pool Heating

Anyone who owns a swimming pool will know that they cost a small fortune to heat. The good news is that even in northern temperate zones (think Alaska, Canada, Scotland and even the Scandinavian countries), solar water heating can be used to heat swimming pools. In fact in northern climes, savings up to 80% of a pools heating costs are possible adding up to huge financial and carbon savings.

It also does not particularly matter what size the pool is. From domestic indoor or outdoor pools through to heated leisure centre pools, the solar hot water system is simply sized to meet the heating needs. Running costs for solar thermal pool heating systems are also low. All that is needed is a pump and controller requiring minimal electrical power.

Solar Hot Water for Homes

Solar water heating can help provide a home with up to 70% of their domestic hot water supply. In more southerly climates this rises to 100%. This can be used for supplying hot water for everyday bathing needs and domestic appliances.

However, it must be pointed out that solar thermal is currently not suitable for supplying hot water to traditional wall mounted domestic radiators as a typical system is unable to keep up with their rapid heat loss. In future, as new homes become more thermally efficient this is set to change. It is currently possible to use solar hot water to heat small areas of under floor heating.

Large Scale Solar Thermal Hot Water Systems

For obvious reasons, large construction companies are putting a lot of time and energy into working out how solar thermal hot water can be used for large commercial properties. 

The principals are the same as with smaller scale solar hot water systems but with a few more components and heavier duty elements. The good news is with these larger systems is that the bigger the system the greater the return on the investment in terms of both cost savings and lowered carbon emissions.

How do larger scale hot water systems work 

The essence to designing these larger systems is in working out the heat load. Once this information is known the number of panels and water storage required can be allocated. The trick then is to find the right place to put them. On a domestic residence the roof is an obvious solution, but on a skyscraper the locations are less obvious. Architects all over the world are investigating different solutions to this challenge and in doing so are advancing the solar water heating technologies in leaps and bounds.

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About the Author:
Freesource Energy are accredited suppliers and installers of solar water heating systems. They are experienced in providing solar thermal solutions to a wide range of properties with a variety of heating needs.
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