Most solar water-heating systems for buildings have two main parts: (1) a solar collector and (2) a storage tank. The most common collector used in solar hot water systems is the flat plate collector or evacuated tube collector.

Solar water heaters use the sun to heat either water or a heat-transfer fluid in the collector. Heated water is then held in the storage tank ready for use, with a conventional system providing additional heating as necessary. The tank can be a modified standard water heater. Solar water heating systems can be either Active or Passive, but the most common are active systems.

The following are types of active systems.

1. Direct-circulation systems use pumps to circulate pressurized potable water directly through the collectors. These systems are appropriate in areas that do not freeze for long periods and do not have hard or acidic water.
2. Indirect-circulation systems pump heat-transfer fluids through collectors. Heat exchangers transfer the heat from the fluid to the potable water.

The following are types of Passive systems:

Passive solar water heaters rely on gravity and the tendency for water to naturally circulate as it is heated. Because they contain no electrical components, passive systems are generally more reliable, easier to maintain, and possibly have a longer work life than active systems. The two most popular types of passive systems are:

1. Integral-collector storage systems consist of one or more storage tanks placed in an insulated box with a glazed side facing the sun. These solar collectors are suited for areas where temperatures rarely go below freezing. They are also good in households with significant daytime and evening hot-water needs; but they do not work well in households with predominantly morning draws because they lose most of the collected energy overnight.
2. Thermosyphon systems are an economical and reliable choice. These systems rely on the natural convection of warm water rising to circulate water through the collectors and to the tank (located above the collector). As water in the solar collector heats, it becomes lighter and rises naturally into the tank above. Meanwhile, the cooler water flows down the pipes to the bottom of the collector, enhancing the circulation.

Solar water heating systems almost always require a backup system for cloudy days and times of increased demand. Conventional storage hot water tanks usually provide backup and may already be part of the solar system package. A backup system may also be part of the solar collector, such as rooftop tanks with thermosyphon systems. Since an integral-collector storage system already stores hot water in addition to collecting solar heat.

There are over 60 million Americans who live in neighborhoods governed by a Homeowners’ Association (HOA). An HOA is a legal entity created by a real estate developer for the purpose of protecting the integrity of the new community of homes. They accomplish this with a set of covenants which are conditions and restrictions the home owners must obey. The intent of most covenants is to maintain a level of quality so as to ensure the residents’ property values.

The problem with most HOA covenants is a lot of them are out of date and prohibit their residents from installing new green products such as solar panels to lower their expenses and their overall carbon footprint. Many HOAs object to the placement of any sort of solar panels on the roofs of the houses. But, there is relief on the way with more and more states passing laws forbidding HOAs from preventing home owners from installing cost saving solar hot water systems for their house. (Below is an example of Florida’s law and there are at least 12 other states with similar laws on the books.)

Residential solar hot water heating systems are simple and can be installed by Zager Plumbing and Solar, Inc. in your home in no time at all.

Zager Plumbing and Solar, Inc. has installed these types of systems in many residential homes as well as large resorts that use 4,000 gallon water storage tanks. We know what we are doing and no one does it better. If you have any questions please use our Contact Us Form and you’ll find all of our contact information on that page. We look forward to working with you.

FLORIDA SOLAR RIGHTS ACT

any entity from being denied the right to install solar collectors or any renewable energy source on a Florida building, including home owners associations and deed restricted communities.

Know your rights when you live in a Florida HOA and/or deed restricted communities Read Entire Florida Solar Rights Act

Zager Plumbing and Solar, Inc
149 SE 4th Street
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
1-800-870-6321
954-481-2629
Fax: 954-481-1654
CFC 041677
CVC 56804

Florida Solar Energy Industries Association

Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association

American Solar Energy Society

International Solar Energy Society

"Green" Hotels Association

Leave Residential Solar Page
to Return to Zager Plumbing & Solar Home Page