Solar water heating system is a device that uses solar energy to heat water for domestic, commercial, and industrial needs. Heating of water is the most common application of solar energy in the world. A typical solar water heating system can save up to 1500 units of electricity every year, for every 100 litres per day of solar water heating capacity.
- A solar water heating system consists of a flat plate solar collector, a storage tank kept at a height behind the collector, and connecting pipes.
- The collector usually comprises copper tubes welded to copper sheets (both coated with a highly absorbing black coating) with a toughened glass sheet on top and insulating material at the back. The entire assembly is placed in a flat box.
- In certain models, evacuated glass tubes are used instead of copper; a separate cover sheet and insulating box are not required in this case.
- The system is generally installed on the roof or open ground, with the collector facing the sun and connected to a continuous water supply.
- Water flows through the tubes, absorbs solar heat and becomes hot.
- The heated water is stored in a tank for further use.
- The water stored in the tank remains hot overnight as the storage tank is insulated and heat losses are small.
