The Sun, is the ultimate source of energy. The energy which is generated by the sun is known as the solar energy. Solar energy is virtually inexhaustible and thankfully mankind can make use of this tremendous energy resource for another million years to come. Compared to other sources of energy which are available to in the form of fossil fuel, solar energy is limitless. Solar heating is one of the most recent innovations to solve the problem of water heating. Apart from this, it has numerous other utilities.
What is It?
The mechanism of solar energy makes use of the energy generated by the sun and helps you to heat up your pool, home or make hot water. There are various factors which determine the amount of heating you will get. It depends on the factors like surface area, surface reflectance, solar radiation, thermal convection from the wind and ambient temperature. With the help of solar radiation, the system can also be used to heat other objects, your car for an example.
Benefits of Solar Heating
Unlimited supply of hot water
This is one of the most important features of this mechanism. It gives you access to hot water throughout the year. Irrespective of the weather and season, you can expect an uninterrupted supply of hot water. Though, in extreme cold conditions, you might have to arrange for additional heating; an immersion heater can come handy; however, you can certainly count on the solar mechanism.
Environment Friendly
Given the increasing rate of environment pollution this technology has proved to be very effective to curb down the pollution rate. It is highly environment friendly and does not emit any of the harmful gases, which can cause serious damage to our surroundings.
What are the Elements of This Heating System?
This heating mechanism consists of several parts. Here are some of them:
• Temperature Controller or Sensor
• Automatic Solar Controller
• Solar Circulation Pump
• Storage tank carrying a temperature sensor
• Run – off for hot water
• Inflow mechanism for cold water
• Temperature sensor for extra heating
• Expansion Tank
The heater inside the system ensures that even when the solar heater is not generating sufficient heat, even then the water gets heated up. Solar heaters can be installed in buildings quite easily. Moderns and advanced solar heaters, which are available these days, come with a life expectancy of minimum twenty years, which is far more than boilers. They act as a supplementary mechanism to the traditional heating technology.
Is it costly?
The cost of the system depends on its size, capacity and other aspects. However, apart from the capital expenditure, it is much cost effective than the conventional electric water heater. The reason is quite simple. The solar water heaters don’t need electricity to generate heat, unlike the traditional ones.
These days, solar water heating systems are one of the most reliable ways to heat and water. What makes them so effective is the fact that they run on an imperishable source of energy, the Sun.
