There are two important forms of photo voltaic heating programs: lively and passive. Lively programs are extra complicated, utilizing pumps, temperature sensors, electronics controls, and warmth exchangers. They’re finest for heat climates the place there’s little or no probability that the water will freeze throughout the evening.

Passive programs are loads less complicated and mix the storage tank and the photo voltaic collector into one element. They’re a little bit extra suited to colder climates, and in case you reside in a chilly space the place water can freeze incessantly throughout the winter, there is a particular kind of system to take care of this. The totally different programs value totally different quantities of cash — however the professionals will discover out what kind you want, so that you needn’t fear about gaining an in depth understanding of the totally different programs.

The vital a part of every system is similar — the vitality used to warmth the water is collected by photo voltaic panels from the solar. An important factor to know about most photo voltaic setups is that they are designed for use throughout the day. Whereas some programs retailer vitality in a photo voltaic battery and use it at evening, this is not all the time worthwhile. As an alternative, many programs have a backup water heater (principally the conventional gasoline or electrical one you utilize now) to attract at evening. To take advantage of out of your photo voltaic water heater, you must use your washer, dishwasher, and bathe primarily throughout the day.