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Solar Hot Water Systems Reduce Energy Bills

Solar hot water systems like the ones offered by HCB solar can provide the necessary heat for warm

showers and baths, dishwashing and cleaning. They offer a cost effective unit. They may be used in any

climate and transfer heat from the sun into the pipes of the home for virtually free energy. Most are

very reliable and require little if any service.

These units include storage tanks and collectors. An active system uses circulating pumps and other

controls. A passive unit does not use pumps or other types of controls. While the latter is generally less

expensive, it is also less efficient. An installer can help guide homeowners to choose the system that can

best meet their needs.

The types of active units can be further divided into units using direct circulation and those relying on

indirect circulation. The direct circulation system pumps the product to be heated through the collector

and back to the storage tank. These devices are best in climates where temperatures rarely drop below

freezing.

An indirect circulation system is better in areas where freezing temperatures might be a problem. These

units pump an antifreeze solution through the collectors where it is heated. Inside the storage tank, the

solution passes through a heat exchanger to warm the product inside. This type system can be

combined with a traditional one for days when the sun does not provide enough heat.

Integral collector units work best in locations where the temperature rarely drops below the freezing

mark. They are ideal for homes where the most significant needs are during the daytime. Thermosyphon

units require the collector to be installed below the tank, allowing it to naturally move back up and

circulate. While the devices are reliable, the builder must ensure the roof can support the extra weight

of the filled tank.

Collectors fall into one of three types. The flat plate collector is an insulated and weatherproof box that

is lined with a dark absorber under layers or plastic or glass. The integral collector units have black tubes

or tanks in a glazed box. These use some type of backup system to add to the heat. Evacuated tube

collectors are more common in commercial applications in the USA.

Once HCB solar hot water systems are installed they do require proper maintenance to ensure they run

smoothly. Active units require more maintenance than passive ones. In fact, most simple passive units

require maintenance only every three to five years. Units that have electrical components may require

replacement of some parts after approximately 10 years.

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