Selecting A Solar Water Heater
Selecting a solar water heater would be an easier task especially if you know what it is, how it works, and the costs involved as well as how it will fulfill your water heating needs. Before purchasing a solar water heating system, you would need to determine a few logistical issues:
1) Would the solar water heating be beneficial to your household size?
2) Evaluate your location’s solar resource
3) What size of solar heating system would you need?
4) Determine the system’s energy efficiency
5) Estimate and compare the costs of installing a system
6) Identify the local codes, regulations and covenants that govern your area
Installing and Maintaining the System
If you have determined the kind and type as well as size of the solar heating system that you want, then you would also need to think about the installation and maintenance of the unit. Proper installation of the system is essential and depends on many factors. These factors are:
1) Solar Resource- how much of sunlight does your area get?
2) Climate- Does your location receive sunlight for most part of the day?
3) Local Building Code Requirements- is your building listed or in a Conservation area?
4) Safety issues-what are the local requirements on safety?
A qualified solar heating system contractor would be able to assess these factors and install the unit so that it meets these factors in an ideal condition. With installation comes adequate maintenance.
Solar water heating systems come in two types which are active and passive systems. Passive systems do not require as much maintenance compared to active ones. For active systems, maintenance requirements have to be agreed upon with your system provider in terms of how often do they need to come to check the system, repair and change parts.
Most of the time, system providers provide a quotation which you can agree upon that states the level of service you require from them, how often and what it encompasses.
For solar water heating systems, plumbing and other conventional water heating components needs proper maintenance to ensure the system keeps running smoothly. Maintenance also depends on the climate in which you live in. For example, glazing may need to be cleaned in dry climates where rainwater doesn't provide a natural rinse.
Maintenance is normally as frequent as once in 2 years by the solar system provider. Normally, systems that have electrical components normally need a replacement or two after 8 or 10 years. Commonly, maintenance for solar water heating systems covers:
1) General Maintenance and Repair
2) Scaling & Corrosion
3) Freeze Protection
If you are deciding on calling on the service of potential contractors, here are a few things to determine:
1) Does the company you are looking at have the necessary expertise in installing and maintaining solar water heating systems?
2) How many years of experience does this company have and do they have a reputation in the market?
3) Does the company has a valid license or is certified by the appropriate agency?
Ideally, the more experience the better, and if they are already known in the market and have the licenses to prove it, then you cannot go wrong with them.
Other helpful articles ...
What Is Solar Heating?
more info...