In the previous article, we talked about what a solar water heater is, its classification, advantages and disadvantages. Today, we will mainly introduce how to choose and install a solar water heater, as well as its differences compared to other water heaters.
- Selection Of Solar Water Heaters
5.1 Generally speaking, the thermal performance indicators related to the vital interests of consumers are the average thermal efficiency and average heat loss coefficient of solar water heaters. Both of these indicators are key indicators that determine the collection and insulation capabilities of solar water heaters. Generally speaking, the higher the average thermal efficiency, the higher the product’s heat collection capacity; The lower the average heat loss coefficient, the stronger the product’s heat storage and insulation capacity. Don’t just be attracted by the appearance of the product. The length of a vacuum tube is not necessarily the longer the better, and a thicker diameter does not necessarily mean the best heat collection efficiency can be achieved. Reasonable proportioning is more important. There is a misconception in the market that the longer and thicker the vacuum tube of a water heater, the better, which is unscientific.
5.2 Carefully observe the coating on the glass tube inside the vacuum tube, which is called a solar selective absorption coating. A high-quality coating has uniform color, no scratches, peeling or detachment on the film layer, and no stones or nodules on the glass. The supporting components supporting the inner glass tube are placed upright and not loose.
5.3 Check the thickness of the insulation layer of the water tank. The thickness of the flat insulation layer should be 45mm as the standard, with polyurethane foam insulation being the best. Polyurethane foam appears light yellow and resembles sponge. The foam has relatively uniform pores and provides some elasticity when squeezed by hand. However, if the insulation layer is too soft, it indicates a low density and is not conducive to insulation.
5.4 The bracket design of household solar water heaters should be reasonable, with sufficient strength and rigidity to ensure sufficient load-bearing capacity. Many solar water heaters suffer from serious losses such as falling, collapsing, and vacuum tube breakage due to issues with wind resistance design and product quality.
- Installation Of Solar Water Heater
6.1 Installation Location
The use of solar energy is mainly achieved by fully absorbing sunlight to convert light energy into heat energy, thereby achieving the purpose of heating water. The selection of its installation location can be imagined, as it is exposed to the natural environment and can be fixed without obstruction, and can absorb sunlight at any time. Generally, the selected location should be in vacant areas such as balconies and roofs.
6.2 Installation Height
Solar water heaters are classified into top water installation or bottom water installation based on their installation height. The former mainly refers to the installation method of using solar water heaters at a height equivalent to or lower than the usage location, which uses the pressure of tap water through pipelines to increase the water pressure of hot water to a higher level before use. The latter is an installation method where the water heater is located higher than the usage position, and the water in the water heater flows out by its own gravity during use. Users can choose according to their actual situation.
6.3 Installation Angle
The installation angle of a solar water heater, also known as the installation angle of the collector, is best to face south, but it is not fixed. If affected by relevant factors, it can be changed within 10 degrees east or west of the south direction. In the case of year-round use, the installation angle of solar water heaters should be comparable to the local latitude; If used only in summer, its inclination angle is 10 degrees below the local latitude, and the opposite is true in winter.
- Comparison Between Solar Water Heaters And Other Water Heaters
7.1 At present, the most technologically advanced solar water heater is the vacuum collector tube solar water heater. The water in the vacuum tube, using the principle of hot water rising and cold water sinking, absorbs solar thermal energy and circulates through temperature difference to raise the temperature of the water in the storage tank.
7.2 Advantages: safety, energy saving, environmental protection, and economy. Especially for solar water heaters with auxiliary electric heating function, the energy utilization method mainly relies on solar energy and supplemented by electrical energy, which enables solar water heaters to be used 24/7 throughout the year.
7.3 Disadvantages: Installation is complex, and improper installation can affect the appearance, quality, and urban appearance of the housing; Maintenance is more complicated because solar water heaters are installed outdoors, mostly on rooftops, which are difficult to maintain. Generally, professional maintenance is required every two years. If the distance between the rooftop and the water outlet is less than 3 meters, the water outlet pressure is too low, making bathing uncomfortable, and a booster pump needs to be installed. And there are restrictions on the water supply time. It is not allowed to supply water after being exposed to the sun at noon, otherwise it may cause pipe explosion.
So that’s all for the relevant knowledge about solar water heaters. If you have any other questions, please contact us: Whatsapp:+86 132 4297 4955, Email: [email protected].