If you live in the North of the United States.USA, will probably benefit more solar water heating than it would be from solar energy (photovoltaic or PV). Due to the amount of media coverage of clouds and other atmospheric problems in the North, PV is not as effective as it is in the South - the difference of energy production may be as much as 30%. Solar water heating, however, does not require direct, full sunlight to operate and can still provide a significant amount of energy for a household.
Heated by solar energy you can use water to wash the dishes showering, etc, as well as for the radiant heat in the home. In a free Grill home, may be the principal means of heating, as well as a constant and renewable source of water to all the types of uses.
Solar water heating systems are also easier and cheaper to install, it can last the life of the home, and it can provide hot water for almost every day of the year in most climates.
The system that you choose will depend on your budget, needs and intended uses. There are two basic types of systems: active and passive, using direct heating or convection. Active systems are pumped and distributed through external power (often a small solar panel or other power source), and passive systems are moved by natural convection (expansion and contraction of the liquid with heat).
Active systems are more common and are generally capable of greater capabilities that are passive systems, but the active system require more maintenance and an electrical source. Passive systems are not usually so large and aren't nearly as high performance, but they are usually more maintenance-free to active systems.
Anyone who is used, the heating method is either direct or convection. Direct heating is not so common in the far North, since it's moving water through the own food items that can lead to freezing at low temperatures. Convection heating is more common as more liquid heat with antifreeze properties conductor can be used. These capture the heat of the panels and travel through a tank of water or water in spiral pipe to transmit heat to the water flowing again until she returns to resume heating panels. Convection heating allows a closed fluid circuit, avoiding many of the problems of plumbing and maintenance that are more common with direct heating systems.
In most climates, solar water heating systems can provide up to 85% of a household hot water needs annually.
Many of solar heating systems circulate water or liquids during the day and vanishes when the light of the Sun and temperatures drop below a specific, "empty", eliminating all the fluid from the panels for pumping again on valves are opened with a hot day. This retains the heat, maintains the cooling rather than heating water system, and acts as a protection against freezing.
Outside the network or cabin home, solar water heater can provide the majority of domestic hot water, as well as the needs of hot water for the radiant heat to supplement the heating in the House. Some solar water heaters are made specifically to heat (or cold) in a House and it can be combined with a water circulation system to provide basic environmental heat. Along with other sources of heat such as a wood stove or a gas heater, these systems can maintain a comfortable home, even in the toughest of winter.
