How Many Solar Panels For Hot Water Heater

Sizing a solar water heater system.

How many solar panels for hot water heater.

The typical rule of thumb for solar thermal is around 1 2 to 1 sq ft of solar panel per gallon of hot water per day. Sizing your solar water heating system involves determining the total collector area as well as the storage volume you ll need to meet 90 100 of your household s hot water needs during the summer. One solar panel would be enough to power a traditional storage hot water heater throughout a day as this is the most inefficient appliance used in most homes. This can be achieved by using the correct collector mount and collector tilt.

Type of electricity tariff. Improvements made in the development of hot water heaters see the latest storage tank style heaters operating at an average of 3 6kw which should be covered by a single up to date solar panel. How much you spend on a solar hot water heater depends on what kind of system and what size system you get. Smaller passive solar water heater systems could cost around 3 000 while a larger active system could run you more than 10 000.

Or make the most from your solar hot water system by following these tips. Before you install solar water heating try to reduce the amount of hot water you use to see if you can reduce costs without it. In australia there are two primary types of electricity tariffs. Which seems about right my estimate above is towards the 1 sq ft per gallon of water.

Solar hot water panels or collectors are the heat gathering component of any solar hot water heater. Apricus and rheem are two of the more popular solar water heaters. A second option to explore is the use of a dedicated solar thermal hot water heating system coupled with a heat pump to make the most cost. Contractors usually follow a guideline of around 20 square feet of collector area for each of the first two family members.

How to select the right solar water heater. Sizing solar hot water panels. Too large of panel and you may boil the water during hot summer weather in the solar loop. Use as much hot water as possible from the solar heated supply rather than heating up in an appliance using electricity.

Image via rheem australia 2.