Direct Vs Indirect Solar Water Heater

Direct circulation systems vs.

Direct vs indirect solar water heater.

Direct solar water heating systems pass potable water through the thermal collector that eventually flows directly to the desired application the faucet the showerhead etc. Direct systems heat water right from the sun while indirect systems use a different fluid to transfer heat from your collectors before heating your water. An indirect storage tank is heated through the boiler this requires your boiler to get up to temperature to heat the water properly. Indirect solar water heating systems circulate a fluid typically a mixture of water and glycol in a circuit between the rooftop thermal collector and a heat exchanger that actually warms the potable water.

The system is essentially a closed loop that water flows through. However indirect heaters are more efficient in other ways. This increases the chance of heat losses in the boiler and associated pipework between the boiler and calorifier. Standard direct water heaters don t need to transport water over a distance so in one regard they can be seen as more efficient.

A direct fired water heater can be heated by propane oil or natural gas and has its own burner. Direct fired water heaters are solely dedicated to the job of hot water generation providing a faster heat up and response time compared with an indirect system which is in fact heating water to heat water. Of the two types of circulation systems for solar water heaters direct systems or active systems are easier to understand. A direct solar hot water system cycles potable water through your collectors where it is heated by the sun and moves throughout your home.