Consumers might ask themselves can a solar water heating system be used in place of a traditional gas or electric heating system and the simple answer would be yes. There is no reason why an entire home or office building cannot be powered by one that is powered by natural energy, as long as the location allows it.
This is because these systems work best in warmer climates because colder climates would require a great deal of solar energy that might not be available. Some of the cooler climates are cool even during the summer, so when winter comes, it is much too cold to keep the water heated.
Put simply, in a close-coupled system, the storage tank is mounted horizontally above the collectors where the solar energy will make contact. There is no pump required because the water will naturally rise up into the tank.
Pump circulated systems, however, are comprised of storage tanks that are mounted below the collectors and a moving pump transfers water or fluid between the collectors and the tank.
When there is not enough solar energy to heat the water, the pumps will not be able to produce enough hot water to satisfy an entire home or office. It is actually possible to use both the central heating unit and a solar powered unit at the same time. The solar powered unit would supply the central unit with water that is collected, heated and then dropped into the tank for the central unit.
A solar unit can make a big difference in the price tag for water and power every month for heating and cooling bills. It is growing in popularity for homes and industrial facilities as societies around the world attempt to care more about the environment and how they can participate in preserving natural resources.
