Solar hot water systems convert sunlight into heat through solar collectors mounted on the roof. Water, or a water/antifreeze solution, carries heat from the collectors and pumps it through a heat exchanger to a tank for storage and subsequent use. The solar collector is mounted on or near your home facing south. As the sunlight passes through the collector’s glazing, it strikes an absorbing material. This material converts the sunlight into heat while the glazing prevents the heat from escaping.

Heat energy is then transferred from the collector through a heat exchanger and into the water storage tank. Solar-heated water is then stored in an insulated tank until you need it. Hot water is drawn off the tank when tap water is used, and cold make-up water enters at the bottom of the tank.

(Click on picture for a close-up)

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*Schematic created by Lloma Design.