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The climate in which you have your home is very important in the choice of which solar hot water system you need.

By: Inge Kesteren

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Are you living in a warm or cold climate?
Next to solar radiation is the temperature of the area you live in one of the most significant factors in your choice of a solar hot water system.

When you live in the southern states where temperatures almost never go below freezing point, the most effective and economical choice are passive System or active open-loop System. An active closed-loop system is the best solution for you when you are living in an area where it is freezing a lot.

What are the differences in a passive and active solar hot water system

· You work with pumps and controls in an active system. There is a negative point with an active solar water system: they are more pricey and the installation itself uses electricity. Obviously, with Homemade systems you will be able to keep costs low.
· With a passive system you will just need natural sources. The water is circulating and warming up because of gravity and convection. This installation is cheaper and more long-lasting than the active system, however is also less efficient.

Are you choosing an active solar hot water system?

When you are choosing an active system you will have to decide or you will use a direct or indirect heating system.

· In a direct Solar System (open loop system) the water is heated directly inside the pipes or plates. This is because the water is circulating through the pipes and will be heated when the sun is shining. This is a fantastic installation for you when you are living in a hot climate and one more excellent thing is that it is the least expensive of the two systems.
· An indirect Solar Hot Water System (closed loop system) is frequently bought in colder climates. The pump circulates a non freezing heat- transfer liquid through the collectors and pipes. This fluid is generally a form of a glycol water anti freeze liquid. Water tanks has stored the water. The heat will be transported by heat exchangers from the liquid to the water.

Do you like the passive solar hot water system more?

The passive System technology is widely used in the warmer regions. The technology is relatively cheap and long-lasting. It uses only few parts and no electrical pump as the water flows through the system based on the fantastic principle of physics that heated water rises as colder water sinks. This makes it also a wonderful DIY project. If you consider this system however, be certain that you don´t have too cold nights as the pipes could freeze.

Conclusion:
A passive hot water system (no freezing temperatures) or an active open loop system (a few days of modest freezing temperatures) are the best options for you when you are living in a warm climate. Do you have your home in a area where it is freezing a lot, then you better install an active closed loop system.

The costs of a professional contractor are really high. The most effective installation is the active indirect solar hot water system but it is the most costly too, $15.000! With a price between the $2.000 and $8.000 the pre-build solar hot water kits are less costly. You can also make a Homemade system. With videos and images there are some excellent guides available that will help you making a Homemade system. Which one you choose is up to you!

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Check our site for the latest Review of the Best Guides for DIY Solar Energy. About the author: Marly Kester is an expert in renewable energies and energy efficiency for Enerfy. Enerfy is an energy consultancy company advising their business customers on energy and ESCo contracts. Via BestEnergySaving, Enerfy gives energy efficiency and renewable energy tips and

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