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The right choice of a solar hot water system mostly depends on the climate in your region.

By: Inge Kesteren

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Warm or cool weather?
One of the most important things for your choice of a solar hot water system is, next to the solar radiation, the temperature in the region where you live.

The best choice for you, when you have your home in a hot southern state, the most efficient and economical system is an active or passive open-loop installation. An active closed-loop installation is the right choice for you when you are living in an place where it is freezing a lot.

Do you want a passive or active solar hot water system

· In an active System you are working with pumps and controls to handle the water temperature. There is a negative point with an active solar water system: they are more expensive and the installation itself needs electricity. You can keep the costs down with DIY systems.
· With a passive installation you will only need natural sources. The water is circulating and warming up because of gravity and convection. This system is more durable and less pricey than an active system, but it is less effective as well.

You want to go for an Active Solar Hot Water System?

In an active system you have two choices: a indirect or direct heating system.

· In a direct Solar System (open loop system) the water is heated directly inside the pipes or plates. When the sun is shining the water will be heated because it is flowing through the pipes. When you are living in a hot weather an open loop system is the best system for you and it is the cheapest of the two systems.
· In colder region's the indirect solar hot water system (closed loop system) is more often bought. A non freezing heat-transfer liquid is flowing through the pipes and collectors. This fluid normally is a glycol water anti freeze fluid. The water is collected in water tanks. Heat exchangers will transfer the heath from the liquid to the water.

Is a passive solar hot water system a better choice for you?

The passive System technology is widely used in the warmer regions. It is a relatively cheap technology and it is durable. As the water flows on the principle that heated water is going up as colder water is sinking this system doesn't need an electrical pump. This makes it also a excellent Home made project. If you consider this system though, be certain that you don´t have too cold nights as the pipes could freeze.

Conclusion:
When you are living in a warm climate the best choices for you are a passive hot water system (no freezing temperatures) or an active open loop system (a small number of days of modest freezing temperatures). Do you live in a place where it is freezing a lot, then you better get an active closed loop system.

A professional contractor is asking really high prices. When you wish to have the most efficient system you will need an active indirect solar hot water system but it is the most pricey too with $15.000! The pre-build solar hot water kits are a cheaper option but still between the $2.000 and $8.000. You can also do it yourself. There are some great manuals in the market that lead you through this process with wonderful explanations and video images. The choice is yours to make!

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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