Homemade Solar Water Heaters – Is It For You?
Homemade solar water heaters can be the solution to your growing electric bills. Why? According to Department of Energy, the energy coming from the sun in a single hour is greater than the energy human beings consume in one whole year. Sunlight is abundant and the best thing here is that it's free and renewable! Thus, it makes sense that humans would want to use it as an energy source. However, most people think that only small solar panels can produce electricity directly. The truth is photovoltaic solar cells aren't the only way to collect solar energy. In fact, there is a more technologically and financially viable option through heating water using sunlight. It's none other than homemade solar water heaters and here are the reasons why.
1. Solar water heaters work all year round. As opposed to what most of us believe, solar water heaters do not only work in summer. In fact, solar water heaters today are already capable of working the whole year round. By having one in your home, you can be supplied with hot water all year round. You don’t need to worry about blackouts affecting your hot water supply or high towering electric bills because your family loves using hot water.
2. Solar water heaters can reduce your electric bill by 33%. The reason is obvious, - solar water heaters use solar energy which is freely available.
3. Solar water heaters are very efficient. Since it uses solar energy which is abundant and free, it is definitely highly efficient, easy to install, and gives you high value for your money. Aside from that it uses a passive method of heat exchange called "thermosiphon". This method is based on the natural convection which is responsible for the circulation of liquid without the need for a mechanical pump. The liquid circulation can either be vertical closed-loop circuit or open loop. For open loop, the liquid stored in a holding tank is transferred in one direction through a heated transfer tube installed at the bottom of the holding tank to a certain distribution point. The vertical closed-loop circuit allows the return of the liquid to the original vessel. It intends to simplify the pumping of the liquid and heat transfer by avoiding the complexity and costs of a traditional liquid pump. Because of the efficiency of this method, even a pool can be heated!
4. Solar water heaters save and conserve natural resources. We all know that our natural resources are fast depleting. The first step you can take towards saving the earth is to make homemade solar water heaters.
5. Building or constructing a homemade solar water heaters is a lot cheaper. If you are going to purchase a commercial water heater, expect to spend at least $1,000. By making your own solar water heater, you can only spend around $100 which is obviously far cheaper than the 3 digit cost you need to pay when you buy and ask a professional to install a conventional commercial water heater.
