Active or Passive: What’s the Best Type of Solar Water Heater for Your Needs?
The average California family spends about $500 each year to heat their water. Second only to heating and cooling a home, this is the largest energy expense in your home and can account for nearly 20% of your monthly water bill. Many Californians are fighting these growing costs by installing solar water heaters. But which is best: Passive or active? At The Stanley Louis Company, we can come to your home and help you find the best options. Read on to learn more and then contact us at 800-217-6527 for more information.
The basics of active solar water heaters
An active system includes a pump as well as controls that move the water from the collector to the water tank. This may involve a direct or indirect way of moving the water. If it uses a direct way, then the water circulates through the collectors and then into the storage tank. This is often the top choice for California because our mild climate means that it’s almost never below freezing.
The indirect method involves using a heating fluid that doesn’t freeze and circulating it through your system. When energy is created, it’s then moved from the fluid by a heat exchanger and the water in the storage tank is heated. This is more likely to be used in areas where freezing pipes is a big concern.
Active solar systems are generally more expensive to install but they’re also more energy efficient compared to passive systems. The lower monthly utility bills often pays for the installation within a few years.
The basics of a passive heating system
Passive solar water heaters use natural convection to move water. It uses fewer natural resources to build, to operate, and to maintain. However, it’s not as efficient as an active system. Passive systems are typically more reliable and last longer, due to the fact that there are fewer moving parts that need to be serviced and maintained. A passive system works even during power outages and is more affordable to install. We recommend integral collector-storage systems for California, since the temps rarely get below freezing.
Comparing the cost and benefit
No matter what type of solar water heater you choose to have installed, it’s going to be a greener alternative to most other methods. The right one to invest in will vary based on how you use water, where your home is located, how much sunlight you get, and other factors. The best way to know for sure which option is the right choice for your home is to contact The Stanley Louis Company. We are here to provide a quote for installation and to answer all your questions.
In some cases, a backup solar heater may be required. In other cases it won’t. In some instances you may need to install several tanks and in other cases just one will do. For these and other reasons, you need the advice of a professional before making a final decision. Call us today at 800-217-6527.
