There are various kinds of active and passive solar water and air heating systems available for residential use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Heating your water and your home with solar energy can be cost-effective while conserving fossil fuels and preventing pollution. Some states offer tax credits or deductions for installing energy-saving solar heating units.
Basics
Solar collector panels usually are installed on top of the house and are designed to collect radiant heat and direct it toward the storage unit that is filled with air or water. The solar power packs, which consist of an array of solar tubes, are attached to a storage unit that contains a pump, sensors, pressure gauges, air vents, safety valves and connecting pipes and valves. The complicated units gather, store and deliver the heated air or water to the designated sources. Residential solar water and air heaters typically require traditional or wood-fired backups to provide a steady supply of hot air and water.
Features
One type of active solar heating uses water that's heated by the sun to provide heat that's blown through the house. The other type of active solar heat is air-driven. Both types collect solar radiation and pump heated air or water directly into the living space or to a storage unit. Solar water heaters also use collectors and a well-insulated storage tank. An active solar water heater incorporates pumps and fans, while a passive unit does not.
Considerations
There are a number of issues when purchasing a solar heating system. The size of your house, the climate in which you live and any restrictions you may have on your property must be taken into consideration. An active solar heating system should be able to provide between 40 to 80 percent of your heating needs; any less is not cost- or energy-effective, reports the U.S. Department of Energy. Passive solar water heaters primarily are used in warm climates and rely on daily sunshine. Active solar water heaters preheat the water before it enters the home.
Controls
The controls on a solar heating system are more complicated than traditional heaters and must include controls for a back-up heating unit that's required by most building codes. The controls on a solar unit must analyze a wide range of variables that measure the temperature in the air, in the collector and the storage units. Fans, pumps and air regulators are housed in the control panel and often are run with sophisticated microprocessors to regulate the heat in the various rooms in the house.
Warning
Proper installation and maintenance is imperative for solar heating systems. While products on the market typically are well made and durable, it can be difficult to find an experienced contractor to install and keep up your systems, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
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