So most of this blog covers PV systems in all aspects. However, I thought it would be beneficial to dedicate a section to solar thermal/hot water systems. The sun is the perfect water heater, since it exposes water from its sunlight with zero pollution. Installing water heating systems in the United States can help reduce our household energy consumption, as well as the nation's unhealthy reliance on toxic fossil fuels. Not only will solar thermal systems operate efficiently in rather sunnier states, but anywhere in the country will do!
How it basically works is the sun heats a solution that is mounted on the rooftop from solar thermal flat plate collectors, or tube collectors. The solution is heated, and then pumped through a heat exchange contained inside the hot water tank. The solution then recirculates back to the rooftop solar collectors, where the cycle continuously repeats, while the heated water in the hot water tank becomes ready and available for utilization.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy EERE consumer's guide
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