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Tamara Jude is a seasoned content writer with more than seven years of experience in research and content production. She specializes in the solar energy, home warranty, and windows categories. Her interest in home improvement began as a child, when she regularly completed home projects alongsid…
Although many homeowners use solar panels to power their homes, there are other ways to take advantage of solar energy. One option is solar heating, an alternative to traditional air and water heating systems. Solar heating improves your home''s energy efficiency and has a better return on investment (ROI) than traditional heating systems.
Solar heating helps reduce your carbon footprint and improves your home''s energy efficiency. These systems are easier to install than traditional options and work with most existing home systems.They also offer a range of other benefits:
Similar to traditional panels, solar heating uses sunlight to generate energy for your home. However, solar heating transforms this energy into heat instead of electricity. Additionally, you can use a solar water heater for hot water. We''ll take a closer look at the types of solar heating technology available below.
Solar thermal energy systems use two types of heating technology:
Active solar heating uses a collector to capture and absorb solar radiation. Here are the main types of solar collectors:
We recommend calling an HVAC professional or solar company to select the best solar collector for your home heating system.
Once solar radiation is absorbed by a collector, it moves to a heat–transfer fluid. This liquid flows directly to a storage system or through a heat exchanger that separates the collected heat from the liquid and uses it to heat your air or water.
Some standard options for heat transfer include the following:
You may not need a heat exchanger when using air or a natural liquid, such as water. With other substances, the heat exchanger helps keep the artificial liquid from contaminating your water supply. After passing through the heat exchanger, the heat is moved from the liquid to heat either the air or stored potable water. The heat transfer fluids begin another cycle, flowing back through the system for continued heat generation.
Solar water heaters store warmed water in insulated tanks for your shower, laundry, kitchen, and other areas where hot water is needed. They''re cost-effective alternatives to traditional water heater systems, which rely on fossil fuels such as natural gas for power.
Solar water heaters can use either active or passive technology. Active solar water systems use circulation to pump liquids for warming. They typically cost more than passive systems but are more efficient. Passive solar water systems don''t use active pumps. Instead, they use convection technology and gravity to circulate liquids through your system. These hot water systems are more affordable but less efficient than active system options.
Solar air heating works by drawing in fresh air and heating it with coated black aluminum panels. The warmed air then passes through your home''s ductwork using a solar-powered fan. These heating systems reduce carbon emissions and can work along your existing HVAC system. They cost less to install than heat pumps and can significantly reduce your fossil fuel use. As you might expect, they work most efficiently in sunny climates.
Solar air systems come in active and passive options like other solar heating systems. There are several solar air heaters that function as stand-alone or complementary heating sources.
Solar pool heating uses solar technology to warm outdoor swimming pools. This heating technology makes your pool usable throughout the year and warms the water more cost-effectively than traditional electric or gas pool heaters.Ground- or roof-mounted solar collectors heat the water and circulate it back to your pool. Solar pool heaters can work automatically and contain sensors that actively regulate the water temperature.
Solar pool heaters differ in the type of collector they use. The best option for your pool depends primarily on climate, budget, and intended use. Here are the typical residential solar pool collector options:
Additional factors, such as pool size and collector efficiency, may also affect your choice. The DOE advises that your solar collector''s surface area should equal 50%–100% of your pool''s surface area. For example, a 12-by-24-foot pool will need 144–288 feet of solar collectors to provide ample heating. We suggest consulting a professional pool installer to determine the best heating options for your needs.
Your home heating needs, local climate, and budget can affect your solar heating options. Consider the following factors before installing a solar heating system.
Federal and state lawmakers offer incentives, rebates, and credits to make solar heating more affordable and encourage homeowners to use it. Here are a few ways to save money on your system:
Additional programs could include utility company incentives or local programs for low-income households. We recommend checking the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for a complete list of solar heating incentives in your state.
We like Sunrun for its four financing options, including its unique leasing options if you don''t want to own your system. This stands out to us because the other companies on this list don''t offer as many options.
Prepaid and leased systems also include a 25-year warranty with system service and maintenance, ongoing monitoring, and theft insurance. The company even offers financing plans for quality monocrystalline solar panels and products from trusted brands such as LG.
Sunrun earned 4.4 out of 5 stars based on our methodology. The company gained many points for its positive reputation, comprehensive leasing options, and well-rounded warranty coverage. It lost some points for is limited service selection.
Sunrun backs its systems with a 10-year comprehensive warranty which includes product, roof penetration, and workmanship coverage.
✔ Full purchase✔ Loan✔ Lease✔ PPA
Available in: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
The company earned DroneDeploy''s 2022 Guardian of Safety Award for incorporating drone technology in its site assessments. In 2021 and 2022, Sunrun was recognized by Comparably with 14 awards. Its accolades include Best CEOs for Diversity 2022, Best Company Culture 2021, and Best Company for Women two years in a row.
Sunrun currently holds an A+ rating from the BBB and is accredited. Former customers praised the comprehensive coverage for leased systems but complained about delayed installations, poor customer service, and poor communication with project managers. Additionally, some customers note being confused by Sunrun''s leasing and PPA options, though they also mention Sunrun is willing to discuss and clarify these plans.
Solar Energy World (SEW) is one of the most robust and well-regarded solar installation companies. It boasts several impressive features, such as its 30-year manufacturer''s warranty. Its service area is limited, and it doesn''t offer energy auditing services. We like that SEW discloses what solar panels it primarily works with and that the panels are from trusted, quality brands such as Qcells and Silfab.
SEW scored 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. The company received many points because of its warranty, which is longer than most other solar companies'' warranties. SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer''s warranty on all its solar panels and inverters, whereas many providers only offer 25-year warranties.
SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer''s warranty on all purchased solar panels and inverters. However, coverage varies by brand, and the company doesn''t guarantee them with every panel option.
Available in: Washington, D.C, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia
About Solar panel heater
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Solar panel heater have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Solar panel heater for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Solar panel heater featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
