Solar Heating Systems

There are two main types of home heating methods fueled by solar power. First, there is the “space heating” system of encasing a room in thermal glass specially designed to collect and radiate the heat of the sun’s rays. The second, more involved system is a hot water circulation heating system. We will discuss generally the second system here.

As with traditional forms of heating systems, there are several required components for a hot water solar heating system. They include: a device that will capture the rays of the sun, or a collector; a pump that is able to move liquid between the collector and a storage tank; a storage tank that holds hot water prior to circulation throughout the home; a control system in order to set temperatures and to ensure proper functioning; and finally you will need to have a back up heating system in case of failure.

The items listed above are the standard components of an active solar heating system for your home. However, there is another type of solar heating system known as passive solar heating. In this type of solar system, there is less required in terms of mechanics. Most of the circulation in this type of system occurs as a result of gravity, convection and water pressure and vacuums. The passive solar heating system is less expensive than an active solar heating system; however it is also less efficient making you rely more on your backup heating system than with the active system.

Because of the cost of materials, the new technology involved in solar home heating, and the rate of potential failure of the system, it is much more expensive in the beginning to install a solar home heating system. Basically, in the first stage you are paying double at least, because you are installing not only a solar heating system, but an alternative heating system in your home as well.

The materials necessary to install a home solar heating system are expensive as well because they have not yet gain enough popularity among homeowners to allow for mass-production of the parts. However, what you spend in the beginning you will save in the long run.

Solar energy is free! With a home solar heating system you will reduce the money that you are paying out for utility bills each month. This is great, especially with looming increased in the price of heating fuels each year.

In addition to being used for home heat, keep in mind that a solar hot water system also provides the home with a good portion of its hot water supply! That’s right. What you spend initially seems worth it when you consider the future returns of solar hot water heating.

Once you have installed your south-facing, unblocked solar collector, you are on your way to having the most efficient heating system available. And of course, using solar heat will make you the talk of the neighborhood!

This home building article by:
Michelle McClory with BuildingPlans.com

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