Direct Vs Indirect Solar Water Heater

From a tank the water flows up through solar collectors and back down to.

Direct vs indirect solar water heater.

These types of water heaters are traditionally the most energy efficient. Direct circulation systems vs. An indirect storage tank is heated through the boiler this requires your boiler to get up to temperature to heat the water properly. Direct fired water heaters are solely dedicated to the job of hot water generation providing a faster heat up and response time compared with an indirect system which is in fact heating water to heat water.

Indirect solar water heating systems circulate a fluid typically a mixture of water and glycol in a circuit between the rooftop thermal collector and a heat exchanger that actually warms the potable water. A direct solar hot water system cycles potable water through your collectors where it is heated by the sun and moves throughout your home. Direct solar water heating systems pass potable water through the thermal collector that eventually flows directly to the desired application the faucet the showerhead etc. Indirect heaters making the decision between these two water heater types can be difficult as each style offers unique benefits.

Direct systems heat water right from the sun while indirect systems use a different fluid to transfer heat from your collectors before heating your water. However indirect heaters are more efficient in other ways. A direct fired water heater can be heated by propane oil or natural gas and has its own burner. Of the two types of circulation systems for solar water heaters direct systems or active systems are easier to understand.