Solar Hot Water Guide | Solar Hot Water System Setup

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Solar Hot Water Typical System Setup

When purchasing, designing, and installing a Solar Hot Water Heating System (regardless of the collector type) it is important to understand the basic system components, and how they come together to form a functioning, efficient, cost-effective Solar Hot Water Heater.

The image below shows the basic layout of a Typical Solar Hot Water Heating System. However, please note that additional components, plumbing, and some electrical work will be needed. A plumbing, or heating and cooling expert can assist you with parts of the design and installation.

Here is a list of the system components used in this Typical System Layout.

Solar Collector
Automatic Air Vent
Pressure Gauge
Fill Loop
Expansion Tank
Pump
Controller
Drain Cock
Non-Return Valve
Storage Tank
Internal Heat Exchanger
Pressure Relief Valve

Typical Solar Hot Water Layout

Please note that while this is the typical layout for a Solar Hot Water Heater, additional components and differing layouts may be used in your own system depending on the type of system configuration you decide to go with. Solar Designers, Installers, and books are great resources for more advanced Solar Hot Water System Layouts and Designs.