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Smith Sustainable Design
PA: 215-260-7905

Solar hot water heater systems- the drain back design

5/8/2013

13 Comments

 
Solar hot water heater systems- the drain back design
While solar hot water heater systems are available in many configurations, there are two types that are commonly used today: pressurized glycol systems and drain back systems. In this article, we’ll take a look at how the drain back design works and its characteristics.

Drain back solar hot water heater systems have been in use for decades. The system uses two temperature sensors: a high temperature sensor on the collectors, and a low temperature sensor on the coolest area of the storage tank. The sensors detect when it’s time to start pumping water through the collectors to absorb heat. Solar power preheats water for use inside the home while a traditional water heater finishes by heating water to the desired temperature. So, the warmer the water in the solar tank is, the less energy must be used by the traditional water heater to finish off the job.

Drain back systems have some distinct characteristics, which can make this design an excellent choice for your solar hot water heater system installation.

1. Drain back systems can be used in applications of all sizes, from small homes to large residences, even commercial buildings.

2. Drain back solar hot water heater systems are the most durable. The alternative pressurized glycol systems have a 30% shorter lifespan, because glycols break down over time and their acids eat away at system components.

3. Drain back systems work in any climate. No matter how hot or cold it is where you live, they won’t freeze or boil.

4. Drain back systems have fewer components- this means a drain back solar hot water heater system requires less maintenance and less hassle.

A drain back solar hot water heater system can be configured a few different ways to fit your home and your needs, which we’ll discuss in an upcoming article. If you think a drain back solar hot water heater system may be right for your home, or have questions about solar thermal installation, give the experts at Smith Sustainable Design a call- we’re here to help, anytime.

13 Comments
James
9/13/2017 06:30:51 pm

Think of using hot water tank, mounted in refrigerator box to collect heat and transfer to house. Anything mounted to roof voids my roofs warranty.

Reply
Colin Woodcock
11/29/2018 11:08:10 am

I am building a houseboat and I am looking for a system to heat water. I would be grateful if you would contact me. Thanks.

Reply
Pedro Martinez link
3/23/2020 02:25:58 am

Deseo conocer sobre el intercambiador de calor ,que temperaturas se pueden akcanzar

Reply
Sean S link
1/9/2021 12:27:33 pm

Loved reading tthis thank you

Reply
Les Kennedy
9/30/2021 09:56:12 pm

any information is welcome

Reply
Guy Johnstone
2/24/2022 09:45:50 am

I live in a Mobil home and have know idea the type of water heat I have. I am working on installing a solar system in my work shop if it all works out I will install a system on my home. I got 3 bids to install a system, the prices is crazy. 34000 to 65000. what a rip off.
they are saying i need 24 panels, when i ask what the voltage of each panel is I get a run around, can you tell me what voltage a panel should be. my shop system will have 6 panels and 4 12 volt battier. yes over kill i know but I want to also run the well pump and the pool pump off of it.
Thanks Guy Johnstone

Reply
Paris Kat link
5/12/2022 04:22:30 am

I'm building a houseboat and need a water heating system. I would appreciate it if you could contact me. Thanks.

Reply
Milwaukeewaterwell.com link
6/6/2022 02:50:39 am

Consider installing a hot water tank in a refrigerator box to collect heat and transfer it to the house. Anything attached to my roof voids the warranty.

Reply
Mia Evans link
11/14/2022 11:50:13 pm

Thanks for pointing out that solar heaters would be able to preheat the water needed for the house. I would love to get that kind of system for my home now that the season and temperature are getting colder. With that in mind, I can start looking for solar water pumps for sale as early as now to look at my options and buy the right one perfect for my home.

Reply
Burnice Bauch link
12/12/2022 04:33:00 am

There is a lot of useful information here, and the articles are excellent.
Thank you for sharing! If anyone is looking for an instant hot water dispenser at a reasonable cost, then do check out https://www.4starplumbing.com/.

Reply
bore water pump repair sydney link
1/3/2023 06:53:28 am

Use of a solar water heater can reduce fuel or power costs by 70–80% for any application where steam is produced using a boiler or steam generator. By switching to a solar water heating system instead of a conventional water heater, a home can save 70–80% on energy or fuel costs. According to usage and fuel replacement, solar water heaters are considered to have the fastest investment repayment time of 2 to 4 years.

Reply
Millie Hue link
1/13/2023 12:12:48 am

I never took into account that solar hot water systems that have drain-back features have been available for decades now. I guess I should look at this option and see if it is a great choice for our new home which will be constructed this summer. We should probably make sure that we have enough sunlight here in our area for it to be effective and useful for our every day lives.

Reply
Cheap Pool Accessories link
1/24/2023 09:25:32 pm

Provides information on the drain-back design of solar hot water heater systems. The author includes information on how the design works, the benefits it provides and how it compares to other types of solar water heaters. The post is well-researched and provides a useful.

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