Solar geysers are considered among the most efficient methods for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving money for homeowners. In addition, they provide clean water for all types of households. However, they must be protected from excessive temperatures because they use natural resources such as sunlight. There are ways to protect the thermal panels and the rest of the equipment, however, and in the process, to prevent unfortunate - and potentially dangerous - incidents. Remember, solar geysers can increase water temperature dramatically.
1. Pay attention to your overall usage with solar systems
Many of the worst cases of overheating via solar power occur during hot weather, chiefly at the height of the summer season. The temperatures will help a solar water heating system generate plenty of heat, but the demand for that hot water will often be lower than at other times of the year. Most people prefer to shower in the summer rather than take long, hot baths. The hot water is right there waiting to be used, but nobody particularly wants it. These two factors create a potentially harmful scenario for your solar energy systems.
2. Watch out for the hidden threat of corrosion
Most solar water heating systems require a quantity of antifreeze to prevent freezing issues in the colder season. Still, its presence can be a major problem when the system is underutilised. This is because the antifreeze gets heated up every day, often to the maximum temperatures, and as a result, it expands and contracts regularly. This can lead to the balance of the fluid breaking down. And when that happens, its acidic qualities can cause damage to the system's components.
3. Divert excess heat via a radiator heat dump
In basic terms, it's a good idea to divert the heat from the solar loop altogether at such potentially dangerous times. One of the best ways to do this is to use a radiator heat dump, which cleverly takes the unwanted flow out of harm's way. The flow is diverted via a three-way valve that will kick into action as soon as the cylinder has reached the required temperature. Depending on your solar heating system's layout and the requirements of your home, the radiator can be sited indoors or outdoors. In the former instance, you could use solar radiation to heat specific rooms.
4. Use a fan-assisted heat dump if space is limited
A viable alternative to the radiator heat dump is a fan-assisted version, which works similarly but doesn't require as much space. Thanks to the powerful effects of the fan, this type will also be capable of dissipating larger amounts of heat. As with the radiator type, it can be installed relatively easily in both internal and external locations. Thanks to its efficiency, it can cope well with your hot water demand without compromising energy performance.
5. Decide where you want to divert the excess heat
In many homes, excess heat energy is diverted away from the system, and unless there's an internal radiator, it is released into the atmosphere. It's worth noting that qualified professionals may be able to set up a system which diverts the heat in a more practical and more environmentally friendly manner on an annual basis. For example, a fully automatic method can help store the heat in a thermal mass, providing heating water for swimming pools. In addition to protecting the solar collectors, many of these options are relatively easy to install. They require no special tools or skills and once installed, they do not require much in the way of maintenance.
6. Consider the practicalities of a drain-back method
Many people in the industry espouse the drain-back method for heat dispersion. This entails emptying the collectors when a certain temperature is reached within the system. It's a safe option, mainly because the heat is removed altogether, but it can sometimes be a little impractical. The system won't refill again, for example, until the temperatures have dropped significantly, which leaves the system out of action at a time when you might want to start using it again.
Solar water heating, using the sun's energy for domestic water heating, has several benefits. This technology relies on a clean energy source, so switching to it will reduce your domestic carbon footprint. You can cut your energy bills, too, and the installation process isn't overly complicated. The hot water you once thought difficult to achieve will be easier than ever, so perhaps now is the time to say yes to solar energy. There are several thermal systems on the market, and their normal operation will help to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. And they will easily be able to manage the usual hot water demand of the average home.