Direct systems circulate water through solar collectors where it is heated by the sun. … The sun’s thermal energy heats the fluid in the solar collectors. Then, this fluid passes through a heat exchanger in the storage tank, transferring the heat to the water. The non-freezing fluid then cycles back to the collectors.

There are two types of solar water heating systems:

 

Pump System A fully pumped central heating system is a central heating system that is similar to the traditional gravity hot water system but with both the domestic hot water and central heating both controlled on the same single pumped circuit from the boiler. Controllers regulate the circulation pump on and off to maintain a set temperature in the geyser.

Thermosiphon Thermosiphon is a method of passive heat exchange, based on natural convection, which circulates a fluid without the necessity of a mechanical pump. Thermosiphoning is used for circulation of liquids and volatile gases in heating and cooling applications such as heat pumps, water heaters, boilers and furnaces

Two types of collectors can be used:

Flat-Plate

The most common solar collector in general use is the flat plate solar collector, which consists of an insulated box of heat absorbent black metal sheets with built-in pipes; a flat plate is essentially a solar hot water panel

 

 

Evacuated tubes 

Evacuated tubes are the absorber of the solar water heater. They absorb solar energy converting it into heat for use in water heating. Each evacuated tube consists of two glass tubes made from extremely strong borosilicate glass. The outer tube is transparent allowing light rays to pass through with minimal reflection.

 

 

• In a 12 month period, you should save between 35 and 55% of your water heating bill
• There is a minimal amount of services required, cleaning the collector plus checking the pump and the various valves on the system. It may be necessary to replace the element and thermostat from time to time, depending on water quality.
• Sleek design
• Thick hail resistant glass
• Freeze resistant