How a Solar Hot Water System Works
To provide adequate freeze protection, the majority of solar hot water systems in the Midwest region are indirect or closed-loop systems. In a closed-loop system, a pump moves a non-toxic heat transfer fluid through the solar collectors where it is heated. After the heat transfer fluid exits the solar collectors, it passes through a heat exchanger where the solar heat is transferred from the solar fluid to the domestic water supply inside your solar storage tank.
There are two types of closed-loop systems suitable for installations in our region: Pressurized anti-freeze systems and Drainback systems.
Closed loop, pressurized antifreeze systems are the most widely distributed solar heating system worldwide. For an interactive illustration how these types of systems operate, view the tutorial below.
- How a Solar Hot Water System Works
- Is My Home Suitable for Solar Hot Water?
- Frequently Asked Questions
To provide adequate freeze protection, the majority of solar hot water systems in the Midwest region are indirect or closed-loop systems. In a closed-loop system, a pump moves a non-toxic heat transfer fluid through the solar collectors where it is heated. After the heat transfer fluid exits the solar collectors, it passes through a heat exchanger where the solar heat is transferred from the solar fluid to the domestic water supply inside your solar storage tank.
There are two types of closed-loop systems suitable for installations in our region: Pressurized anti-freeze systems and Drainback systems.
Closed loop, pressurized antifreeze systems are the most widely distributed solar heating system worldwide. For an interactive illustration how these types of systems operate, view the tutorial below.