Solar Hot Water FAQ’s

The following questions are the Solar Hot Water Heating Questions that we get asked on a daily basis. To save you the time of asking these questions and waiting for an answer, we have provided the best available answers here on this page for you to read over at your own pace. We hope that this is helpful, but if you require further assistance, or your question is not covered on this page, please feel free to contact us directly at (800) 653-8540. We will be glad to answer any additional questions that you might have.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Hot Water & Solar Heating:

Q: Is solar hot water heating useful in my area?
A: Generally speaking, solar hot water heating is a useful technology in all areas where the shines atleast a few hours a day. Obviously, in warmer climates, and climates that get more sun than other areas, solar hot water heating will be more effective and efficient, but customers use solar hot water heating systems from DIY Solar Guide in all climates…even in Northern Climates such as Canada and the Northern United States. To get an idea of the solar resources in your area, please see our USA Solar Resource Map

Q: What types of solar hot water heating systems are available?
A: There are three main types of solar hot water heating collectors available commercially. DIY Solar Guide carries each of these different types of collectors. There are Flat Plate Solar Collectors, Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors, and Thermosyphon Solar Collectors. If you would like additional information about the different types of Solar Collectors, and their uses, please see our Solar Hot Water Heating Page.

Q: What type of Solar Hot Water Heater would be best in my area?
A: This depends on a couple of factors. Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors are a mighty universal solar collector, and can be used in just about all climates, and because of their unique 360 degree solar collection design, they are also quite useful in most areas, regardless of solar levels. Flat Plate Collectors and Thermosyphon Solar Kits, however, should not be used in areas that are prone to cold weather. These collectors are not as freeze protected as the Evacuated Tubes, and system output and efficiency can be severely limited in cold weather conditions. If you do live in an area where cold weather is not an issue, a Flat Plate or Thermosyphon Collector is a great choice for your new solar hot water heater.

Q: What can I do with a new solar hot water heater at my home?
A: At home, there are numerous applications that solar hot water heating can be used for. You can use the heaters for domestic hot water, which includes the water that we use for showering, washing laundry, washing dishes, etc. It can also be used for radiant heating of your home through floorboard or baseboard heating. Additionally, solar hot water heating systems can be used for heating pools, spas, and other application that requires the use of heated water.

Q: How many solar hot water collectors do I need for hot water at my house?
A: This is the complex, but most important question about solar hot water heaters. Unfortunately, it is a question that requires an individual answer for each different based on their application, location, solar resources, and water usage levels. For assistance in determining how many solar hot water collectors you will need for your home, please read our Solar Hot Water Sizing Guide or call our product specialists at (800) 653-8540. We will glad to assist you in determining how many solar hot water collectors you will need for your particular product.

Q: How much will my solar hot water heat cost me?
A: Again, this is determined by properly sizing your solar hot water system. With that information you can determine the market prices for the numbers of collectors that you will need to purchase and install.

Q: Should I consult a solar hot water heating specialist to install my new system?
A: You can, of course. But, these systems are fairly easy to install, and are designed to be plug and play for the most part. Any plumbing, heating and cooling installer should be able to install the system without too much trouble.

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