The solar panels, sometimes called collectors, are fastened to your roof, on a sun facing wall, or can be free standing. They contain fluid which is pumped around the system.
Cold water is pumped to the solar panels to be heated. The heated water then flows back to your tank which can provide enough hot water for your whole family.
The panels contain a separate loop of fluid containing anti-freeze and a corrosion inhibutor. Heat is then delivered to your tank through a heat exchanger. These usually consist of copper coils embedded within a cylinder tank.
Some solar water heating systems provide heat for hot water and central heating systems. However, as the main need for central heating is at night and in winter when the gain from solar power is lower. Therefore solar power for water heating used for washing and bathing is a much better application because there is a more efficient match between supply and demand.
