The Domestic Hot Water Options
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ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS
This is a good practical use
for solar energy. The temperature is moderate, which is good for efficiency,
and the solar energy will be well utilized summer and winter. Architectural
restrictions are few and economic performance is very good.
OPERATION
The sun will shine upon the solar
collectors and warms the anti-freeze solution within. The hot anti-freeze
is pumped to a heat exchanger that surrounds the domestic water tank and
the heat is transferred to the domestic water inside.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTED
A solar domestic hot water heater can produce 40-89% of a family's domestic hot water needs.
ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE
If oil costs $2.00 per gallon,
a solar domestic hot water heater will save enough money to yield about
10% annual return on the investment (tax free). If the cost of oil goes
up in the future either because of inflation or escalation, the return
on the solar investment will go up as well.
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