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Flat plate solar collector
With so much of awareness regarding the positive points of using solar energy there is no doubt that this method is gaining popularity. All household appliances and any activity that requires use of electricity can now be powered by the solar energy that we can capture enormously without any restrictions and store it for our future use. The most common task that requires maximum use of power is heating water.Use a healthy approach with solar energy
There is excessive use of electricity to heat water for all household purposes which can make you run into high electricity bills. However the electricity costs can be reduced to a large extent by using solar energy which provides us with clean and renewable energy that has no detrimental effects on the environment. Usually 2 types of solar heating systems are meant for residential use.
The first is the active type with circulating pumps and controls and the second one is the passive type that does not need any pumps and controls for its functioning. The solar heaters used for heating the water require a well insulated storage tank with an outlet and inlet connected to the collector. Basically the solar collectors that are put to use are the flat plate solar collectors and the evacuated tube solar collectors.
What is a flat plate collector?
The flat plate solar collector which you use for collecting solar energy to heat water is glazed and insulated with weatherproof boxes that have dark absorber plates under the plastic covers. You can also find unglazed flat plate solar collectors meant for the purpose of heating pools which also have dark absorber plates without any covers. Most people find flat plate solar collectors a better option in terms of appearance.
The flat plate solar collector is cheaper than the evacuated tube solar collector but is not as efficient and cost-effective as the latter. The flat plate collector does not have protection against freezing conditions and like the solar panel requires direct sunlight at an angle of 90 degrees to operate properly.
Thus this characteristic is a big hindrance as you cannot use your flat plate solar collector during winter in low temperatures when the days are shorter and there is less sunlight. The flat plate solar collector will work very well in southern climates where it is exposed to maximum energy from the sun and the days are longer.
The disadvantages
The flat plate solar collector is preferred due to its affordability and design but in the event of efficiency it lags behind the evacuated tube solar collector. The flat plate solar collector requires more panel area to collect the heat for heating water while the evacuated tube solar collector can perform as efficiently with lesser panel area also.
Thus the flat plate solar collector requires more roof space than the other one which can be quite a deterrent for those who have space crunches.
There is yet another negative point that makes the flat plate solar collector quite redundant. This collector system does not work efficiently in cold climates and low temperatures unlike the evacuated tube solar collector which can work even in places that receive less sunlight.
A good solar water heater can provide you with 20 years of service though they too need timely maintenance. You need to check the insulations on the pipes and the pumps regularly to keep it in running condition. Though the initial cost can be quite alarming but if you consider the amount you save on your bills and maintenance of your electrical appliances then the cost is justified. Now with technological advancements these solar water heaters are becoming more affordable everyday.
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Related information
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- Swimming pool solar panels Swimming pool solar panels perform a similar role to solar hot water panels and can extend the use of a pool in most climates.
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