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Solar hot water heating is intended to complement a home's electric or gas hot
water heating systems. When the sun's not shining, the complementary system takes
over automatically to provide uninterrupted hot water.
For more facts on solar hot water heating visit the
Solar Industry Association
or the
Energy Efficiency Conservation
Authority (EECA).
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 1.
Solar Panels
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The solar panels trap the sun's rays and heat the water that pass through
them.
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2.
Pump
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As the cylinder is below the panels, an electric pump is used to keep
the water circulating. In systems with the cylinder above the panels (e.g.
in the roof) the water circulates automatically through the thermosyphon
principle i.e. hot water rises and cold water falls.
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3.
Hot Water Cylinder
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The electrical element in the hot water cylinder automatically turns
on if the solar panels are not providing enough heat.
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