Solar Hot Water Kits

For other kits, involving other solar technologies, namely the photovoltaic, and their applications to households, outdoor lighting and RV (recreational vehicles), see:

- PV solar kits, for power generation;
- Solar outdoor lighting kits;
- Solar powered kits for vans, RV (Recreational Vehicles) and boats.

Different solar Powered systems

Solar hot water systems differ a lot in terms of design and response to climate conditions. Prices and complexity differ, and there isn’t a solar hot water system for all climates, responding to all the household particularities.

Solar water kits – like pre-packaged solar systems, integrating a large number of components – are only pertinent as drainback systems or as solar active-open systems (two systems where manufacturers are in fact concentrating their offer). Solar water heating systems like the ICS and the Thermosyphon ones are very simple systems, practically solar kits in themselves.

The type of solar collectors

Solar Flat-Plate Collectors are typically more efficient in moderate and warmer climates, but they aren’t good enough in terms of freeze protection in colder regions. In these regions, systems based on Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors are often a better option.

The kits comprise the elements that constitute the correspondent system. An open-loop system, will include, besides the collectors and the solar hot water storage tank and an heat exchanger, a circulating pump with an expansion tank, a control meter for system circulation and some accessories…

Choosing the right solar hot water kit

If you live in a moderate climate, and if your home doesn’t require complex designs (two-story structures, roof particularities and obstacles) you may consider a solar open-active system kit.

If you live in a colder climate, and if your home doesn’t involve complex designs or particularities, than a solar drainback system kit, based on evacuated-tubes collectors is probably a good solution.

Advantages and disadvantages of solar water kits

The solar kit elements of well established manufacturers are a typically good choice in terms of quality, and prices are at record-low. But… there are peculiarities in terms of designs, and climate, that may turn inadequate the kit option.

Pay attention to the alternatives - concerning different designs for different climates and conditions - before you choose a solar kit.

The solar water kit size

The typical entry range of a solar hot water kits is 50 gallon. But there are other larger options with twice that capacity (100 gallons) and several intermediate ones. These capacities respond to the hot water needs for households with 2 to 6 people (hot water temperatures are designed to reach around 130ºF/55ºC).

Note: estimations point to a requirement of around 20 gallons of hot water per day per people for average households.

Installation

A solar water heating kit installation is often considered a DIY task by some manufacturers, but be aware. The installation and the design definition aren’t such an easy task; unless you have excellent general skills and a sufficiently deep understanding of pumping systems and solar water systems basics, we don’t advice a DIY installation.