Solar hot water systems use sunlight to heat water and then direct that heated water either into a holding tank, or directly to the homes hot water cylinder.

Interest in solar water heating systems in the past has been sparodic, but with increasing electricity costs, and scarcity of conventional fuels, solar heating technologies are enjoying renewed interest.

Solar powered hot water heating systems have improved dramatically in recent years, both in terms of technology innovation, and also in terms of design.

Sleek Design - Todays modern solar water heating systems no longer have external tanks - this is either internally housed, or with the right plumping, the solar water heating panels can be connected directly into existing hot water cylinders.

Improved Performance - More innovative solar water heating technology has resulted in more efficent systems, both in terms of water heating capability, but also in terms of ancillary power used to power any sun tracking options for the unit. In many climates, a solar heating system can provide 50 to 75 percent of domestic hot water use. The most common types of solar water heaters are batch systems, flat plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors.

Reduced Maintainence - well designed solar water collectors are virtually maintenance free. They are kept clean by natures rain, and new automatic system controllers prevent them from freezing, with many models now usable in climates as low as minus 50 degrees Celcius.

Solar water heating technologies are more efficient than many other solar technologies. Much of a units performance depends upon the site of deployement, and ambient temperatures.

Flat-plate and evacuated-tube collectors have efficiency ratings above 60 percent during normal operating conditions.

Solar water heating systems are appropriate for domestic hot water, swimming pools, and commercial locations.

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