• Donahue Knox posted an update 12 months ago

    Everyone needs water, but not everyone can easily get it. In most parts of the world, clean and drinkable water is a luxury, and this is especially true in developing countries where sanitation is an issue and diseases are commonplace. That is why most people on this planet are dependent on bottled water, which is not only expensive but also takes up a lot of space that could be spent on food and essentials.

    Fortunately, there is an affordable and environmentally-sound solution to this problem: solar water heaters. These green systems use solar energy to heat water, so when there is enough sunlight, the water is heated up instantly and ready to use. No more waiting for a hot water supply to heat up!

    The best solar water heater will be the one that you can install yourself with very little training. This is because DIY jobs are often a way of life in developing countries, and it is often cheaper for one person to install a solar water heater than it is to hire an expert installation crew. Furthermore, when you install a solar water heater yourself, you know exactly how energy-efficient it is, and you can tweak it to fit your needs. Lastly, with little or no experience, you will have no trouble learning how to operate the system and maintain it properly.

    The Pros And Cons Of Different Types Of Solar Heaters

    Before we get into the nitty-gritty of solar water heaters and how best to choose one that suits your needs, it pays to know what to look out for. There are several different types of solar heaters out there, and each one has its pros and cons. The best solar heater for you will depend on your needs and the type of installation you can do yourself or have done for you. This article will help you decide which solar heater is best suited to your needs.

    Conifer Bambino XL

    This is one of the most popular solar water heaters on the market today. It is very similar to the standard Conifer model, but it has an additional chamber and a 1.7-gallon (6.3 liters) reservoir. This means that it will heat more water than the standard model, and it will stay filled for longer. This makes it better suited to regions where there is a lot of precipitation (rainfall). The extra chamber also creates a larger surface area for the water to be heated by the sun, meaning that it will absorb more heat than before. This is also beneficial because it keeps the pool size smaller, limiting the amount of space taken up by the tank when it is not in use.

    One downside to this model is that since it has a bigger capacity, it weighs more than the standard model. Another downside is that since it is a bit more expensive, it is not quite as energy-efficient as the regular Conifer model. This is because, as we mentioned above, the more tanks you have, the more surface area it has for the sun to heat the water. While this is beneficial for storing water during the day, it can be a pain at night, when there is no longer any sunlight to heat up the water.

    The Standard Conifer Model

    This is the original and classic Conifer solar heater. It has a steel tank with an attached polyethylene cover. The steel tank means it is more durable and long-lasting, while the polyethylene cover protects it from the sun’s rays and dirt buildup. This model is widely available and can be found for cheaper than the Conifer XL model. Its light weight makes it easy to install and move around. It also has the smallest tank of all the models, which makes it the smallest in size too! While it has several advantages, one disadvantage is that it takes the longest to heat up a given amount of water. Another one is that since it is made of plastic, it is more likely to break down over time.

    Sunny Solar 80

    This model is commonly used in Europe and Australia. It has a polyethylene cover that protects it from the elements. This model has a capacity of 80 liters and is, therefore, the largest of the bunch. Its high plastic content allows for quick and easy cleaning. As a result, it is very suitable for use in countries where water is hard to come by and people are constantly battling waterborne diseases. One disadvantage is that it is relatively expensive to produce, which has kept its adoption low in places where water is scarce.

    Freestanding Tankless

    This model is the same as the above one, but it does not have an attached tank. This means that it does not need to be connected to a water supply pipe. This makes it very portable and easy to use anywhere and anytime. It also has a long life span and is, therefore, ideal for places with a high incidence of water theft (bandits). One disadvantage is that it is harder to keep clean. Another disadvantage is that it is more expensive to transport and install than the other models.

    Tankless Water Heater

    This type of solar water heater does not need a tank to hold water. It heats up water as soon as you connect it to the sun via a solar panel. This is different from the other models because it does not need to be refilled with water. It is, therefore, a more compact and portable unit. This makes it easier for women to transport and move around. One disadvantage is that it is more expensive to install and requires a lot of solar panels to cover the territory it needs to work. Another one is that since it is not connected to a water supply pipe, it is more likely to become vandalized or stolen.

    The Best Solar Water Heater For You

    In light of the above, you can see that there are pros and cons to all of them. The best solar water heater for you will depend on your location, the climate, and the amount of water you need to heat. Let us examine further.

    Where Should You Install It?

    Installing a solar water heater is not an easy task. First off, you need to find a place that gets a lot of sunlight. This means that you will need to check the location for shadows and obstructions that could cast a shadow on the water tank. For instance, if you are in the northern hemisphere, you will need to find a spot in the south to get enough sunlight for the tank to heat up. You also need to pick a spot that has good airflow so that the tank does not become stagnant and breeding grounds for insects.

    Once you have found the ideal location for your solar water heater, you will need to figure out how to install it. Again, since this is a DIY project, you will need to do some research and find the best way to install it yourself. You can either hire professional help or learn from someone who has already done it. If you choose the former, it will cost you a lot of money, but if you opt for the latter, you will need to put the time and effort in.

    How Big Should The Tank Be?

    The next decision you need to make is on the size of the tank. This will depend on how much water you need to heat and how often you need to have hot water. The larger the tank, the more water it will hold, and this is good because more water means more chances of having hot water when you need it. This is especially important in regions where there is not always a consistent and reliable supply of hot water. The downside is that larger tanks are more difficult to move around and find a spot for when you need hot water. On the other hand, a smaller tank means you can more easily transport and move it wherever you want when you need it. Another important factor to consider here is the connection to a water supply pipe. If you live in an area where there is already one, it is usually a safe bet to install a smaller tank. It also makes economic sense because a smaller tank can be charged less than a larger one. This is because larger tanks need more energy to heat up the same amount of water. Another factor to consider is how easy it is to clean.

    A very messy job awaits you after you have installed the tank. You will need to scrub it down at least once a month with freshwater and an acidic solution to keep everything clean. This is especially important if you are using unchlorinated water to drink or cook with.

    As we mentioned above, some of the factors that could affect the quality of the water that is being heated are the size of the tank, how easy it is to clean, and the location of the system. The bigger the tank, the more water it will hold, and this is good because it will make it easier to clean. The system should also be placed in a spot with good airflow so that it does not become a breeding ground for insects. The last thing you want is to have creepy-crawly bugs running around your bathroom when you are not there.