Solar water heater piped into aelctricc water heater, Both types belong to the water heater system, the lowest cost method is to add solar panels, the price and construction difficulty is low, the following mainly introduces the working principles and processes

Solar water heater piped into aelctricc water heater
Solar water heater piped into electric water heater

Why choose a solar water heater?

Solar Water Heating is an excellent, low-cost solution for offsetting solar  hot water heater usage in the home. A typical system provides 85% – 90% of the hot water needs, which is important considering that it’s not unusual for water heating to be responsible for 25% of a home’s energy usage.
The sun supplies us with a free, endless resource for energy; solar water heating is the most cost-effective way to tap into that resource. This is only one reason many people choose this type of system as their first investment in renewable energies.

Here you have youtube video can help you complete the electric water heater solar water heater transformation program


The following two collectors can connect the solar water heater to the electric water heater

There are two types of solar heat collectors. Both types are generally mounted on the roof but can also be ground mounted in a sunny area near the home. Flat panel heat collectors can be used with either closed loop or drain-back systems. They are less easily damaged than evacuated tube heat collectors but because they are heavy they typically require more than one person to install. Flat panel collectors, in general, are more efficient at heating when there is more direct sunlight.

Vacuum tube and flat plate collector
Vacuum tube and flat plate collector

In contrast, evacuated tube heat collectors can sometimes be damaged in shipping but because they are lighter they are easier to install with one person. Evacuated tube collectors are only used in closed loop glycol systems. They are more efficient at collecting heat in overcast environments where sunlight is less direct. Evacuated tube collectors are generally more expensive than flat panel collectors. However, this is usually offset by a lower installation cost.

Installation instructions
1. before proceeding with the installation, close the main water supply valve.
after shutting off the main water supply, open a faucet to relieve the water line pressure to prevent any water
from leaking out of the pipes while making the water connections to the water heater. after the pressure has
been relieved, close the faucet. the cold water inlet and hot water outlet are identified on the top of the
water heater. install the mixing device supplied with the solar water heater, following the installation
instructions included with the mixing device. make the proper plumbing connections between the mixing device
on the water heater and the plumbing system to the house. install a shut-off valve in the cold water supply line.
2. if this water heater is installed in a closed water supply system, such as one having a back-flow preventer in the
cold water supply, provisions must be made to control thermal expansion. do not operate this water heater in
a closed system without provisions for controlling thermal expansion. warranties do not cover damages from
thermal expansions such as pressure bulges and/or deformities. a properly sized expansion tank will alleviate
most problems. your water supplier or local plumbing inspector should be contacted on how to control this
situation.
3. after the installation of the water lines, open the main water supply valve and fill the water heater. while the water
heater is filling, open several hot water faucets to allow air to escape from the water system. when steady
streams of water flow through the faucets, close them and check all water connections for possible leaks.
4. never operate the water heater without first being certain that it is
filled with water.

How to install the connection between the solar water heater and an electric water heater

Remove old solar water heater

To replace the previous solar water heater with the new solar water heater with electric backup, remove the previous
solar water heater. the external heat exchanger and pump can also be removed. the new solar water heater with
electric backup has an internal heat exchanger allowing direct heat transfer to the water. for installation of the new
solar water heater with electric backup,
earlier in this section. the potential for not transferring the solar heat into the solar water heater due to a circulator
malfunction is reduced when the second circulator is removed from the system.

Install a new solar water heater or solar heater

To replace the previous backup water heater with the new solar water heater with electric backup, remove the backup
water heater. the new solar water heater with electric backup has an internal heat exchanger allowing direct heat
transfer to the water. for installation of the new solar water heater with electric backup, and
earlier in this section. connect the solar piping in series
from the new solar water heater to the previous solar water heater. this allows the solar heat to
transfer directly into the backup tank. the remaining heat that was not transferred into the backup tank is then made
available to the previous solar water heater before going back to the solar collector. one installation advantage is
that the solar heat makes up for heat losses that occur when water is not flowing. another is that more heat is
absorbed into the potable water system from the solar water heating system.
if the new solar water heater with electric backup has dual heating elements, a replacement to the original solar water
heater may be unnecessary when the original solar water heater eventually fails.
if the new solar water heater with electric backup has a single heating element, the original solar water heater may be
replaced with a conventional water heater as a backup when the original solar water heater eventually fails. this
would return the heating capacity to the output obtained prior to the installation of the new solar water heater. if
desired, the original solar water heater may be replaced by another solar with electric backup to maintain the same solar heating capacity.

What is a dc water heater element?

Most electric water heaters have two element ports, one in the middle and one at the bottom of the tank. Use our dc water heater element to replace the bottom and/or top element so you always have hot water. When your wind, solar, hydro generator, or battery is keeping your water hot then the thermostat on the AC element will never turn on unless you run out of wind or solar power. A great diversion load for alternative energy systems!

Note: If you have a gas hot water heater, you may wish to put an electric unit ahead of it. This way, the gas heater is always being fed hot water so it does not use any gas.

Check around for free or discounted water heaters that have been replaced! If you’re looking for a bulkhead fitting to retrofit to a nonconventional custom tank build, try our bulkhead fitting. Otherwise, you can drill a slightly smaller hole in your custom built tank, thread the element in and silicone the hole using 100% silicone caulk.

water heating elements
water heating elements

We provide dc water heater elements

Here is the dc water heater element YouTube video guide

How to improve efficiency to reduce costs

A wide array of strategies exist to help you reduce your hot water costs and increase the energy efficiency of your water heater. Some require an investment, while others may be free or very economical.

Estimating hot water costs is where to start. The next time you pay your utility bill, make one simple calculation. Divide the total cost amount by seven to gain an approximate idea of what you are spending to heat your water. Make this calculation using the electric bill if you have an electric water heater.

Conserving hot water requires controlling each of the factors that add to cost, especially unproductive factors. For instance, fix leaks, install low-flow fixtures, and purchase energy-efficient appliances such as dishwasher and washing machine.

Here are some guidelines to help you control and reduce water heating costs:

  • Reduce your hot water use
  • Lower your water heating temperature
  • Insulate your water heater tank
  • Insulate hot water pipes
  • Install heat traps on a water heater tank
  • Install a timer and use off-peak power for an electric water heater
  • Install a drain-water heat recovery system
  • Replace your old water heater with a new, more energy-efficient water heater
  • Turn off your water heater if you are going to be gone for 3 or more days

Other common questions about solar hot water:

Q. How Does a Solar Water Heater work?

Solar water heating uses a panel or multiple panels mounted on your roof to collect heat energy. As the fluid passes through these panels the heat energy is transferred into the fluid, which in turn is transferred into your water heater. The solar loop is circulated using either an AC pump or even better, a DC pump powered by a small PV panel.

Q. Do I need to change my water usage?

Not at all. A standard electric water heating element is integrated into the solar water heating tank. During extended cloudy days or when friends or family are visiting and water usage is unusually high, the electric element makes up the difference.

Q. How much can I save?

Especially in today’s more efficient houses, water heating can account for up to a third of a typical family’s energy usage. It is common for our systems to provide 85-90% of a typical household’s needs. This typically translates to $300 – $500 a year depending on the size of the house and number of occupants.

Q How long does the installation take?

Depending on the difficulty, installation time is 2-3 days. However, the hot water is only off for a few hours.

Q. What about high winds?

The panels are usually mounted very close to the roof, preventing high winds from getting underneath them. They are attached through the roof deck to the attic rafters using very heavy duty lag screws, providing an extremely strong bond between panel and roof. Realistically speaking, the panels will not be coming off unless your roof does.

Q. Do I need to worry about roof leaks?

We use high quality copper and stainless steel flashing for all penetrations which are correctly integrated into shingle roofing systems, and the highest quality 50 year. EPDM rubber flashing available for metal roofs. They are typically the highest quality flashing materials we see on the roof at our installations.

Share the tips of the solar water heater industry

Replacing your water heater no small task, and it is can open your home to needless risk. Potential issues are more complex than simply replacing the unit you already own. Selecting from the many heater sizes and options can be a daunting challenge, with long-term cost, performance, and safety implications.

To safeguard your family and protect your largest personal investment, your home, an ounce of prevention is great advice. You can greatly benefit from professional recommendations to help you select the system that best meets your needs. The fuel source, energy efficiency, fast recovery, venting, and anticipated demand are all considerations that can become complicated.

The high risk of error demonstrates why regulations governing water heater installation often are stringent. These also vary by municipality, and many do not allow self-installation. Professional contractors are familiar with the rules and regulations in the areas in which they work, and the safety concerns that underlie these regulations.

Installing a hot water heater requires fittings, pipes, parts, tools, venting materials, and valves, as well as a proper removal and disposal of the old water heater. Most people do not have the proper resources for the job. Professional contractors are licensed and bonded and often offer warranties. In addition, they are familiar with local building codes.

Premature replacement needlessly costs money. In some cases, your current hot water heater can be fixed. A contractor has the skill and expertise necessary to differentiate between a repair and a new water heater.

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