Solar heaters, or solar thermal systems, provide environmentally friendly heat for household water and space heating. The systems collect the sun’s energy to heat the fluid, and the fluid then transfers solar heat directly or indirectly to your home.
Solar water heaters, sometimes called solar domestic hot-water systems, are a good investment for you and your family. Solar water heaters are cost effective over the life of the system. Solar heating technologies can be used in any climate. To take full advantage of solar energy, you usually need to have an un-shaded area that faces north, northwest, or northeast, such as a roof.
The type of system you choose, including the type of collector, close-coupled or split, active or passive and whether it’s direct or indirect, depends on several factors. These include your site, the climate you live in, installation considerations, cost and so on.