Solar water heating (SWH) systems are de-
signed to heat water for residential use. These
systems typically consist of collectors, a control-
ler, a storage tank, a delivery system, and—in
most parts of the country—some sort of freeze
protection. These components can be com-
bined in different ways. There are two types of
systems: active, which have circulating pumps
and controls, and passive, which don’t. Most
SWH systems require a well-insulated storage
tank, which has an additional outlet and inlet
connected to and from the collector. SWH sys-
tems are both reliable and economical, usually
paying for themselves in a few years.
Some manufacturers have developed packaged
systems and streamlined installation processes
that make it much easier to incorporate SWH
into your building schedules.
Solar electric (photovoltaic or PV) systems
are made up of modules containing PV cells
that generate direct current (DC) electricity
when exposed to sunlight. An inverter converts
the DC power to the alternating current (AC)
electricity that’s necessary to power the home.
These PV systems have been tested to rigorous
standards by public and private organizations.
They have no moving parts, require almost
no maintenance, and last for decades. A solar
energy system will have nearly the same output
in year 25 as it did on day 1.
Today’s PV systems come in a range of efficien-
cies and configurations. PV systems with mod-
ules that are mounted on top of existing roofing
are still the most common, but building inte-
grated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems are gaining
in popularity. In a BIPV system, the modules do
double duty—they generate electricity AND can
replace traditional building materials such as
roof shingles and window awnings.
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