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Solar Hot Water – Storage Tanks
Storage tanks are necessary for the types of solar hot water systems used in Colorado. In a one-tank system, solar heated water is stored in a tank with a backup heating element or a side arm boiler. In a two-tank system, solar heated water is stored in a separate tank that feeds into a conventional gas or electric water heater. Whether one or two tanks are used, the household water is heated by solar energy. System efficiency suffers from low storage volumes, so always select an appropriate size tank for extra storage. The sizing volume increases with the amount of collected energy. Pressurized tanks come in multiple standard sizes. Tanks with volumes of 40, 50, 80, and 120 gallons are common and can be installed parallel to increase storage volume.
For more information, see: Introduction to Domestic Solar Hot Water Systems – CSU Extension
Updated Thursday, May 17, 2012