--- description: Solar water heater working begins as it absorbs sunlight through a black absorbing surface to heat the flowing water through insulated tank. title: Solar Water Heater Working, Types and Lifespan - Energy Theory image: https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Solar-Water-Heater-Working-Types-and-Lifespan.png --- Close Menu - [About](https://energytheory.com/about-us/) - [EV](https://energytheory.com/category/electric-vehicles/) - [FAQs](https://energytheory.com/category/faqs/) - [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) - [Green](https://energytheory.com/category/green/) - [Renewable](https://energytheory.com/category/renewable/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [Energy Economy](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-economy/) - [Energy Services](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-services/) - [Solar](https://energytheory.com/category/solar/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [News](https://energytheory.com/category/latest-news/) - Language [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [FAQs](https://energytheory.com/category/faqs/) # Solar Water Heater Working, Types and Lifespan Even though they do not acquire much space like a PV panel system, a solar heater works more effectively than them. Find out how and why? By [Olivia Bolt](https://energytheory.com/author/olivia_bolt/)July 26, 20244 Mins Read ![Solar Water Heater Working, Types and Lifespan](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Solar-Water-Heater-Working-Types-and-Lifespan-1024x683.png "Solar Water Heater Working, Types and Lifespan") If you don’t have enough roof space, a solar heating system is the best option. It does not require a separate installation of solar panels. Yes. Confused? Let us know more about solar water heater working and types. ## Solar Water Heater Working Manufactured in different designs and capacities, solar water heaters have the same components. - Solar collector (panel/thermal panels) - Insulated storage tank - Connecting pipes and instruments - Supporting stand **Working Principle of Solar Water Heater** - The solar collector absorbs sunlight through a black-absorbing surface. - The heat generated is transferred to the water flowing through it. - Then the heated water is collected in an insulated tank, to prevent heat loss. The circulation of water continues automatically. Read here to know [how to check if solar hot water is working](https://energytheory.com/how-to-check-if-solar-hot-water-is-working/). ### What is the Maximum Temperature of a Solar Water Heater? According to the [Department of Energy (DOE) test](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/estimating-cost-and-energy-efficiency-solar-water-heater), the temperature of incoming water is 58° F and the temperature of hot water received can be around 135° F. In general, the system uses 0.4105 therms per day which in electricity or natural gas is 12.03 kWh per day. ### Do Solar Water Heaters Work on Rainy Days? Yes, they will work. Just as they can effectively work on cloudy days, solar water heaters can also work on rainy days. Obviously, the delivered output may be less than the other days but it won’t stop working. Find out if [solar water heater work in winter](https://energytheory.com/does-solar-water-heater-work-in-winter/)? ### What are the Types of Solar Water Heater? ![Solar Water Heater Working](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Solar-water-heater-on-rooftop-1024x683.jpg) *Solaranlage* There are **2 types of solar water heating systems**: Active and Passive systems. #### ***Active Solar Heating System*** It **consists of circulation and control pumps for operation**. Active solar heating systems are further classified into direct and indirect circulation systems. - **Direct circulation system** – It circulates water through the collectors. This system is mostly used in areas where cold and freezing weather conditions are rare. - **Indirect circulation system** – In this, a heat transfer fluid is circulated through a collector and a heat exchanger. This system is ideal for regions with chilly or freezing temperatures. #### ***Passive Solar Heating Systems*** This system does not have any circulations and controls like active heating systems. [Passive solar heating systems](https://energytheory.com/what-is-passive-solar-heating/) are less expensive but also less effective than active systems. Further, passive systems are classified into thermosyphon systems and integral collector storage systems. - **Thermosyphon system –** Water flow in this system starts when warm water increases and cold water level decreases. This system is heavier and costlier than integral. - **Integral system** – This system is very useful for residential purposes and are ideally used in areas with less freezing temperatures. Find out [does a solar water heater work at night](https://energytheory.com/does-a-solar-water-heater-work-at-night/)? ### What is the Lifespan of a Solar Water Heater? **20 years on average** can be the life expectancy of certified solar water heating systems. This in comparison to standard gas or electric storage water heaters, is much longer. > Cross-References: [Save More with ENERGY STAR Certified Solar Water Heaters](https://www.energystar.gov/products/water_heaters/water_heater_solar/benefits_savings#:~:text=The%20average%20life%20expectancy%20of,or%20electric%20storage%20water%20heaters) ### Is Solar Water Heater Good for Health? **Yes**, solar water heaters and the water they supply are completely safe for our health. If the tank is rusted or is not cleaned for longer periods, it can be a breeding place for bacteria. This can lead to certain health issues. So, solar water heater working, mainly depends on solar energy but with better materials and technologies, we can get hot water even on cloudy days. Moreover, with types of solar water heaters, we can choose the one that is suitable for us. For more informational blogs on products, explore our website. **Recommended**: [10 Common Problems With Solar Hot Water Systems](https://energytheory.com/common-problems-with-solar-hot-water-systems/) Share. 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She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and avoiding single-use plastic. #### Related Posts [![](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Large-Area-PV-Solar-Modules-with-12.6-Efficiency-with-Nickel-Oxide-by-Italian-Scientists-300x200.png "Large-Area PV Solar Modules with 12.6% Efficiency with Nickel Oxide by Italian Scientists")](https://energytheory.com/large-area-pv-solar-modules-with-12-6-efficiency-with-nickel-oxide-by-italian-scientists/ "Large-Area PV Solar Modules with 12.6% Efficiency with Nickel Oxide by Italian Scientists") #### [Large-Area PV Solar Modules with 12.6% Efficiency with Nickel Oxide by Italian Scientists](https://energytheory.com/large-area-pv-solar-modules-with-12-6-efficiency-with-nickel-oxide-by-italian-scientists/) September 25, 2024 [![Why is There So Much Fear Surrounding LiPo Batteries](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lipo-batteries-fear-300x200.webp "Why is There So Much Fear Surrounding LiPo Batteries?")](https://energytheory.com/why-is-there-so-much-fear-surrounding-lipo-batteries/ "Why is There So Much Fear Surrounding LiPo Batteries?") #### [Why is There So Much Fear Surrounding LiPo Batteries?](https://energytheory.com/why-is-there-so-much-fear-surrounding-lipo-batteries/) September 11, 2024 [![What is the Difference Between VCC, VDD, VEE, and VSS?](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/VCC-300x200.webp "What is the Difference Between VCC, VDD, VEE, and VSS")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-the-difference-between-vcc-vdd-vee-and-vss/ "What is the Difference Between VCC, VDD, VEE, and VSS") #### [What is the Difference Between VCC, VDD, VEE, and VSS](https://energytheory.com/what-is-the-difference-between-vcc-vdd-vee-and-vss/) September 10, 2024 Add A Comment Leave A Reply [Cancel Reply](https://energytheory.com/solar-water-heater-working-types-and-lifespan/#respond) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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