Home & Garden

A solar hot water system can interface well with radiantly heated floors. This due to the large thermal mass common to radiant systems, which provides an excellent storage medium for energy generated during the day. At night, the stored thermal energy is slowly released into the living space and a consistent comfort level is maintained, while the domestic hot water supply remains hot.

Solar water heaters can be used as heat sources for radiant floor systems. They usually incorporate a large solar heated storage tank, with electric, gas, or oil back up, that supplies hot water to the radiant system. Solar hot water systems are generally reasonably priced, and have many environmental benefits, including less reliance on gas and oil.

Solar Hot Water Systems Go beyond the Desert
Its true, many who inhabit the American Southwest, use solar panels to heat their home and domestic water supply. In fact, two to four panels can provide enough hot water to supply up to 98% of all domestic hot water and space heating requirements in a home. However, if you live in a northern tier state like Michigan, four or more panels can provide the same results.

Sizing the proper number of solar collectors depends upon how well insulated your home is, how much area you plan to heat, and how much domestic hot water you use. You will pay initially to bring the elements of a successful solar hot water system together; however, the system pays back your investment every operating day. So, when your break even point is finally reached, it will continue to pay energy dividends for years.