ABSTRACT
Solar hot water systems gather energy from solar radiation and turn it into heat that is then distributed in the form of hot air or water to where it is to be used or stored until needed.
An active solar water heater consists of a solar collector(s), a hot water storage tank(s), and a pump. In addition, a heat exchanger and expansion tank are required in freezing winter climates and an electrical generation device is needed if regular AC grid-connected power is not available. Piping, insulation, valves and fittings are considered installation materials and are normally available at hardware stores and plumbing centres.
