Solar Domestic Hot Water (SDHW)
The solar domestic hot water system from Solar Heating Canada works via a closed loop configuration to insure the system heats water throughout the year. This system is designed to work with any existing domestic hot water heater for residential and commercial applications.
How Solar Domestic Hot Water Heating Works
Cold water from the main is diverted into a heat exchanger tank which is heated by a set of solar collectors. Once the water inside the tank is heated to the desired temperature it flows into an auxiliary heating tank where it requires little or no additional heating.
Solar Domestic Hot Water System Schematic
The solar domestic hot water heating process works by pumping a heating fluid into the solar collectors where it is heated and then into a heat exchanger tank where the heat is transferred (or exchanged) to the water in the tank. The heating fluid repeats this cycle until the desired temperature in the tank is achieved. Once there is a demand for hot water, the water at the top of the heat exchanger tank flows into an auxiliary water heating tank where it can be heated further if necessary. 
Solar Domestic Hot Water System
Solar DHW system components:
- Solar Collector
- Heat Exchanger Tank
- Pump
- Expansion Tank
- Controller
The solar domestic hot water system is completely automated and can be set to heat water to any desired temperature. Once the controller senses that the desired temperature has been achieved it stops the heating process.
Benefits of Solar Domestic Hot Water Heating
- Prolong the life of your existing water heater
- Costs less than an electric, gas or oil water heater
- No maintenance required
- Lasts longer than a traditional hot water heater
- Reduce your water heating costs
- Reduce your carbon footprint
Just by pre-heating cold water with free solar energy you can save between 50-80% of your water heating bill.