Solar Geysers South Africa

So just what are solar Geysers?

They aren't the kind that erupt on the surface of the sun if that is what you think, although the do have to do with the sun's energy. Just like solar panels, a geyser absorbs the free and abundant energy from the sun's radiation. However, unlike a panel which uses this energy to convert into electricity, geysers use this to convert the sun's rays into thermal energy. A solar geyser is what many people would actually refer to as a water heating system.

Solar geysers work on the principle that hot water is lighter than cold water, and so rises. This is caused because as water heats up, the molecules are moving faster and have less overall weight than cold water. That's why when you have a pot that is boiling, bubbles start forming at the top. So will give you a basic idea of how the system works. The system can sit on your roof, or any place that gets the sun most of the day.

A roof system works the best because gravity feeds hot water to your appliances without having a pump. The holding tank sits higher up, with a series of highly absorbing glass tubes below. Water flows through these tubes through a convection process. As the water gets hot, it flows up into the tank, the cooler water flows out of the tank and into the tubes. This provides a constant circulation of water through the system.

Does the water get hot? Yes!

Depending on the time of year, the amount of direct sunlight, and the flow of water, these solar geysers can heat water to the boiling point. They can be just as efficient at heating water as solar panels can be for producing electricity. Depending on the type of holding tank and how well insulated it is, the tank can keep the water hot even at night, as long as you don't use it all before the night it over.

These solar geysers can be used by themselves or in conjunction with an inline hot water heater, and can be combined with solar panels for a full alternative energy system. There are many advantages of buying one of these systems. They can pay for themselves in just a short period of time in the amount of energy you save not having to keep water heated up all the time. Using the sun's energy is completely free, is a renewable alternative energy source, and uses no electricity, or gas or any other petroleum product to work, so it is completely environmentally friendly. It can actually save hundreds of rands a year in electric bills.

Just so you know, solar geysers, and solar panels are not for everyone. Areas and countries like South Africa, Australia, and other warm to hot climate areas are the people who will benefit the most from these systems.

While they do work just about anywhere sun is available, people who live in colder climates with only reap the full benefits of these hot water heating systems during the hottest times of the year. However they can still be beneficial to a certain point, by heating up the water at least somewhat, cutting down on the energy it takes to bring the water desired usage temperatures.