System Sizing
Solar water heating systems are sized according to hot water demand. The hottest water you use, the larger the storage tank and collector area should be. The number of people living in your home is a good guideline for system size.
These figures are a rough guide. The actual tank size and collector area you need will depend on your individual household situation, the system you choose, and how it is configured. We recommend speaking with your supplier or installer to ensure you get a system that meets your requirements.
"Open Loop" and Closed Loop Systems
In some solar water heating systems, water is circulated through the collector panels and heated before being returned directly to the hot water tank. These are known as "open loop" systems.
Open loop system with circulation pump (EECA image).
In other systems, a heat transfer fluid (usually a mixture of water and glycol) circulates through the collector panels. This fluid passes through a heat exchanger in the hot water storage tank, heating the water in the tank. There is no mixing between the heat transfer fluid and the water stored in the tank. This type of system is known as a "closed loop" system.
Talk to your supplier or installer to see if either option is better suited to your needs.
