Selecting a Solar Water Heater:

In the United States the typical hot water usage is 15 to 30 gallons per person everyday for home use. The typical water tank is sized to store a day's worth of use. So for a family with four members you could use an 80 gallon tank for everyday water requirements of 20 gallons a person per day.

So when choosing a system you should first analyze if freeze protection is required. If the place you live is freeze-free, a batch heater or a thermosiphon unit is sufficient. If you have larger needs, go in for open loop direct pump system circulating water from storage tank to flat plat collector. If freeze protection is required or the water is hard, you can go in for drain back or closed loop systems with antifreeze and a heat exchanger.
There are different types of solar water heating models and systems available. When purchasing and installing a solar water heating system you need to do the following:
• Consider the cost of a solar water heating system
• Assess your location’s solar resource
• Find the right system size
• Find out the system's energy efficiency
• Estimate and compare system costs
• Find out local conventions and regulations.

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