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Alternative-Heating-Info.com
Selecting and Sizing a Solar Heating System
Sizing a solar water heater involves
determining the total collector area
and the storage volume required to
provide 100% of your household's
hot water during the summer.
Solar storage tanks are usually 50,
60, 80, or 120 gallon capacity.
A small (50 to 60 gallon) system is
sufficient for 1 to 3 people, a medium
(80-gallon) system is adequate for a
3- or 4-person household, and a
large (120-gallon) system is
appropriate for 4 to 6 people.
determining the total collector area
and the storage volume required to
provide 100% of your household's
hot water during the summer.
Solar storage tanks are usually 50,
60, 80, or 120 gallon capacity.
A small (50 to 60 gallon) system is
sufficient for 1 to 3 people, a medium
(80-gallon) system is adequate for a
3- or 4-person household, and a
large (120-gallon) system is
appropriate for 4 to 6 people.
A rule of thumb for sizing collectors:
Allow about 20 square feet of collector area
for each of the first two family members and
8 square feet for each additional family
member if you live in the Sun Belt.
Allow 12 to 14 additional square feet per
person if you live in the northern United
States.
Allow about 20 square feet of collector area
for each of the first two family members and
8 square feet for each additional family
member if you live in the Sun Belt.
Allow 12 to 14 additional square feet per
person if you live in the northern United
States.
A ratio of at least 1.5 gallons of storage capacity to 1 square foot of collector area
prevents the system from overheating when the demand for hot water is low. In very
warm, sunny climates, experts suggest that the ratio should be at least 2 gallons of
storage to 1 square foot of collector area.
For example, a family of four in a northern climate would need 20 square feet of
collector area for the first person, 20 for the second person, 12 to 14 for the third
person, and 12 to 14 for the fourth person. This equals 64 to 68 square feet of solar
collector area, multiplied by 1.5 gallons of storage capacity, which equals 96 to 102
gallons of storage.
Because you might not be able to find a 96-gallon tank, you may want to get a
120-gallon tank to be sure to meet your hot water needs. The same idea would also
apply to sizing your heating system's solar collectors. Instead of 68 square feet of
collector area, your next best option might be two 4' x 10' collectors for a total of 80
square feet.
prevents the system from overheating when the demand for hot water is low. In very
warm, sunny climates, experts suggest that the ratio should be at least 2 gallons of
storage to 1 square foot of collector area.
For example, a family of four in a northern climate would need 20 square feet of
collector area for the first person, 20 for the second person, 12 to 14 for the third
person, and 12 to 14 for the fourth person. This equals 64 to 68 square feet of solar
collector area, multiplied by 1.5 gallons of storage capacity, which equals 96 to 102
gallons of storage.
Because you might not be able to find a 96-gallon tank, you may want to get a
120-gallon tank to be sure to meet your hot water needs. The same idea would also
apply to sizing your heating system's solar collectors. Instead of 68 square feet of
collector area, your next best option might be two 4' x 10' collectors for a total of 80
square feet.
