538 Clean Energy
Solar hot water
In areas with a lot of sunlight, one of the most direct uses for solar energy is
to heat water for drinking or bathing. Solar hot water does not require solar
panels or costly equipment. All that is needed is a water storage tank, and
pipe painted black to absorb the sun’s rays.
In mild climates, solar collectors are needed to heat water. They are more
costly than simple solar water heaters, but less costly than the solar panels
needed for electricity, and less costly than heating water with nonrenewable
resources.
A simple water heater
Glass or clear
plastic cover helps
store heat in the
water
Outlet
pipe
Black absorbs heat,
so a large barrel
painted dull black
inside and out will
capture heat from
the sun.
Inlet pipe
Solar water heater placed in the sun on a roof or at ground level
Water storage tank
Pipe to house or
outside shower
Pipe where
water enters
Reflective surface
(sheet metal, tin foil, etc.)
Metal or plastic
pipe painted black
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012