Introduction

Correctly sized solar storage tanks are crucial to solar water heating systems' performance and long-term operation. The solar water storage tank is a required part of any solar water heating system, holding hot water promptly after it is gathered and heated by Evacuated Vacuum Tube Solar Collector or  Solar Flat Plate Collector (For Solar collectors selection， please refer to this blog）so that surplus hot water resources are not wasted and hot water is supplied when there is no sunshine. 

A solar water storage tank that is too small or too big will directly affect the energy cost to provide hot water in the household. A solar hot water tank that is too large will heat water more slowly, won't provide instant access to water, and will tend not to be able to get hot water warm enough when there is too little sunlight (especially in winter). If the solar hot water tank is too small, it may not be able to meet the homeowner's need for hot water, and the excess solar energy collected will be wasted and dumped. 

What is a Solar  Water Storage Tank?

A solar water storage tank is an insulated tank that stores hot water heated by solar collectors after solar energy is collected. The hot water can be used in the household to satisfy needs such as showering, heating, or other hot water needs.

A solar water storage tank consists of three parts: the inner liner, the insulation, and the tank shell. The tank liner is an important part of hot water storage, and the corrosion resistance and durability of the materials play a crucial part. Enamel, stainless steel, and other materials are available in the market. Insulation layer insulation material directly relates to thermal efficiency and water heater use in the evening and early morning, the current best insulation is imported polyurethane overall automated foaming process insulation. Shell is generally a color steel plate, aluminum zinc plate, or stainless steel plate. The life of a good quality insulation tank can reach 20 years or more.

The main function of the solar water storage tank is to store water heated by the solar collector and supply a consistent water temperature when needed by the user. The tank needs to be the right size to maintain the efficiency of the solar water heater system as it meets the demand for hot water.

Hot Water Storage Tank Sizing

The following are the important considerations in sizing a solar water storage tank:

1. Household hot water demand

Sizing a solar water storage tank begins with calculating your daily hot water needs based on the number of people in the household and the following important information:

Number of bathrooms

Number of showers per person per day

Other hot water uses (dishes, laundry, etc.)

For example, an average family of 4 will need a solar hot water system a tank that can hold approximately 200-300 liters (approximately 50-80 gallons) of hot water per day.

2. Climate and location

Location is one of the determining factors for hot water storage tank sizing. Areas receiving plenty of sunshine can accommodate smaller tanks, but cold or overcast areas require larger tanks to compensate for the lower efficiency of solar collectors in harvesting solar energy.

3. Type of solar hot water system

Your hot water storage tank sizing also depends on whether you have a pressurized or non-pressurized solar hot water system. Pressurized solar water heaters include a circulation pump and controller, and generally require a larger tank since the system is more complicated. Non-pressurized solar water heating systems rely on gravity and natural convection and are less complicated in design and may have slightly different sizing requirements.

Why Utilize a Solar Hot Water System?

Solar water heaters offer various environmental and economic benefits:

1. Energy Savings

Solar hot water systems can save as much as 70% of energy expenses. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a properly sized solar hot water system can give between 80-90% of a household's annual hot water needs.

2. Sustainability

By switching to a solar water heating system, you can significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels, thereby lowering your carbon footprint. 

3. Long-term investment

While the initial cost of a solar water heating system may be higher than that of a traditional one, it is more than made up for in energy bill savings and low maintenance. Solar water heaters typically have a lifespan of 20 years or more, and the investment continues to pay off year after year.

Learn More Solar Water Heating Solutions

At Sidite Energy, we offer a variety of solar water heating systems to meet different needs. For example, vacuum tube solar water heating systems with high efficiency and good performance in cold or cloudy weather, Sidite aims to create high-quality solar products with optimum energy savings and reliable water heating solutions for residential homes and more commercial applications. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right hot water storage tank sizing is the key to getting the most out of your solar hot water system. Understanding the different kinds of solar water storage tanks, how to size one for your needs, and the benefits of a solar hot water system will allow you to make an informed decision that will save you money and reduce your carbon footprint for years to come.

Find Sidite Energy's range of solar hot water solutions and let us help you build a more energy-efficient and sustainable future.