What is the difference between a passive solar heater and an active one?
Passive Solar Water Heaters Passive heating systems have no moving parts and use the sun as the sole external energy source. In a passive solar water heating system, the storage tank is installed on the roof, often with structural bracing. A passive solar heater relies on thermosyphon action instead of a pump. They are a cost-effective and reliable solar water heating option. Integral Collector Storage Systems Ideal for areas in which temperatures rarely fall below freezing. The system consists of one or more black 40 gallon water tanks placed in a well-insulated box that acts as Integral Collector Storage, or a batch heater. Cold water flows in from the bottom where glass or plastic helps the tanks capture solar energy. Using local water pressure, hot water flows out of the top and into the conventional water heater where your thermostat determines if the water is already hot enough for use or if additional heat is necessary. Thermosyphon systems Water flows through the system when wa
