How does a solar water heater work in winter? We explain!

A solar water heater is an efficient way to produce hot water for domestic use. A solar water heater heats the water with energy obtained from sunlight. Although many people think that a solar water heater is only suitable for use in the summer, it can also work effectively in the winter. This blog explains how a solar water heater works in winter and how you can save money with a solar water heater.

What is a solar water heater, and how does it work in winter?

A solar water heater comprises various parts, including solar collectors, a storage vessel, and a heat exchanger. Solar collectors are panels installed on your roof and capture solar radiation. The heat from the sun is used to heat liquid in the solar collectors, which is then directed to a storage container.

The heat is stored in the storage container until the hot water is needed in your home. A heat exchanger then uses the heat from the liquid in the storage container to heat up the water in the boiler. In winter, a solar water heater works the same, only there will be less sunlight.

Does a solar water heater work in winter? Yes, definitely!

You may be wondering: how does a solar water heater work in winter? Solar radiation can be less strong in winter, so solar collectors produce less heat. However, because the storage container stores the heat, the system can continue to produce hot water for several days, even if the solar radiation is weak. In addition, many solar water heaters are equipped with additional electric or gas-fired afterheating. This post-heating ensures that your solar water heater works in winter and even switches on automatically when the heat from the sun is insufficient to heat your water properly. This allows your solar water heater to produce hot water even in winter.

In general, our customers experience solar boilers in winter as very good, and the quality and availability of the hot water are excellent.

Solar water heater yield in winter

While the yield of a solar water heater in winter may be less than in summer, the system can still help you save significant energy. On a cold winter day of around 7 degrees, the temperature in your solar water heater can reach 40 degrees. As a result, your central heating boiler needs to heat less, and you still save up to 60%. When placing the collectors on your roof, it is advisable to consider the orientation and size of the solar collectors and storage container. This way, you can also use the sun optimistically with a solar water heater in winter!

Do you want to save on your energy bill?

Do you want to use the free heat from the sun and save on your energy bill? Then contact Elektra Unie today for clear advice, professional installation, expert customer service, and the best solar water heaters from high-quality A-level brands.

Frequently asked questions about solar water heaters in winter:

How does a solar water heater work in winter?

A solar water heater works in winter by using the available solar radiation and storing this heat in a storage tank. This allows the system to continue producing hot water for a certain period of time, even when the solar radiation is weak.

What types of solar water heaters exist?

Many solar water heaters are also equipped with additional electric or gas-fired afterheating, which switches on automatically when the solar radiation is insufficient. This ensures that your solar water heater can produce hot water in the winter.

Can the liquid in the solar collectors freeze?

No, the liquid in your solar collectors is (partly) made of an anti-freeze agent and will not freeze.

Does a solar water heater work in winter?

Yes, definitely! A solar water heater also ensures sufficient hot water in your home during cold winter days. When there is not enough heat from the sun, the afterheating kicks in, and you will still have enough hot water.