Hot Water Solar Systems – Proper Solar System Installation
The angle and direction of installation is of great importance as it will effect the efficiency of the solar collector. Naturally you want the collector to receive the maximum amount of sunlight each day and throughout the year. As a general rule if you are in the Northern Hemisphere then the collector should face South and if you are in the Southern Hemisphere then the collector should face North.
If you are using the solar collector for space heating as well as hot water production, or if you just want a larger solar contribution, you will need a system that will greatly surpass heat requirements in the summer. Never the less in the latter period of the year we tend to experience a greater wind chill factor. This plays a major part in the efficiency and performance of your solar water heating system. With the ratio of 2:1 or better our systems work efficiently all year round.
If you do not have an additional means of using the excess heat, then adjusting the angle of the collector can help to reduce summer heat output. The sun is low in the sky during the winter and high in the summer. Solar smart house designs will take advantage of this by having big North or South (depending on your location) facing windows allowing maximum absorption of winter sun, with large eves or veranda to block out the summer sun.