User talk:Solar Water Heater
Solar water heating is a thermodynamics|thermodynamic process using an energy source to heat water above its initial temperature. Typical domestic uses of hot water are for cooking, cleaning and bathing, and space heating. In industry both hot water and water heated to steam have many uses.
The most common energy sources for heating water are fossil fuels: natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, fuel oil|oil or sometimes solid fuels. These fuels may be consumed directly or by the use of electricity (which may derive from any of the above fuels or from nuclear power|nuclear or renewable energy|renewable sources). Alternative energy such as Solar power|solar energy, heat pumps, hot water heat recycling, and sometimes geothermal power, may also be used as available, usually in combination with gas, oil or electricity.
Solar water heaters[change source]
Solar collectors for solar power#Solar heating systems|solar powered water heaters are installed outside dwellings, typically on the roof or nearby. Nearly all models are the direct-gain type. They consist of flat panels in which water circulates.
Geothermal heating[change source]
In countries like Iceland and New Zealand, and other volcanic regions, water heating may be done using geothermal power, rather than combustion.