Solar hot water for room heating can work in extremely cold climates, but it comes with several challenges and requirements.
In extremely cold conditions, the main concern is the freezing of the water or the heat-transfer fluid in the solar hot water system. To address this, most systems designed for cold climates use a glycol-based antifreeze solution instead of pure water in the collector loop. This antifreeze can prevent the fluid from freezing even at very low temperatures. For example, a properly formulated glycol mixture can remain in a liquid state well below - 20°C (- 4°F), allowing the system to continue to function.
However, the efficiency of solar collection may be reduced in cold climates. The lower angle and intensity of sunlight during winter months, along with possible snow cover on the solar collectors, can limit the amount of heat that can be absorbed. Some systems are equipped with features to deal with snow, such as self-cleaning or self-defrosting mechanisms. The collectors may also be installed at an optimized angle to capture as much winter sunlight as possible.
Moreover, a well-insulated storage tank is crucial. In cold climates, heat loss from the tank can be significant. High-quality insulation can help retain the heat collected during the day and make it available for room heating during the night. Additionally, a backup heating system is often recommended. This can be an electric or gas-based heater that can supplement the solar-heated water when the solar input is insufficient to meet the room-heating demands. With these precautions and additional components, solar hot water for room heating can be a viable option even in extremely cold climates.
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