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Solar Water Heating

Steven G. Liescheidt, P.E., CCS, CCPR


Course Outline

This one hour online course discusses how utilizing the natural heat of the sun to heat residential domestic water is a way to save fuel in a manner that will help reduce the use of other fuels.  Solar heating is a “green” sustainable energy source selection.  This course describes some of the basics for residential solar water heating including system types, sizing considerations, energy saving ranges and other factors involved with residential solar water heating.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials.


Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will learn about:

Intended Audience

This course is intended for mechanical and energy engineers.

Benefit for Attendee

Attendee of this course will be able to understand the value and benefits of using solar heating for hot water systems in residential domestic hot water applications.

Course Introduction

A solar heating system is a substantial but rewarding investment. It can reduce monthly heating bill while helping to protect the environment.  Being informed and planning carefully will ensure that the right system is chosen.


Course Content

This course is primarily based on the Initial Evaluation of A consumer’s Guide – Heat Your Water With The Sun, US Department of Energy, December 2003, DOE/GO-102003-1824.

Solar Water Heating

http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy04osti/34279.pdf

Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.

Course Summary

Solar heaters, or solar thermal systems, provide environmentally friendly heat for household water, space heating, and swimming pools. The systems collect the sun’s energy to heat air or a fluid. The air or fluid then transfers solar heat directly or indirectly to your home, water, or pool.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:

National Association of Regulatory and Utility Commissioners – www.naruc.com
Solar Energy Industries Association – www.seia.com

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

Take a Quiz


DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.