Abstract

Solar water heating is one of the most successful applications of solar thermal technologies. It provides environmentally clean energy and has enormous potential within domestic and industrial sectors. Solar water heaters are categorized into three main types: thermosyphon, built-in-storage, and forced circulation. This entry provides the fundamentals of technology for solar water heating and a description of parameters that determine the performance of a solar water heating system. Economics of solar water heating and the market trends around the world are also discussed. Results from a specific life cycle assessment undertaken on a built-in-storage solar water heater are also presented.