There are  two types of collectors on a solar hot water system – flat panel or evacuated tubes.  Let’s talk about evacuated tubes.

  • A tube absorbs solar energy and converts it to heat.
  • A tube consists of two layers of glass with a vacuum between the layers which insulates against heating loss.
  • A copper vacuum pipe transfers the heat from within the evacuated tube up to the copper header pipe inside the insulated manifold box.
  • A pump circulates water from the storage tank to the copper pipe and heats the water.  The solar heated water is then pushed down into the storage tank ready for use.
Thermann Evacuated Tube Diagram

Thermann Evacuated Tube Diagram

Apricus Evacuated Tube Diagram

Apricus Evacuated Tube Diagram