Solar water heaters not only provide a renewable alternative power source for households but also influence the insulation requirements of residential buildings. In an effort to harness solar energy for heating water, these systems rely on solar collectors to warm the water with solar radiation. However, this process also impacts the building's thermal comfort and thermal energy demand in several ways.
One of the most notable effects is the reduced need for thermal barrier in warmer climate zones. When solar water heater water heaters are used in areas with mild winters and hot summers, the building's insulation requirements decrease. This is because the solar panels absorb the sun's energy, providing adequate warmth for the water during the colder months. Consequently, the building's thermal energy demand is met by the solar system, minimizing the need for additional insulation in the walls, floors, and roofs.
