A solar water heater's efficiency is evaluated in several ways, making it essential to know the different metrics before investing in or purchasing one. The primary goal of a solar water heater is to convert sunlight into heat energy, which is then used to warm water for commercial purposes.
The most widely used method of evaluating solar water heaters is based on their thermal efficiency, which typically ranges between 50 to 90 percent. Heat efficiency refers to the system's ability to convert the sun's energy into usable heating. This percentage is usually denoted as a 'collector efficiency' since it gauges how efficiently the solar collector is able to utilize and transfer heat from the sun to water. Some manufacturers provide better efficiency performances by focusing on higher heat transfer, effective insulation, and smaller heat loss during transfer and circulation processes.