How to Choose the Right Solar Hot Water Heater Tank Size?
Solar hot water heater tank is a device that contains water heated by solar energy. It is the sun through the solar collectors that heats the water, and the tank is the part that stores the hot water. Solar hot water systems are an excellent method to lower your home’s energy consumption and power bills. Moreover, they can be used even on cloudy days. The right tank size is very essential as it decides how much hot water will be available in your home daily. An adequately insulated tank can retain water at a high temperature for several hours.
In this article, we helps you find the proper solar hot water heater tank size that matches the number of people in your family. After reading our guide, you will be able to the right size of solar hot water heater tank for your home or commercial use.
Why Tank Size Matters?
The amount of hot water that a household gets will be determined by the capacity of the tank. A small tank may not provide enough hot water for you. Conversely, a very large tank will be wasting both your space and money.
A suitable solar hot water heater tank size is the one that keeps the water at a pleasant temperature. It is energy-saving, and matches the daily intake of a person. It is the right tank size for your needs that makes the system efficient and lifelong. Therefore, the size choosing stage is extremely important.
How Family Size Affects Tank Size?
Firstly, family size must be the point of consideration while deciding on a water heating tank. A small family will use less hot water than a large one. A single person may use only a few small portions. A family of five will need a bigger tank.
Your family size is what determines how much hot water will be needed in the morning, evening, and night. When you match a tank to your family’s consumption, the system operates without any problems.
How Daily Water Use Affects Tank Size?
Every home is different in how they use water. There are those people who take long showers. Others take short ones. In some houses, water is heated for washing dishes or laundry.
Just estimate how much hot water your family will need during the day. A bigger solar hot water heater tank is needed if there is more use. If there is less use, then a smaller tank will do.
Climate And Sunlight Matter Too
How fast water heats depends on sunlight. Houses in areas with a lot of sun will have hot water quicker than houses in places that are cloudy or cold. Those houses there will have to install bigger tanks and use it for storing water in colder weather. If you live in a hot, sunny place, a medium tank may work well.
The weather has a great influence on the size of the tank as it has to be able to store enough hot water for days with bad weather.
Types Of Solar Hot Water Heater Tanks
There are basically two types of solar hot water heater tank:
- Pressurized tanks which maintain water under high pressure. Such tanks provide a continuous flow to showers and taps. They are suitable for newly-built houses.
- Non-pressurized tanksare less complicated and cheaper. They are great for small homes or hot places. Each kind determines storage capacity. Your decision on the type will determine the home size of the water tank required.
Read More: The Different Type of Solar Collector From Ensun
How Tank Material Affects Performance
Different tank materials can affect the duration of the hot water in the tank. Tanks made of stainless steel are durable and maintain their strength for a long time. Besides, they prevent water from rusting. With glass-lined tanks, water stays hygienic and warm. A copper tank is the quickest way to heat water. Every material is a different way of safe hot water storage. Besides that, the correct one will help avoid leaks and keep the machine running smoothly.
Heating System Size Must Match Tank Size
The heater and the tank have to be compatible with each other. When the heater is small and the tank is large, the water will heat up slowly. In case the heater is large and the tank is small, energy will be wasted.
Also, the photovoltaic panels and the solar hot water heater tank have to be at the same level for maximum efficiency. This equilibrium provides sufficient hot water every day.
How to Calculate the Best Tank Size?
The simplest way to determine the correct size is to check the water consumption of each person. Usually, a household uses about 20-30 gallons of hot water per person per day. For a family of four, a tank with a capacity of 80 to 120 gallons may be required. It is an adequate amount of water for showers, dishes, and other daily uses. When you take the right size decision your system works efficiently and stably.
Storage Time And Heat Loss
A well-maintained tank can store hot water for quite a while. If the tank is heating less, you will not have hot water when you want it. Sometimes, tanks with a thick layer of insulation can retain heat for a longer period. They are able to keep water hot overnight or even in the hours of the early morning. This is energy-saving and water is made available at the time when the sun is low. The problem of heat loss is very significant when determining the size of the tank.
How Installation Space Affects Size?
The volume of your home or roof area is just as significant. There are some houses that cannot hold a very big tank. So before anything else, locate the solar hot water heater tank and see if there is enough space for the installation and the maintenance. Besides, it is very important that a tank which not only fits safely, but is also easy to access.
Cost and Budget Considerations
Bigger tanks are more expensive. Smaller tanks are less expensive. However, just picking one according to price is not the right way. The tank has to fit the needs of your home. A small enough tank may make your life uncomfortable and increase your bills. A sufficiently large tank may waste energy. Correct sizing is a money saver in the long run.
Learn More: 11 Solar Water Heater Benefits for Your Life
Table: Recommended Tank Size By Family Size
| Family Size | Recommended Tank Size | Notes |
| 1 Person | 30–40 gallons | Works for light use |
| 2 People | 50–60 gallons | Good for daily needs |
| 3–4 People | 80–120 gallons | Best for families |
| 5+ People | 120–160 gallons | Heavy hot water use |
Why the Right Size Improves System Life?
The proper tank volume lessens the system’s strain. It maintains the heating at a constant and uncomplicated level. A tank that is suitable for your requirements extends the heater’s life. It is also lessening of repairs. When the system is operating efficiently, the solar equipment is kept in good condition for a long time. This delivers you more worth and higher performance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right of solar hot water heater tank is mostly about comfort, savings, and how well the system works. The size depends on the number of people in the household, water usage, weather, type of the tank, material, and the heater’s power.
An excellent tank is one that has enough capacity to store hot water for everyday needs and does not allow energy to be dissipated. Besides, it makes the system durable and efficient during all seasons. The whole solar hot water system becomes efficient, reliable, and affordable when the tank is the right size.