Course Description

Water heating represents a significant portion of household and industrial energy consumption. In many regions, conventional water heaters rely heavily on electricity or fossil fuels, leading to substantial carbon emissions and higher energy bills. The shift towards renewable energy sources, particularly solar water heating, is critical for reducing environmental impact, conserving energy, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Solar water heaters are particularly valuable because they provide clean, renewable heat reliably, whether for domestic hot water, space heating, or industrial processes. Understanding this global context is essential for appreciating the importance of solar thermal solutions.

What you'll learn in this course?

• Explain the principles of solar water heating and solar thermal energy.

• Identify different types of solar water heating systems and their applications.

• Understand components of solar water heaters, including collectors, storage tanks, and heat exchangers.

• Describe system configurations: active vs passive, direct vs indirect circulation.

• Assess performance factors and energy efficiency considerations.

• Evaluate economic and environmental benefits of solar water heaters.

• Understand installation, maintenance, and safety requirements.

• Perform basic sizing and design calculations for residential or commercial use.

• Analyze real-world case studies of solar water heating systems.

• Explore emerging trends and innovations in solar thermal technology.

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of energy and electrical systems

• Familiarity with renewable-energy terminology is helpful