solar water heater water heaters not only provide a renewable energy source for households but also influence the thermal comfort needs 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 insulation in warmer climate zones. When solar 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 radiation, providing efficient heating 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 thermal barrier in the walls, floors, and roofs.
