Look at these Solar Energy Systems, then match your requirementAt Any Given Moment, somewhere in the world, solar energy systems are working where the sun is shinning. Sunlight is quietly streaming into these interesting devices. They are extremely efficient at what they do; making hot water and warmth for their owners. The powerful benefits of the sun’s power provide energy to replace electrical power from an over burdened grid. The solar water heating industry is growing rapidly as energy prices continue to skyrocket. A wide array of Solar Energy Systems are available that use sunlight to make hot water, The following solar energy systems provide a general idea of solar water heating variations. The following list furnishes a How It Works overview of each variation, including a Pros and Cons summary. Also included are simple diagrams from the solar collectors to hot water storage and everything in between.
Okay, let’s take a look at the systems and their pros and cons. 
Batch SystemBatch Solar Collectors are the simplest Solar Energy Systems of all. Often-called breadboxes, these insulated surface glazed boxes face sunward are actually solar collectors. The storage tanks occupy the space inside where solar thermal energy generates hot water. Additional storage tanks are not necessary, because the tank in the box on the roof is the storage tank. During the day its contents (batch) is heated and ready for use by evening.
They work fine, either on the roof or at ground level. The only requirement is that they need a potable water supply. Other than that, just put em where they works. Advantages
Disadvantages
Thermosyphon System
The tank is located directly above the collector. Commercial units usually come with the tank attached to the collector. Otherwise, both systems share the same benefits.Advantages
Disadvantages
Open-Loop Direct System
Like other solar energy systems installed for best exposure to the sun, this type utilizes an additional storage tank. It is most often located in the garage or in a utility room. Tank space availability dictates location placement. This is the first of the list of solar energy systems that require storage tanks, or use pumps, sensors and controls.A pump of some kind circulates potable-water from the tank to the collector and back again. A temperature difference between heated water at the top of collector and the coldest water at the bottom of the storage tank exists. Therefore, a control sensor to control the pump is required. When the collector water’s temperature is say, eighteen to twenty degrees warmer than water in the tank, the pump turns on. However, when temperature differences are very little, the pump turns off. This guarantees continuously heated water when the pump is running. Installing a simple thermic valve will assure system operation during occasional low temperature spells. A hybrid variety of the Open Loop Direct system uses solar photovoltaic power to provide direct current (DC) electricity to operate the pump motor. This way, water flows only when the sun is shining. As before, a thermostatic valve can provide freeze protection. Of course, you can manually drain both styles via an isolation valve located slightly above the storage tank. An air vent, automatic or manual, installed at the high point of the solar thermal collector allows purging of the lines. Advantages
Disadvantages
Closed-Loop Glycol System The Glycol Solar Collector system has two sections. A pump sends Glycol (antifreeze) through a solar collector then down to a coil of pipe (heat exchanger) located in a solar storage tank, where the potable water is heated. 
On the other hand, the potable water never enters the collector. Supply line water flows into the solar storage tank as it would into a regular hot water tank. Meanwhile, a pump circulates the glycol through the heat exchanger back through the solar collector. Diagram here Advantages
Disadvantages
Drainback System
However, unlike the Glycol system, the Drainback system requires far less service. Distilled water is stored in a separate ten to twenty gallon reservoir just above the main storage tank. When the pump is running, distilled water circulates through the heat exchanger in the main storage tank then up to the solar collector. The water then drains back into its own storage reservoir.Advantages
Disadvantages
Hybrid System You can create a Hybrid with any of the solar energy systems above, with the possible exception of the Batch System.
Although, equipping batch systems with temperature sensors, auto-drain and auto-shut-off valves, would prevent freeze-ups.A Hybrid system incorporates solar voltaic cells to generate electrical power that pump-motors, valves, and controllers require to operate. Advantages
Disadvantages
As you can see, each of the Solar Energy Systems system has unique features needed to perform to its owner’s expectations. Careful consideration for locating and positioning the solar collector to receive available solar thermal energy is most important.
As with any solar collector system, it starts with sunlight. Therefore selecting the best system is the first step toward energy independence. Links:  Custom Search
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