A solar shower is a good solution if you want to be independent of the heating network. The power of the sun heats the water in the tank and causes it to be dispensed through the shower head. A solar shower offers numerous advantages, but also disadvantages.
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Online shops for solar showers
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The functionality and handling
A solar shower consists of several parts. The heart is the water tank. That is installed in the supporting leg of the shower. Inside the tank is the water that is used for showering.
This means that the water is fed into the tank if there is currently no shower. By a UV coating the water heats up, with the exact temperature depending on the size of the tank and the solar coating used. The heating time is usually between two to six hours.
Alternatively there is installed tanksthat are embedded in the ground. In such a case, a solar cell is located near or mounted directly on the shower. This transfers the resulting heat to the embedded water tank. using a pump the hot water is then brought to the shower. The size of the water tank varies with most offers between 18 and 40 liters.
In addition to the tank, the solar shower has the shower head through which the water is dispensed. There is also a regulator. It is either a One or two lever mixer tap. Use this to set the temperature.
If the solar water is too hot, cold water is poured over you water connection fed. After the water is turned off, the tank refills with water, which is heated. In this respect, hot showers are not possible as long as the water is heating up.
The pros and cons of a solar shower
The biggest benefit is the big power savings. Regular showers must be accessed via an internal heating system. A boiler, which is powered by electricity, heats the water. This is different with a solar-based shower, because the sun heats the water tank.
Another plus is the high flexibility. You decide where the shower is and if necessary it can be repositioned.
Important: If you opt for a model with a built-in tank, you only need a water connection to operate the device. The next advantage is the simple installation.
A fixed location and a water connection, usually a garden hose, are required. In the case of an underground water tank, a specialist must be commissioned to carry out the installation. Also advantageous shows a additional faucet. It is intended for washing feet and hands.
The advantages at a glance:
- Saves electricity by using the sun’s heat
- Is operated solely by a water connection
- High flexibility in the choice of location
- Additional tap for washing feet and hands
The downsides start with choosing the right location. Although the installation is flexible, the location has to be enough sun offer. If the shower is in the shade most of the time, the water cannot heat up.
The winter corresponds to another challenge, because standing water iced up in the tank and expands, damaging or bursting the shower. As such, you must choose to dismantle or drain the water.
It is also disadvantageous that not always hot water is available. Once the tank has been emptied, the shower takes several hours to bring the water to the desired temperature. In addition, the warm water is not endless. Depending on the model, it is for one 10 to 15 minute shower thought.
The disadvantages at a glance:
- The location must be sunny
- In winter, the shower needs to be dismantled or the water emptied
- Warm water is available for 10 to 15 minutes
- After emptying, it takes several hours for the water to heat up again
What do you have to pay attention to when buying?
There are a number of criteria to consider when making a purchase. The most important points are the quality, size and the water tank. All other aspects are additional and should be adapted to your own needs.
The water tank
The water tank determines how much water is available to you. Most of the showers have a tank capacity of 35 liters. If you value a large tank, opt for a solar shower with an external tank. Its content usually starts at 50 liters.
The wall of the tank should be made of aluminum or stainless steel. These are durable and durable materials, at the same time they heat up in the sun, accelerating the pace of heating.
The mixer tap
Use the mixer tap to set the temperature. There are single and double lever mixers. The difference is that with the single lever mixer you get a lever to adjust the temperature. With a two-lever mixer, you have two levers.
One is responsible for the hot water and the other for the cold water. The advantage is that you can take a cold shower. Otherwise, it is important to ensure that the mixer tap is easy to use and accepts changes immediately.
The drain plug
The job of the drain plug is to drain the unused water in the tank. This must be done in winter to prevent the water from freezing. The drain plug must be easily accessible, but must not be operated accidentally. Ideally, it is located on the back of the tank.
The water connection
The majority of solar showers have a garden hose connection. It is attached to the back of the shower and can be removed at any time. Practical: If necessary, the hose can run under the surface of the ground.
The shower head
The shower head varies greatly, with most models relying on a rain shower head. Keep in mind that water consumption increases with size. An additional hand shower that can be removed and moved is practical.
If required, additional wellness and massage jets can be installed. The following applies here: The more nozzles are installed, the larger the water tank must be.
The bottom plate
Solar showers are offered with or without a base plate. The advantage is that it avoids the formation of mud underneath the shower. The bottom plate should provide enough space and prevent the water from standing.
A high-quality and quick-drying material is essential to avoid mold growth. Wood is ideal because of its natural properties.
The quality
Quality plays the most important role in guaranteeing a long service life. You can recognize a high quality by the processing. Everything must be clean and built without sharp edges that could injure you.
Dents, scratches, unclean seams and the like are indications that the quality is inferior. Another sign of quality is a long-term guarantee. The manufacturer should offer you parts and repairs.
The dimensions
The dimensions are given in centimeters and describe height, width and depth. If you are tall, it is advisable to pay attention to the dimensions. By default, the height is between 200 and 217 centimeters.
The thermostat
A thermostat shows you the temperature of the water in the tank. There are digital and analog thermostats. Most offers are equipped with an analogue thermostat because it works without additional energy. The thermostat must be easy to see.
More extras
Some models are equipped with various extras. These include additional faucets, interchangeable and/or self-decalcifying shower heads or a mobile design.
The conclusion
A solar shower is one good addition to the garden, if you want to save electricity. Instead of heating the water using a classic heating element, the power of the sun causes the temperature to rise. To make this possible, there is a UV coating around the water tank, which heats up and transports the heat to the inside.
There the water heats up to 60 degrees. It can then be dispensed via the shower head using the mixer tap. To ensure a pleasant temperature, cold water is supplied with a garden hose.