Controlling Hard Water Effects with Solar Thermal Collectors Using PEX Absorbers

Hard water, characterised by its high mineral content, can pose significant challenges in domestic and commercial hot water systems. The minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, tend to accumulate and form scale on heating elements and within pipes, reducing system efficiency and leading to potential damage. One innovative solution to mitigate these effects is the use of solar thermal collectors with polymer or PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) absorbers.

The SolarisKit solar collector exemplifies this approach, particularly when used in high-temperature hot water systems. Unlike traditional metal absorbers, the polymer-based absorbers in these collectors are far less susceptible to the scaling issues caused by hard water. The non-reactive nature of the PEX material prevents mineral build-up, ensuring that the system remains efficient over time.

Additionally, the design of the SolarisKit collector, with its PEX pipework housed within a glazed prism, allows for precise control of the water temperature. By limiting the maximum water temperature to below 87°C, the system further reduces the risk of scale formation, as higher temperatures exacerbate the precipitation of minerals from hard water.

This combination of polymer absorbers and temperature control provides a robust solution for maintaining system efficiency in hard water areas, reducing maintenance needs, and prolonging the lifespan of solar thermal systems. As a result, using SolarisKit collectors in hard water regions offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for high-temperature hot water applications.