Unlike the electric, gas and propane tank varieties, the tube type solar water heater gives home owners a "green" solution to today's energy consumption challenges. As of yet, the solar versions, in their present incarnations, are a bit cumbersome, albeit effective heating system, when compared to other traditional models.

Other offshoots that serve a similar purpose are more commonly referred to as solar hot water systems. These are typically installed on the roof tops of homes or other structures and placed in such a fashion as to maximize the exposure to the sun.

Currently, the solar technology is evolving at lightening speed. Every day, more exciting discoveries are being made that hold incredible promise for the energy needs of consumers. Not everybody can afford, as of yet, an entire solar energy system for their home or business.

The current solar systems are known in the solar parlance as active (or closed loop) and passive (batch solar). 

These are both, without getting too complicated, adapted somewhat from current standard design. Solar collectors are, in essence, built on to basic Pressurized Solar Water Heater , which serve as a backup system when the solar unit is unable to supply enough hot water for all your needs.