There are generally two types of solar mount system collectors

There are generally two types of solar mount system collectors that are used in a solar hot water system:

o Flat plate collectors (suitable where tank roof mounting is required)

o Evacuated tubes (more efficient and great for frost prone areas)

Traditionally flat plate collectors have been the most popular but the recent introduction of evacuated tubes with their better durability and efficiency has seen them jump in popularity.

Home Solar water systems can either be roof mounted or split systems. In roof mounted systems the solar panels are combined with a tank and located on the roof structure. A sloping roof facing south in the northern hemisphere or the opposite if in the southern hemisphere. The sun heats the water and the hot water rises in the tank and siphons into a pump or gravity feed which makes it available to the house.

Aluminum solar farm systems consist of a north (or south) facing roof mounted collector(s) with a separate tank on the ground, usually located close to one of the major warm water consumption areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom.