Solar heating system for a hot water heater

Abstract

A solar heating system for a hot water heater. The system has at least one solar heating unit that heats water contained therein and is fluidly connected to a water storage tank. The water storage tank is enclosed underneath the surface of the earth and is fluidly connected to the hot water heater in order to provide hot water to the hot water heater. An active over-heat protection system for the heating panels that tilts away from the sun when heating isn't needed. An active system that maintains proper water temperature in the storage tank during use of hot water and during reheating of water.

1 . A solar heating system for a hot water heater comprising:
 at least one solar heating unit having water enclosed therein such that light from the sun is used to heat the water;   said solar heating unit is angled to create a downward fluid flow path toward a water storage tank that is in fluid communication with the solar heating unit;   said water storage tank enclosed underneath the surface of the earth; and   a hot water heater is in fluid communication with the water storage tank to receive water therefrom.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a thermo bypass valve disposed between the hot water heater and water storage tank wherein when the temperature of the water is below a threshold temperature the thermo bypass valve redirects water to the water storage tank preventing the water from flowing to the hot water heater and above the threshold temperature forces water to flow to the hot water heater. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the solar heating unit is operatively connected to a controller that tilts the solar heating unit away from solar rays of the sun when the solar heat unit reaches a predetermined temperature. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the solar heating unit is movable. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the solar heating unit has a pipe system that is within a support post that provides a fluid flow path between the solar heating unit and the water storage tank. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a cold water supply line fluidly connected to the storage tank and having a valve element that controls cold water added to the storage tank such that water is only added when heating is occurring and water temperature in the tank is above a threshold temperature. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein when circulation of water to the solar heating unit stops air in the water storage tank displaces water located in the solar heating unit thereby draining all water into the storage tank.