Solar water heaters repairs and new installation
Solar water heaters repairs and new installation
Solar water heatersIn some locales, solar powered water heaters are used. Their solar collectors are installed outside dwellings, typically on the roof or nearby. Nearly all models are the direct-gain type, consisting of flat panels in which water circulates. Other types may use dish or trough mirrors to concentrate sunlight on a collector tube filled with water, brine or other heat transfer fluid. A storage vessel/container is placed indoors or out. Circulation is caused by natural convection or by a small electric pump. At night, or when insufficient sunlight is present, circulation through the panel can be stopped by closing a valve and/or stopping the circulating pump, to keep hot water in the storage tank from cooling. Depending on the local climate, freeze protection, as well as prevention of overheating, must be addressed in their design, installation, and operation.
Another type of solar water heater is the evacuated tube collector. It is usually mounted on a roof, and has a row of glass tubes containing heat conducting rods, typically copper. The rods act as heating elements in a circulating loop of antifreeze. The captured heat is transferred into the domestic hot water system by a heat exchanger. This design is smaller and more efficient than traditional flat plate collectors, and works well in very cold climates. The evacuated description refers to air having been removed from the glass tubes to create a vacuum. This results in very low heat loss, once the inside coating has absorbed solar radiation.
Solar water heaters repairs and new installation
FREE ESTIMATES
Jacksonville Duval County 904-346-1266
St Augustine St Johns County 904-824-7144
Orange Park Clay County 904-264-6444
Jacksonville Beaches Duval County 904-246-3969
Fernandina Nassau County 904-277-3040
Macclenny Baker County 904-259-5091
Palm Coast Flagler County 386-439-5290
Daytona Volusia County 386-253-4911
GAINESVILLE ALACHUA COUNTY 352-335-8555
Serving all of Florida and Georgia at 904-346-1266
EMAIL LARRY@1STPROP.COM (feel free to email your bidding packages here)
Hot water heated by the sun is used in many ways. While perhaps best known in a residential setting to provide hot domestic water, solar hot water also has industrial applications, e.g. to generate electricity . Designs suitable for hot climates can be much simpler and cheaper, and can be considered an appropriate technology for these places. The global solar thermal market is dominated by China, Europe, Japan and India.
n order to heat water using solar energy, a collector, often fastened to a roof or a wall facing the sun, heats working fluid that is either pumped (active system) or driven by natural convection (passive system) through it. The collector could be made of a simple glass topped insulated box with a flat solar absorber made of sheet metal attached to copper pipes and painted black, or a set of metal tubes surrounded by an evacuated (near vacuum) glass cylinder. In industrial cases a parabolic mirror can concentrate sunlight on the tube. Heat is stored in a hot water storage tank. The volume of this tank needs to be larger with solar heating systems in order to allow for bad weather, and because the optimum final temperature for the solar collector is lower than a typical immersion or combustion heater. The heat transfer fluid (HTF) for the absorber may be the hot water from the tank, but more commonly (at least in active systems) is a separate loop of fluid containing anti-freeze and a corrosion inhibitor which delivers heat to the tank through a heat exchanger (commonly a coil of copper tubing within the tank). Another lower-maintenance concept is the ‘drain-back’: no anti-freeze is required; instead all the piping is sloped to cause water to drain back to the tank. The tank is not pressurized and is open to atmospheric pressure. As soon as the pump shuts off, flow reverses and the pipes are empty before freezing could occur.
Residential solar thermal installations fall into two groups: passive (sometimes called “compact”) and active (sometimes called “pumped”) systems. Both typically include an auxiliary energy source (electric heating element or connection to a gas or fuel oil central heating system) that is activated when the water in the tank falls below a minimum temperature setting such as 55°C. Hence, hot water is always available. The combination of solar water heating and using the back-up heat from a wood stove chimney to heat water can enable a hot water system to work all year round in cooler climates, without the supplemental heat requirement of a solar water heating system being met with fossil fuels or electricity.
When a solar water heating and hot-water central heating system are used in conjunction, solar heat will either be concentrated in a pre-heating tank that feeds into the tank heated by the central heating, or the solar heat exchanger will replace the lower heating element and the upper element will remain in place to provide for any heating that solar cannot provide. However, the primary need for central heating is at night and in winter when solar gain is lower. Therefore, solar water heating for washing and bathing is often a better application than central heating because supply and demand are better matched.In many climates, a solar hot water system can provide up to 85% of domestic hot water energy. This can include domestic non-electric concentrating solar thermal systems. In many northern European countries, combined hot water and space heating systems (solar combisystems) are used to provide 15 to 25% of home heating energy.
Solar water heaters repairs and new installation
FREE ESTIMATES
Jacksonville Duval County 904-346-1266
St Augustine St Johns County 904-824-7144
Orange Park Clay County 904-264-6444
Jacksonville Beaches Duval County 904-246-3969
Fernandina Nassau County 904-277-3040
Macclenny Baker County 904-259-5091
Palm Coast Flagler County 386-439-5290
Daytona Volusia County 386-253-4911
GAINESVILLE ALACHUA COUNTY 352-335-8555
Serving all of Florida and Georgia at 904-346-1266
EMAIL LARRY@1STPROP.COM (feel free to email your bidding packages here)
Solar water heaters repairs and new installation
other websites we recommend you look at
http://asapbackflowtesting.com/
Would you like to learn more about how the sun can help meet your
home’s heating needs without straining your budget?
Today’s solar heating systems not only keep swimming pools warm—
Today’s solar heating systems not only keep swimming pools warm—
they can also heat much of your home’s water and interior space. Their
popularity is increasing, for several reasons. Solar heating systems are
reliable, adaptable, and pollution-free because they use renewable energy
from the sun. Many systems include sleek, attractive, low-relief collectors
that people often mistake for skylights.
Did you know that solar heating systems work well in many different
climates? Some applications, such as pool heating, are widely costeffective
today. The cost-effectiveness of other applications depends on
specific circumstances, such as the type and cost of your usual source of
energy. Today, special financing is available to help you purchase the
system that’s right for your home.
If you’d like to find out more about solar heating for your home or pool,
this booklet is a good place to start. Here, you’ll learn how solar heating
systems work, how they’re used, their benefits, and how to purchase one
yourself. Please note, however, that this booklet isn’t a technical guide
to designing and installing a system. For that, you’ll need to consult an
experienced solar heating contractor; see “Getting help” in this booklet
for more information.
A solar heating system is a substantial but rewarding investment. It can
reduce your monthly heating bill while helping to protect our environment.
Being informed and planning carefully will ensure that you’ve
ensure that you’ve
chosen the right system for you and your family
ensure that you’ve
chosen the right system for you and your family
What is solar heating?
Solar heaters, or solar thermal
systems, provide environmentally
friendly heat for household water,
space heating, and swimming pools.
The systems collect the sun’s energy
to heat air or a fluid. The air or
fluid then transfers solar heat
directly or indirectly to your home,
water, or pool.
Solar water heaters, sometimes
called solar domestic hot-water
systems, may be a good investment
for you and your family. Solar water
heaters are cost effective for many
applications over the life of the
system. Although solar water
heaters cost more initially than
conventional water heaters, the fuel
they use—sunshine—is free. Solar
heating technologies can be used
in any climate. To take advantage
of solar energy, you usually need to
have an unshaded area that faces
south, southeast, or southwest,
such as a roof. In some cases, a solar
professional may recommend westfacing
roofs for solar collectors.
The type of system you choose,
including the type of collector
and whether it is active or passive,
depends on several factors. These
include your site, the climate you
live in, installation considerations,
cost, and how you would like your
solar heating system to be used.
What are the basic
components of a solar
thermal system?
Solar water heaters and solar space
heaters are made up of solar collectors,
and all systems except pool
heaters have some kind of storage.
In pool systems, the swimming pool
itself is the storage, and the pool’s
filtration pump circulates the pool
water through the collectors.
Active systems also have circulating
pumps and controls; passive systems
work without this added
equipment.
Three types of solar collectors are
used for residential applications:
flat-plate, integral collector-storage
(ICS), and evacuated-tube collectors.
Flat-plate collectors like the one
shown on page 3 are the most
common type. Glazed flat-plate
collectors essentially are insulated,
weatherproofed boxes that contain
a dark absorber plate under one
or more glass or plastic (polymer)
Background
Simplified representation
of a solar water-heating system
covers. Unglazed flat-plate collectors
are simply a dark absorber
plate, made of metal or polymer,
without a cover or enclosure.
Unglazed flat-plate collectors made
from polymer materials are typically
used in solar pool-heating systems.
See the photos on pages 1 and 7
and the diagram on page 9 for
examples.
Integral collector-storage systems,
also known as ICS or “batch” systems,
are made of one or more
black tanks or tubes in an insulated,
glazed box. Cold water first passes
through the solar collector, which
preheats the water, and then continues
to the conventional backup
water heater. ICS systems are simple,
reliable solar water heaters.
However, they should be installed
only in mild-freeze climates because
the outdoor pipes could freeze in
severely cold weather.
Evacuated-tube solar collectors
are usually made of parallel rows of
transparent glass tubes. Each tube
contains a glass outer tube and
metal absorber tube attached to
a fin. The fin is covered with a
coating that absorbs solar energy
well, but which inhibits radiative
heat loss. Air is removed, or evacuated,
from the space between the glass
tubes and the metal tubes to form a
vacuum, which eliminates conductive
and convective heat loss. In the
United States, evacuated-tube collector
systems are used most frequently
in commercial applications.
Most solar water heaters require
a well-insulated storage tank.
Solar storage tanks have an additional
outlet and inlet connected
to and from the collector. Active
solar systems usually include a
storage tank along with a conventional
water heater. In two-tank
systems, the solar water heater
preheats water before it enters the
conventional water heater. In a onetank
system, like the one shown
on page 4, the backup heater is
combined with the solar storage
in one tank.
Active solar water heaters use
pumps to circulate water or a nonfreezing
heat-transfer fluid from
storage tanks through the collectors.
Active systems are usually
Glazed flat-plate collector
Inlet connection
Glazing
frame
Enclosure
Flow tubes
Glazing
Outlet
connection
Insulation
Absorber plate
more expensive than passive
systems, but they are also usually
more efficient.
Direct circulation systems use a
pump to circulate household water
through the collectors and into the
home; they work well in climates
where it rarely freezes. Indirect
circulation systems use pumps
to circulate a non-freezing heattransfer
fluid through the collectors
and a heat exchanger. This heats
water that then flows into the
home. Indirect systems are popular
in climates prone to freezing
temperatures.
Passive direct solar water
heaters, like the one shown on
page 5, move household water or
a heat-transfer fluid through the
system without using pumps or
electricity. Passive systems work
during power outages, but they
should not be used in climates
where temperatures often go below
freezing. Passive systems are typically
less expensive to purchase and
maintain than other types of solar
systems. They are also inherently
more reliable and may last longer.
However, passive systems are not
usually as efficient as active systems.
ICS passive solar systems may
be best in areas where temperatures
rarely go below freezing. They are
also good in households with
significant daytime and evening
hot-water needs.
Thermosyphon systems work
because water flows through the
system when warm water rises as
cooler water sinks. In this system,
the collector must be installed
below the storage tank so that
warm water will rise into the tank.
These systems are reliable, but
Active indirect one-tank system
Collector
sensor
Collector
Controller
Pump
Air
eliminator
Pressure Expansion tank
gauge
Fill/drain
assembly
Air vent
Drain
Drain
Element
Cold water in
Hot water out
P/T relief
valve
Heat
exchanger
Tank FSEC
more expensive than passive
systems, but they are also usually
more efficient.
Direct circulation systems use a
pump to circulate household water
through the collectors and into the
home; they work well in climates
where it rarely freezes. Indirect
circulation systems use pumps
to circulate a non-freezing heattransfer
fluid through the collectors
and a heat exchanger. This heats
water that then flows into the
home. Indirect systems are popular
in climates prone to freezing
temperatures.
Passive direct solar water
heaters, like the one shown on
page 5, move household water or
a heat-transfer fluid through the
system without using pumps or
electricity. Passive systems work
during power outages, but they
should not be used in climates
where temperatures often go below
freezing. Passive systems are typically
less expensive to purchase and
maintain than other types of solar
systems. They are also inherently
more reliable and may last longer.
However, passive systems are not
usually as efficient as active systems.
ICS passive solar systems may
be best in areas where temperatures
rarely go below freezing. They are
also good in households with
significant daytime and evening
hot-water needs.
Thermosyphon systems work
because water flows through the
system when warm water rises as
cooler water sinks. In this system,
the collector must be installed
below the storage tank so that
warm water will rise into the tank.
These systems are reliable, but
Active indirect one-tank system
Collector
sensor
Collector
Controller
Pump
Air
eliminator
Pressure Expansion tank
gauge
Fill/drain
assembly
Air vent
Drain
Drain
Element
Cold water in
Hot water out
P/T relief
valve
Heat
exchanger
Tank FSEC
contractors must pay careful attention
to roof design because the
water in the storage tank is heavy.
Thermosyphon passive solar systems
are usually less expensive than
active systems, but more expensive
than ICS systems.
How have solar systems
improved?
Since the early 1970s, the efficiency
and reliability of solar heating systems
and collectors have increased
greatly and costs have dropped.
Improvements to materials, a rating
system for consumers, and more
attractive designs have all helped
to make systems more successful.
Low-iron, tempered
glass is now used
instead of conventional
glass for glazing.
Improved insulation
and durable selective
coatings for absorbers
have improved efficiency
and helped to
reduce life-cycle costs.
The Solar Rating
and Certification
Corporation (SRCC)
and the Florida Solar
Energy Center (FSEC)
certify and rate solar
thermal systems and
equipment. SRCC
evaluates product
reliability and rates
the performance of
solar water-heating
systems by subjecting
them to technical
reviews. SRCC has a
directory of certified systems on
its Web site along with system
performance ratings. FSEC publishes
similar information specific to
Florida that is useful in other states
with similar climates. See the
“Getting help” section for contact
information.
The appearance of the systems has
also improved. Today’s collectors
can usually be mounted flush with
the roof for a streamlined system
that looks like skylights. Unglazed
polymer collectors for solar pool
heating are now available in terra
cotta colors as well as black, so
homeowners can choose the color
that will best match their home.
Why should I invest in a
solar thermal system?
The first question many people ask
when considering a home expense
is, “How much will it cost?” The
answer depends on the type of system,
how you want to use it (water
or pool heating, for example), and
your geographic location. But most
solar thermal systems cost between
$2,000 and $4,500. Although this
is usually more than the cost of a
conventional gas or electric system,
today’s solar heating systems are
cost competitive when you consider
your total energy costs over the
entire life of the system.
Your monthly gas or electricity bills
will usually be lower and more
predictable for as long as you own
the house. Also, solar heating systems
will insulate you from rising
fossil fuel costs and protect you
from fuel-price inflation over time.
Investing in a solar thermal system
could also increase the resale value
of your home. Often, the entire
initial cost of the system can be
recovered when you sell your
property. In addition, you will
be earning an annual 6% to 25%
tax-free rate-of-return on your
investment, depending on how
much hot water you use and how
much energy you save.
Another important reason to invest
in solar systems may be less tangible.
When you purchase a solar
heating system, you support technologies
that are good for the
environment. You are making a
conscious, responsible decision to
help reduce harmful emissions from
fossil fuels, while maintaining your
quality of life.
How much will your solar
heating system help the
environment?
Depending on the type of conventional
fuel used, replacing an electric
water heater with a solar heater
can offset the equivalent of 40% to
100% of the carbon dioxide emissions
of a modern passenger car.
Carbon dioxide traps heat in our
atmosphere, contributing to the
greenhouse effect, which alters
our planet’s climate and ecological
systems. Using solar energy in place
of nonrenewable fuels may also
reduce nitrous oxides and sulfur
dioxides, which are components
of smog.
Is my home a good place for
a solar heating system?
The first consideration when building
a solar thermal system is the
site. If your site has unshaded areas
and generally faces south, it is a
good candidate for a solar thermal
system. A professional installer can
evaluate your roof as a location for
collectors. If your roof doesn’t have
enough space, you can also install
the system on the ground. Please
refer to the system-sizing section of
this booklet for more information
on space requirements. The amount
of sun that your site receives,
how often temperatures dip below
freezing, and other factors will
also affect the type of solar heating
system you choose.
Before getting under way, you need
to consider your homeowners
association rules and neighborhood
bylaws, also known as codes,
covenants, and restrictions (CC&Rs).
In Arizona, California, and Florida,
state laws prohibit CC&Rs that
restrict solar system installations.
Nine other states have similar laws
barring regulations that unreasonably
limit solar energy use in
planned communities. Some cities
and counties have ordinances or
require permits for home improvement
construction, including solar
system installation.
How big should my solar
thermal system be, and which
features should I look for?
Some of the answers to questions
about system size and features
depend on how you plan to use
the solar system. Here, you’ll find
general information on sizing
systems for water heating, swimming
pools, and space heating.
To locate more specific information,
please see “Getting help” on
page 17.
Sizing a solar thermal system
for heating domestic water
Just as conventional water heaters
come in different sizes, so do solar
water heaters. Sizing your solar
Solar pool heaters are efficient and economical
water heater involves determining
the total collector area and storage
volume you need to meet 90% to
100% of your household’s hot water
needs during the summer. Solarequipment
experts use worksheets
and computer programs to help
determine system requirements
and collector sizing.
Contractors usually follow a
guideline of about 20 square feet
(2 square meters) of collector area
for each of the first two family
members. For every additional person,
add 8 square feet (0.7 square
meters) if you live in the Sun Belt
area of the United States, or 12 to
14 square feet (1.1 to 1.3 square
meters) if you live in the northern
United States.
For active systems, the size of the
solar storage tank increases with
the size of the collector—typically
1.5 gallons per square foot of collector.
A small, 66-gallon system is
usually big enough for one to three
people; a medium-size, 80-gallon
system works well for a three- or
four-person household; and a large,
120-gallon system is appropriate
for four to six people.
In recent years, homebuilders have
begun including solar water heating
systems as standard features in
some subdivisions. The systems are
the same size for every home, and
they all work equally well. However,
large families with greater hot-water
demand find that a smaller percentage
of their hot water is provided by
the solar energy system.
Sizing a solar thermal system
for heating swimming pools
Heating your swimming pool with
solar energy requires a collector
that is 50% to 100% of the surface
area of your pool. Your geographic
location and other factors determine
the exact size.
For example, a 15-by-30 foot
swimming pool in Florida typically
requires a collector that equals
100% of the pool’s square footage,
which translates to 450 square feet
of unglazed flat-plate collectors.
This is because many Florida swimming
pool owners use their pools
year round. In contrast, in northern
California, most pools are used only
6 to 8 months per year, so systems
are typically sized at 60% to 70%
of the pool’s surface area.
In general, adding more square
footage lengthens the swimming
season and allows owners to use the
pool in colder weather. A pool cover
or blanket reduces heat loss and
helps maintain warm temperatures
for a longer period.
Sizing a solar thermal system
for space heating
In contrast to solar water heating,
solar space heating usually requires
a larger, more complicated system.
Space-heating systems have to store
heat for use when solar energy is
least available and your house is
coldest—at night and during the
winter months. Solar space-heating
systems are usually combined with
water heating, and they are sized
to accommodate both uses
The amount of solar collector area
needed to heat your home depends
on many factors. These include the
available solar energy, collector efficiency,
local climate, and heating
requirements. Heating requirements
are based on insulation levels, the
house’s airtightness, and the lifestyle
of the residents. Generally, the
area of solar collector is about equal
to 10% to 30% of the floor area of
the house.
How much money will my
solar thermal system save,
and how much will it cost?
Your savings depend on how your
solar system will be used, as well as
the size and type of your system.
Other factors can include the
climate, the contractor, and the
system rating. Your state may offer
solar rebates or other incentives
that will reduce costs.
Savings and costs for solar
domestic water heating
Solar heating systems can save
you money in the long run. FSEC
studied the potential savings to
Florida homeowners who use
common water-heating systems,
including solar, in comparison
to electric water heaters. FSEC
undertook this study because the
initial installed cost of a solar water
heater is higher than that of a gas
or electric water heater. FSEC wanted
to explore costs and savings over
time, beyond the initial installation
period. The study found that solar
water heaters offered the greatest
potential savings. Annual utility
costs for solar water heaters were
50% to 85% lower than those for
electric water heaters.
The cost and benefit of purchasing
a solar water heater vary from
region to region, so check costs in
your area. Depending on the price
of the conventional fuel, a solar
water heater can be more economical
over the life of the system than
heating water with electricity, fuel
oil, propane, or even natural gas.
That’s because the fuel—sunshine—
is free.
However, at historically low prices
for natural gas, the total cost of
owning a solar water heater with
a backup natural gas heater may
be more expensive than owning
a natural gas heater alone.
Nevertheless, as natural gas
becomes more costly and its availability
more volatile, solar water
heaters become more economical.
Solar water heaters are often quite
cost-competitive in new homes.
In many places in the United
States, homebuilders choose
electric water heaters because they
are easy to install and relatively
inexpensive. Research shows that
the average household with an
electric water heater spends about
25% of its home energy costs on
heating water.
If you are building a new home
or refinancing because of a major
renovation, the economics are even
more attractive. Including the price
of a solar water heater in a new
30-year mortgage usually amounts
to between $13 and $20 per month.
The federal income tax deduction
for mortgage interest attributable
to the solar system reduces that
by about $3 to $5 per month. So,
if your fuel savings are more than
$15 per month, the solar investment
is profitable immediately.
On a monthly basis, you are saving
more than you are paying.
Savings and cost for solar
swimming pool heating
A solar heating system for your
pool usually costs between $3,000
and $4,000 to buy and install. This
provides a payback of between
1.5 and 7 years, depending on the
cost of the fossil fuel your system
replaces. The actual cost and payback
depends on your site, the type
of system you choose, financing,
and the length of the pool season.
Often, a payback cannot even be
calculated, because many people
choose not to heat their pool at all,
given the extra $300 to $600 on
their energy bill. A solar system
allows these people to swim in a
pool that was previously too costly
to heat and too cold to use
Savings and cost for solar
space heating
The cost of a solar space-heating
system depends on many factors,
including the size of your house,
how airtight it is, how much of
your heat will be supplied with a
conventional backup, the system
you choose, and your site. In
general, solar space-heating systems
can provide 40% to 60% of your
space-heating needs. These systems
are most economical for consumers
who would otherwise be heating
with electricity, rather than with
natural gas or other fuels.
But solar space heating is needed
most when sunlight is least
available, during the winter and
at night—and needed least when
sunlight is most available, during
the summer and the daytime. So
today’s solar technologies are not
likely to be a cost-effective solution
for active solar space heating in
most homes. However, a good alternative
is to simply to use passive
solar building techniques. See the
EERE Web site, www.eere.gov/solar,
for more information.
How can I finance the cost
of my solar thermal system?
Are there incentives?
Financing
Financing the cost of your solar
thermal system is not as tricky
as it may seem. Although some
special programs are available to
help you purchase solar thermal
technologies, most of the financing
options are familiar ones.
One common way to finance a solar
system is through your mortgage or
through a home-equity loan secured
by your home. Mortgage loans
offer lower interest rates and longer
pay schedules than conventional
bank loans, and interest on your
mortgage loan is tax-deductible.
Financing your system when you
apply for your mortgage—whether
because you are building or refinancing—
can make the application
process simpler and less costly.
Conventional bank loans are
another way to finance your solar
system. However, your system is a
long-term investment; this should
be reflected in the pay schedule for
the loan. Look for longer terms and
lower interest rates, which will help
keep your solar thermal system
affordable.
Incentives
Many states have incentives for
buying solar technologies. Check
with your state or local energy
office or your state departments
of revenue or finance for information.
Some electric utilities offer
rebates to customers who install
solar energy equipment because
these installations help utilities
reduce energy use during times
of high demand.
You can also check the National
Database of State Incentives for
Renewable Energy (DSIRE). DSIRE
is prepared by the North Carolina
Solar Center. It provides information
on financial and regulatory
incentives to promote renewable
energy technologies. For information,
see “Getting help” on page 17
What are the maintenance
issues and repair costs for
a solar thermal system?
The costs of maintaining your solar
thermal system depend on the type
of technology you choose and how
often temperatures in your area fall
below freezing. Properly maintaining
your system will keep it running
smoothly.
Passive systems do not require
much maintenance. For active
systems, discuss the maintenance
requirements with your system
provider and consult the system
owner’s manual. Plumbing and
other conventional components
require the same maintenance as
conventional systems. Glazing
may need to be cleaned in dry
climates where rainwater does
not provide a natural rinse.
Regular maintenance on simple
systems can be as infrequent as
every 3 to 5 years, preferably by
a solar contractor. Systems with
electrical components usually
require a replacement part or two
after 10 years. Simple, regular system
checks can also be effective.
For example, one easy way to
check the system is to carefully
feel the hot-water pipes going
into the storage tank after the
system has been working on a
clear, warm day. If the pipes are
hot, your system is working
properly.
Specialists
Who sells and installs
solar thermal systems?
Depending on your area, the
simplest way to find a solar
thermal systems contractor is to
look in the yellow pages under
“Solar Energy Equipment and
Systems—Dealers.” Most of the
listings will probably be for solar
water heating, photovoltaic (solar
electric), or electric systems
contractors.
You can also contact your utility
company to get information on
recommended vendors, or search
on the Internet for solar water
heating, solar pool heating, or
solar space heating, depending on
the application you are interested
in installing.
Your state may have an active
chapter of the Solar Energy
Industries Association (SEIA), a
trade association of contractors,
distributors, and manufacturers.
See “Getting help” for contact
information.
How do I choose among
solar thermal system
providers?
One way to choose a contractor
is to check your list of potential
companies for the ones nearest
you. Ask them what products and
services they offer. Here are a few
questions you might want to ask
potential vendors.
Has your company installed
solar thermal systems for solar
water heating, pool heating,
or space heating?
Choose a company that has
experience installing the type of
system you want and servicing
the applications you select.
How many years of experience
does your company have with
solar heating installation?
Obviously, the more experience
the better. A business that has
been working with these systems
for a long time will be more
professional, know more about
current technologies and recent
advances, and be less likely to
make costly mistakes. Request a
list of past customers who can
provide references.
Is your company licensed?
Having a valid plumber’s or solar
contractor’s license is required in
some states for solar thermal
system installation. You can
confirm licensing by contacting
your state contractor licensing
board. Local requirements may
also include a local contractor’s
license. Call your city and county
for information on other required
licenses.
For you to obtain certain rebates,
your contractor may have to
demonstrate special knowledge
about solar installations through
one or more of the following:
• Possession of a solar contractor
specialty license issued by a
local building jurisdiction
• Certification in solar thermal
systems by a group such as the
state chapter of SEIA
• A letter from the solar heating
manufacturer that indicates
that the installer has the necessary
experience and training to
install solar systems.
Does your company have any
pending or active judgments
or liens against it?
As with any project that requires
a contractor, due diligence is
recommended. Your state contractor
licensing board can tell you about
any complaints against statelicensed
contractors. The Better
Business Bureau is another good
source for such information.
How do I choose among bids?
Is the least expensive the
best deal?
It is usually a good idea to get more
than one bid for installation of your
solar system. Make sure that all the
bids you receive are based on the
same information and requirements.
For example, comparing a
bid for a system mounted on your
roof with a bid for one mounted
on the ground would not tell you
how the two bids compare—it
would probably tell you more about
how the two types of installations
compare.
One solution is to ask for bids
on systems certified by the
Solar Rating and Certification
Corporation (SRCC). If possible,
have each bid specify system type
and size, energy output, maintenance
requirements, and cost.
Cost should include having the
system installed and getting it
up and running, as well as the
cost of hardware, permits, sales
tax, and warranties.
A system warranty is crucial in
comparing bids. A solar rebate
program may require a written
installation warranty, for example
a 2-year parts-and-labor warranty
in addition to manufacturers’
warranties on system components.
The company may offer other,
longer warranties, particularly
on the collectors. However, solar
systems are more than collectors;
active systems include electronic
components, pumps, valves, and
wiring. Make sure you know what
your warranty covers and that
the company stands behind the
full warranty.
If you have several bids, you may
wonder if the lowest bid is the
best deal. Sometimes it is not. A
solar thermal system installer is
in business to make money; overhead
and operating expenses must
be covered. A low price could be
a sign of inexperience, or of a
company without staying power.
Contractors that expect to stay in
business must charge enough to
cover their products and services
plus make a fair profit. Price is
not the only consideration.
Do I need a conventional
system as a backup?
Whether you need a backup system
for your solar thermal system
depends largely on the type of
system you choose and where you
live. Solar water-heating systems
almost always require a backup
system for cloudy days and times
of increased demand. This backup
system is typically a conventional
gas or electric water heater and
may already be part of the solar
system package. It may also be
part of the solar collector, such as
rooftop tanks with thermosyphon
systems. For example, an integral
collector-storage system (ICS)
may be packaged with an instantaneous
gas water heater for backup.
The ICS system stores hot water in
addition to collecting solar heat,
and the instantaneous water heater
provides hot water when solar heat
is not available.
Most people do not need or use
a backup heater with solar pool
heaters. In freeze-prone climates,
solar pool heaters are used mainly
in summer. Spas or hot tubs are
an exception. Spa owners may use
their solar system to heat both the
pool and the spa, but will use a
backup heater to get the spa to a
higher temperature. In climates
where it rarely freezes, pool heaters
may be used year-round.
If you decide to install solar thermal
space heating, you will almost
certainly need a backup system.
Space-heating systems require a
large collector area, significant
storage volume, and a highly
efficient building envelope to
produce enough energy to heat
your home at night and during
the winter. Solar space heating
usually provides 40% to 60% of
your home’s space-heating needs.
A backup system ensures that
your house is comfortably warm
during power outages, cold snaps,
and extended cloudy periods.
Many building codes and mortgage
lenders require a conventional
backup space heater.
Will I need any permits
or inspections?
If you live in a community with
a homeowners association, check
to see if any approvals, permits,
or inspections are required. Always
obtain the necessary approvals
from the association before beginning
construction. Homeowners
associations, towns, cities, and
counties usually have a legal right
to require approval before building.
However, some states have solarrights
laws that may apply if
approval is denied.
You will probably need to obtain
permits from the building department
that has jurisdiction in your
state, county, or city. Plumbing,
building, and electrical permits may
be required. These permits typically
require a final inspection after the
system has been installed. Check
with your solar heating system
contractor to find out whether
the price of obtaining permits and
inspections is included in the bid
and final cost estimate.
What about insurance?
If you are buying a solar heating
system for your home, your regular
homeowners insurance should
cover your needs. However, if
insurance coverage becomes an
issue, please refer to “Getting help”
on page 17.
Will I need warranties?
Warranties are an important factor
in the bidding process and an
important aspect of the system
you choose. Make sure you know
the warranties that your system
manufacturer and installer offer
for your equipment and hardware,
as well as parts-and-labor warranties.
Check to make sure the
manufacturer can provide support
and supplies if the installer is
not available.
You can usually obtain a full-system
warranty plus parts-and-labor for
at least 1 to 3 years. This means
you will not be responsible for
system problems covered by the
warranty in the first year or two
of system operation.
Will I need a maintenance
agreement?
A maintenance agreement may
be part of your warranty. Have
the contractor prepare a schedule
of required or recommended
maintenance before you purchase
your system.
American Solar Energy Society (ASES)
2400 Central Avenue, Suite G-1
Boulder, CO 80301
www.ases.org
Phone: (303) 443-3130
Fax: (303) 443-3212
E-mail: ases@ases.org
Database of State Incentives
for Renewable Energy (DSIRE)
www.dsireusa.org
Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)
Public Affairs Division
www.fsec.ucf.edu
Phone: (321) 638-1015
Fax: (321) 638-1010
E-mail: info@fsec.ucf.edu
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Solar Energy Technology Program
www.eere.energy.gov/solar.html
Solar Benefits Model Software
www.eere.energy.gov/
solarbuildings/sbm.html
Solar Energy Industries
Association (SEIA)
1616 H Street NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20006-4999
www.seia.org
Phone: (202) 628-7745
Fax: (202) 628-7999
Solar Rating and Certification
Corporation (SRCC)
c/o FSEC
1679 Clearlake Road
Cocoa, FL 32922-5703
www.solar-rating.org
(See standards document OG-300)
Phone: (321) 638-1537
Fax: (321) 638-1010
E-mail: srcc@fsec.ucf.edu
Getting Help
Solar thermal technologies work in a variety of climates
Craig Christensen, NREL/PIX12943
other websites we recommend you look at
http://asapbackflowtesting.com/
