Another type of solar water heater is the evacuated tube collector<\/strong>. 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<\/a>. 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<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n Solar water heaters repairs and new installation<\/p>\n FREE ESTIMATES<\/p>\n Jacksonville\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Duval County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 904-346-1266 GAINESVILLE\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ALACHUA COUNTY\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 352-335-8555 EMAIL <\/strong>LARRY@1STPROP.COM<\/a> (feel free to email your bidding packages here)<\/p>\n 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 <\/a><\/sup>. Designs suitable for hot climates can be much simpler and cheaper, and can be considered an appropriate technology<\/a> for these places. The global solar thermal market is dominated by China, Europe, Japan and India<\/a>.<\/p>\n n order to heat water using solar energy, a collector, often fastened to a roof or a wall facing the sun, heats working fluid<\/a> that is either pumped (active system) or driven by natural convection<\/a> (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<\/a> and a corrosion inhibitor<\/a> which delivers heat to the tank through a heat exchanger<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n 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\u00b0C. 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<\/a><\/sup> 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, 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<\/a> systems. In many northern European countries, combined hot water and space heating systems (solar combisystems<\/a>) are used to provide 15 to 25% of home heating energy.<\/p>\n Solar water heaters repairs and new installation<\/p>\n FREE ESTIMATES<\/p>\n Jacksonville\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Duval County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 904-346-1266 GAINESVILLE\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ALACHUA COUNTY\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 352-335-8555 EMAIL <\/strong>LARRY@1STPROP.COM<\/a> (feel free to email your bidding packages here)<\/p>\n Solar water heaters repairs and new installation<\/p>\n other websites we recommend you look at<\/strong><\/p>\n www.asap-plumbing.com<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n www.asapgasinstallers.com<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n www.dirtandsandforsale.com<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n www.asaproofinspections.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n http:\/\/allprogas.com\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n http:\/\/asapbackflowtesting.com\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n http:\/\/allproplumbing.us\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n http:\/\/asapirrigation.us\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Would you like to learn more about how the sun can help meet your Today\u2019s solar heating systems not only keep swimming pools warm\u2014 ensure that you\u2019ve ensure that you\u2019ve What is solar heating? covers. Unglazed flat-plate collectors more expensive than passive more expensive than passive contractors must pay careful attention Why should I invest in a freezing, and other factors will water heater involves determining The amount of solar collector area heater is higher than that of a gas Savings and cost for solar What are the maintenance Who sells and installs about solar installations through Do I need a conventional space heating, you will almost<\/p>\n certainly need a backup system. American Solar Energy Society (ASES) other websites we recommend you look at<\/strong><\/p>\n www.asap-plumbing.com<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n www.asapgasinstallers.com<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n www.dirtandsandforsale.com<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n www.asaproofinspections.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n http:\/\/allprogas.com\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n http:\/\/asapbackflowtesting.com\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
\nSt Augustine\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 St Johns County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 904-824-7144
\nOrange Park\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Clay County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 904-264-6444
\nJacksonville Beaches\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Duval County\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0904-246-3969
\nFernandina\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Nassau County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 904-277-3040
\nMacclenny\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Baker County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 904-259-5091
\nPalm Coast\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Flagler County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 386-439-5290
\nDaytona\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Volusia County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 386-253-4911<\/p>\n
\nServing all of Florida \u00a0and Georgia\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 at \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0904-346-1266<\/p>\n
\nSt Augustine\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 St Johns County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 904-824-7144
\nOrange Park\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Clay County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 904-264-6444
\nJacksonville Beaches\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Duval County\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0904-246-3969
\nFernandina\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Nassau County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 904-277-3040
\nMacclenny\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Baker County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 904-259-5091
\nPalm Coast\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Flagler County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 386-439-5290
\nDaytona\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Volusia County\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 386-253-4911<\/p>\n
\nServing all of Florida \u00a0and Georgia\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 at \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0904-346-1266<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"file:\/\/\/C:\/DOCUME%7E1\/LARRY%7E1.SOH\/LOCALS%7E1\/Temp\/moz-screenshot-1.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"file:\/\/\/C:\/DOCUME%7E1\/LARRY%7E1.SOH\/LOCALS%7E1\/Temp\/moz-screenshot-2.png\")
<\/p>\n
\nhome\u2019s heating needs without straining your budget?
\nToday\u2019s solar heating systems not only keep swimming pools warm\u2014<\/p>\n
\nthey can also heat much of your home\u2019s water and interior space. Their
\npopularity is increasing, for several reasons. Solar heating systems are
\nreliable, adaptable, and pollution-free because they use renewable energy
\nfrom the sun. Many systems include sleek, attractive, low-relief collectors
\nthat people often mistake for skylights.
\nDid you know that solar heating systems work well in many different
\nclimates? Some applications, such as pool heating, are widely costeffective
\ntoday. The cost-effectiveness of other applications depends on
\nspecific circumstances, such as the type and cost of your usual source of
\nenergy. Today, special financing is available to help you purchase the
\nsystem that\u2019s right for your home.
\nIf you\u2019d like to find out more about solar heating for your home or pool,
\nthis booklet is a good place to start. Here, you\u2019ll learn how solar heating
\nsystems work, how they\u2019re used, their benefits, and how to purchase one
\nyourself. Please note, however, that this booklet isn\u2019t a technical guide
\nto designing and installing a system. For that, you\u2019ll need to consult an
\nexperienced solar heating contractor; see \u201cGetting help\u201d in this booklet
\nfor more information.
\nA solar heating system is a substantial but rewarding investment. It can
\nreduce your monthly heating bill while helping to protect our environment.
\nBeing informed and planning carefully will ensure that you\u2019ve<\/p>\n
\nchosen the right system for you and your family<\/p>\n
\nchosen the right system for you and your family<\/p>\n
\nSolar heaters, or solar thermal
\nsystems, provide environmentally
\nfriendly heat for household water,
\nspace heating, and swimming pools.
\nThe systems collect the sun\u2019s energy
\nto heat air or a fluid. The air or
\nfluid then transfers solar heat
\ndirectly or indirectly to your home,
\nwater, or pool.
\nSolar water heaters, sometimes
\ncalled solar domestic hot-water
\nsystems, may be a good investment
\nfor you and your family. Solar water
\nheaters are cost effective for many
\napplications over the life of the
\nsystem. Although solar water
\nheaters cost more initially than
\nconventional water heaters, the fuel
\nthey use\u2014sunshine\u2014is free. Solar
\nheating technologies can be used
\nin any climate. To take advantage
\nof solar energy, you usually need to
\nhave an unshaded area that faces
\nsouth, southeast, or southwest,
\nsuch as a roof. In some cases, a solar
\nprofessional may recommend westfacing
\nroofs for solar collectors.
\nThe type of system you choose,
\nincluding the type of collector
\nand whether it is active or passive,
\ndepends on several factors. These
\ninclude your site, the climate you
\nlive in, installation considerations,
\ncost, and how you would like your
\nsolar heating system to be used.
\nWhat are the basic
\ncomponents of a solar
\nthermal system?
\nSolar water heaters and solar space
\nheaters are made up of solar collectors,
\nand all systems except pool
\nheaters have some kind of storage.
\nIn pool systems, the swimming pool
\nitself is the storage, and the pool\u2019s
\nfiltration pump circulates the pool
\nwater through the collectors.
\nActive systems also have circulating
\npumps and controls; passive systems
\nwork without this added
\nequipment.
\nThree types of solar collectors are
\nused for residential applications:
\nflat-plate, integral collector-storage
\n(ICS), and evacuated-tube collectors.
\nFlat-plate collectors like the one
\nshown on page 3 are the most
\ncommon type. Glazed flat-plate
\ncollectors essentially are insulated,
\nweatherproofed boxes that contain
\na dark absorber plate under one
\nor more glass or plastic (polymer)
\nBackground
\nSimplified representation
\nof a solar water-heating system<\/p>\n
\nare simply a dark absorber
\nplate, made of metal or polymer,
\nwithout a cover or enclosure.
\nUnglazed flat-plate collectors made
\nfrom polymer materials are typically
\nused in solar pool-heating systems.
\nSee the photos on pages 1 and 7
\nand the diagram on page 9 for
\nexamples.
\nIntegral collector-storage systems,
\nalso known as ICS or \u201cbatch\u201d systems,
\nare made of one or more
\nblack tanks or tubes in an insulated,
\nglazed box. Cold water first passes
\nthrough the solar collector, which
\npreheats the water, and then continues
\nto the conventional backup
\nwater heater. ICS systems are simple,
\nreliable solar water heaters.
\nHowever, they should be installed
\nonly in mild-freeze climates because
\nthe outdoor pipes could freeze in
\nseverely cold weather.
\nEvacuated-tube solar collectors
\nare usually made of parallel rows of
\ntransparent glass tubes. Each tube
\ncontains a glass outer tube and
\nmetal absorber tube attached to
\na fin. The fin is covered with a
\ncoating that absorbs solar energy
\nwell, but which inhibits radiative
\nheat loss. Air is removed, or evacuated,
\nfrom the space between the glass
\ntubes and the metal tubes to form a
\nvacuum, which eliminates conductive
\nand convective heat loss. In the
\nUnited States, evacuated-tube collector
\nsystems are used most frequently
\nin commercial applications.
\nMost solar water heaters require
\na well-insulated storage tank.
\nSolar storage tanks have an additional
\noutlet and inlet connected
\nto and from the collector. Active
\nsolar systems usually include a
\nstorage tank along with a conventional
\nwater heater. In two-tank
\nsystems, the solar water heater
\npreheats water before it enters the
\nconventional water heater. In a onetank
\nsystem, like the one shown
\non page 4, the backup heater is
\ncombined with the solar storage
\nin one tank.
\nActive solar water heaters use
\npumps to circulate water or a nonfreezing
\nheat-transfer fluid from
\nstorage tanks through the collectors.
\nActive systems are usually
\nGlazed flat-plate collector
\nInlet connection
\nGlazing
\nframe
\nEnclosure
\nFlow tubes
\nGlazing
\nOutlet
\nconnection
\nInsulation
\nAbsorber plate<\/p>\n
\nsystems, but they are also usually
\nmore efficient.
\nDirect circulation systems use a
\npump to circulate household water
\nthrough the collectors and into the
\nhome; they work well in climates
\nwhere it rarely freezes. Indirect
\ncirculation systems use pumps
\nto circulate a non-freezing heattransfer
\nfluid through the collectors
\nand a heat exchanger. This heats
\nwater that then flows into the
\nhome. Indirect systems are popular
\nin climates prone to freezing
\ntemperatures.
\nPassive direct solar water
\nheaters, like the one shown on
\npage 5, move household water or
\na heat-transfer fluid through the
\nsystem without using pumps or
\nelectricity. Passive systems work
\nduring power outages, but they
\nshould not be used in climates
\nwhere temperatures often go below
\nfreezing. Passive systems are typically
\nless expensive to purchase and
\nmaintain than other types of solar
\nsystems. They are also inherently
\nmore reliable and may last longer.
\nHowever, passive systems are not
\nusually as efficient as active systems.
\nICS passive solar systems may
\nbe best in areas where temperatures
\nrarely go below freezing. They are
\nalso good in households with
\nsignificant daytime and evening
\nhot-water needs.
\nThermosyphon systems work
\nbecause water flows through the
\nsystem when warm water rises as
\ncooler water sinks. In this system,
\nthe collector must be installed
\nbelow the storage tank so that
\nwarm water will rise into the tank.
\nThese systems are reliable, but
\nActive indirect one-tank system
\nCollector
\nsensor
\nCollector
\nController
\nPump
\nAir
\neliminator
\nPressure Expansion tank
\ngauge
\nFill\/drain
\nassembly
\nAir vent
\nDrain
\nDrain
\nElement
\nCold water in
\nHot water out
\nP\/T relief
\nvalve
\nHeat
\nexchanger
\nTank FSEC<\/p>\n
\nsystems, but they are also usually
\nmore efficient.
\nDirect circulation systems use a
\npump to circulate household water
\nthrough the collectors and into the
\nhome; they work well in climates
\nwhere it rarely freezes. Indirect
\ncirculation systems use pumps
\nto circulate a non-freezing heattransfer
\nfluid through the collectors
\nand a heat exchanger. This heats
\nwater that then flows into the
\nhome. Indirect systems are popular
\nin climates prone to freezing
\ntemperatures.
\nPassive direct solar water
\nheaters, like the one shown on
\npage 5, move household water or
\na heat-transfer fluid through the
\nsystem without using pumps or
\nelectricity. Passive systems work
\nduring power outages, but they
\nshould not be used in climates
\nwhere temperatures often go below
\nfreezing. Passive systems are typically
\nless expensive to purchase and
\nmaintain than other types of solar
\nsystems. They are also inherently
\nmore reliable and may last longer.
\nHowever, passive systems are not
\nusually as efficient as active systems.
\nICS passive solar systems may
\nbe best in areas where temperatures
\nrarely go below freezing. They are
\nalso good in households with
\nsignificant daytime and evening
\nhot-water needs.
\nThermosyphon systems work
\nbecause water flows through the
\nsystem when warm water rises as
\ncooler water sinks. In this system,
\nthe collector must be installed
\nbelow the storage tank so that
\nwarm water will rise into the tank.
\nThese systems are reliable, but
\nActive indirect one-tank system
\nCollector
\nsensor
\nCollector
\nController
\nPump
\nAir
\neliminator
\nPressure Expansion tank
\ngauge
\nFill\/drain
\nassembly
\nAir vent
\nDrain
\nDrain
\nElement
\nCold water in
\nHot water out
\nP\/T relief
\nvalve
\nHeat
\nexchanger
\nTank FSEC<\/p>\n
\nto roof design because the
\nwater in the storage tank is heavy.
\nThermosyphon passive solar systems
\nare usually less expensive than
\nactive systems, but more expensive
\nthan ICS systems.
\nHow have solar systems
\nimproved?
\nSince the early 1970s, the efficiency
\nand reliability of solar heating systems
\nand collectors have increased
\ngreatly and costs have dropped.
\nImprovements to materials, a rating
\nsystem for consumers, and more
\nattractive designs have all helped
\nto make systems more successful.
\nLow-iron, tempered
\nglass is now used
\ninstead of conventional
\nglass for glazing.
\nImproved insulation
\nand durable selective
\ncoatings for absorbers
\nhave improved efficiency
\nand helped to
\nreduce life-cycle costs.
\nThe Solar Rating
\nand Certification
\nCorporation (SRCC)
\nand the Florida Solar
\nEnergy Center (FSEC)
\ncertify and rate solar
\nthermal systems and
\nequipment. SRCC
\nevaluates product
\nreliability and rates
\nthe performance of
\nsolar water-heating
\nsystems by subjecting
\nthem to technical
\nreviews. SRCC has a
\ndirectory of certified systems on
\nits Web site along with system
\nperformance ratings. FSEC publishes
\nsimilar information specific to
\nFlorida that is useful in other states
\nwith similar climates. See the
\n\u201cGetting help\u201d section for contact
\ninformation.
\nThe appearance of the systems has
\nalso improved. Today\u2019s collectors
\ncan usually be mounted flush with
\nthe roof for a streamlined system
\nthat looks like skylights. Unglazed
\npolymer collectors for solar pool
\nheating are now available in terra
\ncotta colors as well as black, so
\nhomeowners can choose the color
\nthat will best match their home.<\/p>\n
\nsolar thermal system?
\nThe first question many people ask
\nwhen considering a home expense
\nis, \u201cHow much will it cost?\u201d The
\nanswer depends on the type of system,
\nhow you want to use it (water
\nor pool heating, for example), and
\nyour geographic location. But most
\nsolar thermal systems cost between
\n$2,000 and $4,500. Although this
\nis usually more than the cost of a
\nconventional gas or electric system,
\ntoday\u2019s solar heating systems are
\ncost competitive when you consider
\nyour total energy costs over the
\nentire life of the system.
\nYour monthly gas or electricity bills
\nwill usually be lower and more
\npredictable for as long as you own
\nthe house. Also, solar heating systems
\nwill insulate you from rising
\nfossil fuel costs and protect you
\nfrom fuel-price inflation over time.
\nInvesting in a solar thermal system
\ncould also increase the resale value
\nof your home. Often, the entire
\ninitial cost of the system can be
\nrecovered when you sell your
\nproperty. In addition, you will
\nbe earning an annual 6% to 25%
\ntax-free rate-of-return on your
\ninvestment, depending on how
\nmuch hot water you use and how
\nmuch energy you save.
\nAnother important reason to invest
\nin solar systems may be less tangible.
\nWhen you purchase a solar
\nheating system, you support technologies
\nthat are good for the
\nenvironment. You are making a
\nconscious, responsible decision to
\nhelp reduce harmful emissions from
\nfossil fuels, while maintaining your
\nquality of life.
\nHow much will your solar
\nheating system help the
\nenvironment?
\nDepending on the type of conventional
\nfuel used, replacing an electric
\nwater heater with a solar heater
\ncan offset the equivalent of 40% to
\n100% of the carbon dioxide emissions
\nof a modern passenger car.
\nCarbon dioxide traps heat in our
\natmosphere, contributing to the
\ngreenhouse effect, which alters
\nour planet\u2019s climate and ecological
\nsystems. Using solar energy in place
\nof nonrenewable fuels may also
\nreduce nitrous oxides and sulfur
\ndioxides, which are components
\nof smog.
\nIs my home a good place for
\na solar heating system?
\nThe first consideration when building
\na solar thermal system is the
\nsite. If your site has unshaded areas
\nand generally faces south, it is a
\ngood candidate for a solar thermal
\nsystem. A professional installer can
\nevaluate your roof as a location for
\ncollectors. If your roof doesn\u2019t have
\nenough space, you can also install
\nthe system on the ground. Please
\nrefer to the system-sizing section of
\nthis booklet for more information
\non space requirements. The amount
\nof sun that your site receives,
\nhow often temperatures dip below<\/p>\n
\nalso affect the type of solar heating
\nsystem you choose.
\nBefore getting under way, you need
\nto consider your homeowners
\nassociation rules and neighborhood
\nbylaws, also known as codes,
\ncovenants, and restrictions (CC&Rs).
\nIn Arizona, California, and Florida,
\nstate laws prohibit CC&Rs that
\nrestrict solar system installations.
\nNine other states have similar laws
\nbarring regulations that unreasonably
\nlimit solar energy use in
\nplanned communities. Some cities
\nand counties have ordinances or
\nrequire permits for home improvement
\nconstruction, including solar
\nsystem installation.
\nHow big should my solar
\nthermal system be, and which
\nfeatures should I look for?
\nSome of the answers to questions
\nabout system size and features
\ndepend on how you plan to use
\nthe solar system. Here, you\u2019ll find
\ngeneral information on sizing
\nsystems for water heating, swimming
\npools, and space heating.
\nTo locate more specific information,
\nplease see \u201cGetting help\u201d on
\npage 17.
\nSizing a solar thermal system
\nfor heating domestic water
\nJust as conventional water heaters
\ncome in different sizes, so do solar
\nwater heaters. Sizing your solar
\nSolar pool heaters are efficient and economical<\/p>\n
\nthe total collector area and storage
\nvolume you need to meet 90% to
\n100% of your household’s hot water
\nneeds during the summer. Solarequipment
\nexperts use worksheets
\nand computer programs to help
\ndetermine system requirements
\nand collector sizing.
\nContractors usually follow a
\nguideline of about 20 square feet
\n(2 square meters) of collector area
\nfor each of the first two family
\nmembers. For every additional person,
\nadd 8 square feet (0.7 square
\nmeters) if you live in the Sun Belt
\narea of the United States, or 12 to
\n14 square feet (1.1 to 1.3 square
\nmeters) if you live in the northern
\nUnited States.
\nFor active systems, the size of the
\nsolar storage tank increases with
\nthe size of the collector\u2014typically
\n1.5 gallons per square foot of collector.
\nA small, 66-gallon system is
\nusually big enough for one to three
\npeople; a medium-size, 80-gallon
\nsystem works well for a three- or
\nfour-person household; and a large,
\n120-gallon system is appropriate
\nfor four to six people.
\nIn recent years, homebuilders have
\nbegun including solar water heating
\nsystems as standard features in
\nsome subdivisions. The systems are
\nthe same size for every home, and
\nthey all work equally well. However,
\nlarge families with greater hot-water
\ndemand find that a smaller percentage
\nof their hot water is provided by
\nthe solar energy system.
\nSizing a solar thermal system
\nfor heating swimming pools
\nHeating your swimming pool with
\nsolar energy requires a collector
\nthat is 50% to 100% of the surface
\narea of your pool. Your geographic
\nlocation and other factors determine
\nthe exact size.
\nFor example, a 15-by-30 foot
\nswimming pool in Florida typically
\nrequires a collector that equals
\n100% of the pool\u2019s square footage,
\nwhich translates to 450 square feet
\nof unglazed flat-plate collectors.
\nThis is because many Florida swimming
\npool owners use their pools
\nyear round. In contrast, in northern
\nCalifornia, most pools are used only
\n6 to 8 months per year, so systems
\nare typically sized at 60% to 70%
\nof the pool\u2019s surface area.
\nIn general, adding more square
\nfootage lengthens the swimming
\nseason and allows owners to use the
\npool in colder weather. A pool cover
\nor blanket reduces heat loss and
\nhelps maintain warm temperatures
\nfor a longer period.
\nSizing a solar thermal system
\nfor space heating
\nIn contrast to solar water heating,
\nsolar space heating usually requires
\na larger, more complicated system.
\nSpace-heating systems have to store
\nheat for use when solar energy is
\nleast available and your house is
\ncoldest\u2014at night and during the
\nwinter months. Solar space-heating
\nsystems are usually combined with
\nwater heating, and they are sized
\nto accommodate both uses<\/p>\n
\nneeded to heat your home depends
\non many factors. These include the
\navailable solar energy, collector efficiency,
\nlocal climate, and heating
\nrequirements. Heating requirements
\nare based on insulation levels, the
\nhouse\u2019s airtightness, and the lifestyle
\nof the residents. Generally, the
\narea of solar collector is about equal
\nto 10% to 30% of the floor area of
\nthe house.
\nHow much money will my
\nsolar thermal system save,
\nand how much will it cost?
\nYour savings depend on how your
\nsolar system will be used, as well as
\nthe size and type of your system.
\nOther factors can include the
\nclimate, the contractor, and the
\nsystem rating. Your state may offer
\nsolar rebates or other incentives
\nthat will reduce costs.
\nSavings and costs for solar
\ndomestic water heating
\nSolar heating systems can save
\nyou money in the long run. FSEC
\nstudied the potential savings to
\nFlorida homeowners who use
\ncommon water-heating systems,
\nincluding solar, in comparison
\nto electric water heaters. FSEC
\nundertook this study because the
\ninitial installed cost of a solar water<\/p>\n
\nor electric water heater. FSEC wanted
\nto explore costs and savings over
\ntime, beyond the initial installation
\nperiod. The study found that solar
\nwater heaters offered the greatest
\npotential savings. Annual utility
\ncosts for solar water heaters were
\n50% to 85% lower than those for
\nelectric water heaters.
\nThe cost and benefit of purchasing
\na solar water heater vary from
\nregion to region, so check costs in
\nyour area. Depending on the price
\nof the conventional fuel, a solar
\nwater heater can be more economical
\nover the life of the system than
\nheating water with electricity, fuel
\noil, propane, or even natural gas.
\nThat\u2019s because the fuel\u2014sunshine\u2014
\nis free.
\nHowever, at historically low prices
\nfor natural gas, the total cost of
\nowning a solar water heater with
\na backup natural gas heater may
\nbe more expensive than owning
\na natural gas heater alone.
\nNevertheless, as natural gas
\nbecomes more costly and its availability
\nmore volatile, solar water
\nheaters become more economical.
\nSolar water heaters are often quite
\ncost-competitive in new homes.
\nIn many places in the United
\nStates, homebuilders choose
\nelectric water heaters because they
\nare easy to install and relatively
\ninexpensive. Research shows that
\nthe average household with an
\nelectric water heater spends about
\n25% of its home energy costs on
\nheating water.
\nIf you are building a new home
\nor refinancing because of a major
\nrenovation, the economics are even
\nmore attractive. Including the price
\nof a solar water heater in a new
\n30-year mortgage usually amounts
\nto between $13 and $20 per month.
\nThe federal income tax deduction
\nfor mortgage interest attributable
\nto the solar system reduces that
\nby about $3 to $5 per month. So,
\nif your fuel savings are more than
\n$15 per month, the solar investment
\nis profitable immediately.
\nOn a monthly basis, you are saving
\nmore than you are paying.
\nSavings and cost for solar
\nswimming pool heating
\nA solar heating system for your
\npool usually costs between $3,000
\nand $4,000 to buy and install. This
\nprovides a payback of between
\n1.5 and 7 years, depending on the
\ncost of the fossil fuel your system
\nreplaces. The actual cost and payback
\ndepends on your site, the type
\nof system you choose, financing,
\nand the length of the pool season.
\nOften, a payback cannot even be
\ncalculated, because many people
\nchoose not to heat their pool at all,
\ngiven the extra $300 to $600 on
\ntheir energy bill. A solar system
\nallows these people to swim in a
\npool that was previously too costly
\nto heat and too cold to use<\/p>\n
\nspace heating
\nThe cost of a solar space-heating
\nsystem depends on many factors,
\nincluding the size of your house,
\nhow airtight it is, how much of
\nyour heat will be supplied with a
\nconventional backup, the system
\nyou choose, and your site. In
\ngeneral, solar space-heating systems
\ncan provide 40% to 60% of your
\nspace-heating needs. These systems
\nare most economical for consumers
\nwho would otherwise be heating
\nwith electricity, rather than with
\nnatural gas or other fuels.
\nBut solar space heating is needed
\nmost when sunlight is least
\navailable, during the winter and
\nat night\u2014and needed least when
\nsunlight is most available, during
\nthe summer and the daytime. So
\ntoday\u2019s solar technologies are not
\nlikely to be a cost-effective solution
\nfor active solar space heating in
\nmost homes. However, a good alternative
\nis to simply to use passive
\nsolar building techniques. See the
\nEERE Web site, www.eere.gov\/solar,
\nfor more information.
\nHow can I finance the cost
\nof my solar thermal system?
\nAre there incentives?
\nFinancing
\nFinancing the cost of your solar
\nthermal system is not as tricky
\nas it may seem. Although some
\nspecial programs are available to
\nhelp you purchase solar thermal
\ntechnologies, most of the financing
\noptions are familiar ones.
\nOne common way to finance a solar
\nsystem is through your mortgage or
\nthrough a home-equity loan secured
\nby your home. Mortgage loans
\noffer lower interest rates and longer
\npay schedules than conventional
\nbank loans, and interest on your
\nmortgage loan is tax-deductible.
\nFinancing your system when you
\napply for your mortgage\u2014whether
\nbecause you are building or refinancing\u2014
\ncan make the application
\nprocess simpler and less costly.
\nConventional bank loans are
\nanother way to finance your solar
\nsystem. However, your system is a
\nlong-term investment; this should
\nbe reflected in the pay schedule for
\nthe loan. Look for longer terms and
\nlower interest rates, which will help
\nkeep your solar thermal system
\naffordable.
\nIncentives
\nMany states have incentives for
\nbuying solar technologies. Check
\nwith your state or local energy
\noffice or your state departments
\nof revenue or finance for information.
\nSome electric utilities offer
\nrebates to customers who install
\nsolar energy equipment because
\nthese installations help utilities
\nreduce energy use during times
\nof high demand.
\nYou can also check the National
\nDatabase of State Incentives for
\nRenewable Energy (DSIRE). DSIRE
\nis prepared by the North Carolina
\nSolar Center. It provides information
\non financial and regulatory
\nincentives to promote renewable
\nenergy technologies. For information,
\nsee \u201cGetting help\u201d on page 17<\/p>\n
\nissues and repair costs for
\na solar thermal system?
\nThe costs of maintaining your solar
\nthermal system depend on the type
\nof technology you choose and how
\noften temperatures in your area fall
\nbelow freezing. Properly maintaining
\nyour system will keep it running
\nsmoothly.
\nPassive systems do not require
\nmuch maintenance. For active
\nsystems, discuss the maintenance
\nrequirements with your system
\nprovider and consult the system
\nowner\u2019s manual. Plumbing and
\nother conventional components
\nrequire the same maintenance as
\nconventional systems. Glazing
\nmay need to be cleaned in dry
\nclimates where rainwater does
\nnot provide a natural rinse.
\nRegular maintenance on simple
\nsystems can be as infrequent as
\nevery 3 to 5 years, preferably by
\na solar contractor. Systems with
\nelectrical components usually
\nrequire a replacement part or two
\nafter 10 years. Simple, regular system
\nchecks can also be effective.
\nFor example, one easy way to
\ncheck the system is to carefully
\nfeel the hot-water pipes going
\ninto the storage tank after the
\nsystem has been working on a
\nclear, warm day. If the pipes are
\nhot, your system is working
\nproperly.
\nSpecialists<\/p>\n
\nsolar thermal systems?
\nDepending on your area, the
\nsimplest way to find a solar
\nthermal systems contractor is to
\nlook in the yellow pages under
\n\u201cSolar Energy Equipment and
\nSystems\u2014Dealers.\u201d Most of the
\nlistings will probably be for solar
\nwater heating, photovoltaic (solar
\nelectric), or electric systems
\ncontractors.
\nYou can also contact your utility
\ncompany to get information on
\nrecommended vendors, or search
\non the Internet for solar water
\nheating, solar pool heating, or
\nsolar space heating, depending on
\nthe application you are interested
\nin installing.
\nYour state may have an active
\nchapter of the Solar Energy
\nIndustries Association (SEIA), a
\ntrade association of contractors,
\ndistributors, and manufacturers.
\nSee \u201cGetting help\u201d for contact
\ninformation.
\nHow do I choose among
\nsolar thermal system
\nproviders?
\nOne way to choose a contractor
\nis to check your list of potential
\ncompanies for the ones nearest
\nyou. Ask them what products and
\nservices they offer. Here are a few
\nquestions you might want to ask
\npotential vendors.
\nHas your company installed
\nsolar thermal systems for solar
\nwater heating, pool heating,
\nor space heating?
\nChoose a company that has
\nexperience installing the type of
\nsystem you want and servicing
\nthe applications you select.
\nHow many years of experience
\ndoes your company have with
\nsolar heating installation?
\nObviously, the more experience
\nthe better. A business that has
\nbeen working with these systems
\nfor a long time will be more
\nprofessional, know more about
\ncurrent technologies and recent
\nadvances, and be less likely to
\nmake costly mistakes. Request a
\nlist of past customers who can
\nprovide references.
\nIs your company licensed?
\nHaving a valid plumber\u2019s or solar
\ncontractor\u2019s license is required in
\nsome states for solar thermal
\nsystem installation. You can
\nconfirm licensing by contacting
\nyour state contractor licensing
\nboard. Local requirements may
\nalso include a local contractor\u2019s
\nlicense. Call your city and county
\nfor information on other required
\nlicenses.
\nFor you to obtain certain rebates,
\nyour contractor may have to
\ndemonstrate special knowledge<\/p>\n
\none or more of the following:
\n\u2022 Possession of a solar contractor
\nspecialty license issued by a
\nlocal building jurisdiction
\n\u2022 Certification in solar thermal
\nsystems by a group such as the
\nstate chapter of SEIA
\n\u2022 A letter from the solar heating
\nmanufacturer that indicates
\nthat the installer has the necessary
\nexperience and training to
\ninstall solar systems.
\nDoes your company have any
\npending or active judgments
\nor liens against it?
\nAs with any project that requires
\na contractor, due diligence is
\nrecommended. Your state contractor
\nlicensing board can tell you about
\nany complaints against statelicensed
\ncontractors. The Better
\nBusiness Bureau is another good
\nsource for such information.
\nHow do I choose among bids?
\nIs the least expensive the
\nbest deal?
\nIt is usually a good idea to get more
\nthan one bid for installation of your
\nsolar system. Make sure that all the
\nbids you receive are based on the
\nsame information and requirements.
\nFor example, comparing a
\nbid for a system mounted on your
\nroof with a bid for one mounted
\non the ground would not tell you
\nhow the two bids compare\u2014it
\nwould probably tell you more about
\nhow the two types of installations
\ncompare.
\nOne solution is to ask for bids
\non systems certified by the
\nSolar Rating and Certification
\nCorporation (SRCC). If possible,
\nhave each bid specify system type
\nand size, energy output, maintenance
\nrequirements, and cost.
\nCost should include having the
\nsystem installed and getting it
\nup and running, as well as the
\ncost of hardware, permits, sales
\ntax, and warranties.
\nA system warranty is crucial in
\ncomparing bids. A solar rebate
\nprogram may require a written
\ninstallation warranty, for example
\na 2-year parts-and-labor warranty
\nin addition to manufacturers\u2019
\nwarranties on system components.
\nThe company may offer other,
\nlonger warranties, particularly
\non the collectors. However, solar
\nsystems are more than collectors;
\nactive systems include electronic
\ncomponents, pumps, valves, and
\nwiring. Make sure you know what
\nyour warranty covers and that
\nthe company stands behind the
\nfull warranty.
\nIf you have several bids, you may
\nwonder if the lowest bid is the
\nbest deal. Sometimes it is not. A
\nsolar thermal system installer is
\nin business to make money; overhead
\nand operating expenses must
\nbe covered. A low price could be
\na sign of inexperience, or of a
\ncompany without staying power.
\nContractors that expect to stay in
\nbusiness must charge enough to
\ncover their products and services
\nplus make a fair profit. Price is
\nnot the only consideration.<\/p>\n
\nsystem as a backup?
\nWhether you need a backup system
\nfor your solar thermal system
\ndepends largely on the type of
\nsystem you choose and where you
\nlive. Solar water-heating systems
\nalmost always require a backup
\nsystem for cloudy days and times
\nof increased demand. This backup
\nsystem is typically a conventional
\ngas or electric water heater and
\nmay already be part of the solar
\nsystem package. It may also be
\npart of the solar collector, such as
\nrooftop tanks with thermosyphon
\nsystems. For example, an integral
\ncollector-storage system (ICS)
\nmay be packaged with an instantaneous
\ngas water heater for backup.
\nThe ICS system stores hot water in
\naddition to collecting solar heat,
\nand the instantaneous water heater
\nprovides hot water when solar heat
\nis not available.
\nMost people do not need or use
\na backup heater with solar pool
\nheaters. In freeze-prone climates,
\nsolar pool heaters are used mainly
\nin summer. Spas or hot tubs are
\nan exception. Spa owners may use
\ntheir solar system to heat both the
\npool and the spa, but will use a
\nbackup heater to get the spa to a
\nhigher temperature. In climates
\nwhere it rarely freezes, pool heaters
\nmay be used year-round.
\nIf you decide to install solar thermal<\/p>\n
\nSpace-heating systems require a
\nlarge collector area, significant
\nstorage volume, and a highly
\nefficient building envelope to
\nproduce enough energy to heat
\nyour home at night and during
\nthe winter. Solar space heating
\nusually provides 40% to 60% of
\nyour home\u2019s space-heating needs.
\nA backup system ensures that
\nyour house is comfortably warm
\nduring power outages, cold snaps,
\nand extended cloudy periods.
\nMany building codes and mortgage
\nlenders require a conventional
\nbackup space heater.
\nWill I need any permits
\nor inspections?
\nIf you live in a community with
\na homeowners association, check
\nto see if any approvals, permits,
\nor inspections are required. Always
\nobtain the necessary approvals
\nfrom the association before beginning
\nconstruction. Homeowners
\nassociations, towns, cities, and
\ncounties usually have a legal right
\nto require approval before building.
\nHowever, some states have solarrights
\nlaws that may apply if
\napproval is denied.
\nYou will probably need to obtain
\npermits from the building department
\nthat has jurisdiction in your
\nstate, county, or city. Plumbing,
\nbuilding, and electrical permits may
\nbe required. These permits typically
\nrequire a final inspection after the
\nsystem has been installed. Check
\nwith your solar heating system
\ncontractor to find out whether
\nthe price of obtaining permits and
\ninspections is included in the bid
\nand final cost estimate.
\nWhat about insurance?
\nIf you are buying a solar heating
\nsystem for your home, your regular
\nhomeowners insurance should
\ncover your needs. However, if
\ninsurance coverage becomes an
\nissue, please refer to \u201cGetting help\u201d
\non page 17.
\nWill I need warranties?
\nWarranties are an important factor
\nin the bidding process and an
\nimportant aspect of the system
\nyou choose. Make sure you know
\nthe warranties that your system
\nmanufacturer and installer offer
\nfor your equipment and hardware,
\nas well as parts-and-labor warranties.
\nCheck to make sure the
\nmanufacturer can provide support
\nand supplies if the installer is
\nnot available.
\nYou can usually obtain a full-system
\nwarranty plus parts-and-labor for
\nat least 1 to 3 years. This means
\nyou will not be responsible for
\nsystem problems covered by the
\nwarranty in the first year or two
\nof system operation.
\nWill I need a maintenance
\nagreement?
\nA maintenance agreement may
\nbe part of your warranty. Have
\nthe contractor prepare a schedule
\nof required or recommended
\nmaintenance before you purchase
\nyour system.<\/p>\n
\n2400 Central Avenue, Suite G-1
\nBoulder, CO 80301
\nwww.ases.org
\nPhone: (303) 443-3130
\nFax: (303) 443-3212
\nE-mail: ases@ases.org
\nDatabase of State Incentives
\nfor Renewable Energy (DSIRE)
\nwww.dsireusa.org
\nFlorida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)
\nPublic Affairs Division
\nwww.fsec.ucf.edu
\nPhone: (321) 638-1015
\nFax: (321) 638-1010
\nE-mail: info@fsec.ucf.edu
\nNational Renewable Energy Laboratory
\nSolar Energy Technology Program
\nwww.eere.energy.gov\/solar.html
\nSolar Benefits Model Software
\nwww.eere.energy.gov\/
\nsolarbuildings\/sbm.html
\nSolar Energy Industries
\nAssociation (SEIA)
\n1616 H Street NW, 8th Floor
\nWashington, DC 20006-4999
\nwww.seia.org
\nPhone: (202) 628-7745
\nFax: (202) 628-7999
\nSolar Rating and Certification
\nCorporation (SRCC)
\nc\/o FSEC
\n1679 Clearlake Road
\nCocoa, FL 32922-5703
\nwww.solar-rating.org
\n(See standards document OG-300)
\nPhone: (321) 638-1537
\nFax: (321) 638-1010
\nE-mail: srcc@fsec.ucf.edu
\nGetting Help
\nSolar thermal technologies work in a variety of climates
\nCraig Christensen, NREL\/PIX12943<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"file:\/\/\/C:\/DOCUME%7E1\/LARRY%7E1.SOH\/LOCALS%7E1\/Temp\/moz-screenshot-4.png\")
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