1. What is
solar thermal? Also
called Solar Water Heating (SWH)
displaces the use of the existing hot water heating system, typically
supplementing your natural gas, electric or (in remote locations) propane
systems.
2. Generations
of Solar Water Heating. SWH
is a mature technology dating back to Leonardo da Vinci. In 1909 an American
inventor patented the grandfather of our current solar water heating
technology- with a separate storage tank. Unfortunately, the discovery of
“abundant” and “cheap” fuel sources busted the solar water heating boom. In the
new millennium and with our realizations
about limited fuel sources- solar water heating is back on the boom cycle with
certified technologies, qualified installers, like Aztec Solar, as well as
state and federal rebates.
3. What? 1/3
the price! Yes.
SWH heating systems are a third of the price of solar electric and $1 for $1
produce more energy.
4. Rebates. The savings with SWH
technology is better than ever, with maximum utility rebates of $1850 and an
additional 30% Federal Tax Credit. Get back some value as a utility ratepayer
for clean, green technology.
5. Shading –
no problem. Another
amazing attribute of SWH is that the panels generate heat, not electric current
(AC), therefore solar water heating collectors are not as sensitive to shade or
cloudy days.
6. Plenty of
water. A
home’s average water heating tank is 50 gallons, whereas the average solar back
up storage tank supplies 80 gallons of sun heated hot water. This means plenty
of hot water for the showers and the laundry.
7. Let’s talk
percentages. SWH
panels are between 70%-90% efficient,
compared to between 16%-24% efficient for solar
photovoltaic (electric) systems. No inverters are needed for SWH, the
sun’s energy directly heats the water- this is the main reason
SWH’s efficiency is higher.
8. It only
takes two. Two
solar water heating collectors can supply a family of 4 with between 60%-75% of
their water heating needs annually. If you don’t think you have the roof space
for a 3kW solar electric system, you should consider hedging against your future
utility bills with a SWH system.
Solar thermal facts compiled by Aztec Solar in Rancho Cordova, CA. See
the original document here.
For more solar hot water system information, visit the Solene
website. Solene solar hot water systems offer the industry's best-performing and most reliable solar solutions for commercial and residential hot water needs.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have visited your site many times, and wanted to finally thank you for this valuable post :)
ReplyDeleteheating in GTA