Solar Thermal
Photo Source: WTL Photos
Solar Hot Water systems, also called Solar Thermal, are the most economic solutions of all renewable technologies available. This simple, efficient energy is reliable, maintenance-free for years and can provide up to 70% of the hot water needed for a home or business. This technology can be used in most states. Four hours of prime sunlight are needed to get a full 24-hour hot water supply. The system works in partnership with the building’s hot water heater to ensure there will always be hot water for less cost.
Solar Hot Water systems need space on the roof for panels, space in the mechanical room for an additional solar pre-heat tank and a way to connect the two together. The sun heats the glass-covered panels on the roof. A fluid (usually non-toxic propylene glycol) is pumped through the panels to extract that heat. This fluid passes through one side of a heat-exchanger in the mechanical room while potable water passes through the other side. The fluid and water never touch, but the heat is readily exchanged. The solar-heated water is then stored in a pre-heat tank that sits next to the water heater. Whenever water is used in the building it simply flows from the solar tank to the water heater, which for most of the year doesn’t have to fire up. If there isn’t enough sun, the conventional water heater takes over.
This renewable technology last decades and maybe eligible for State rebates and a Federal tax credit, which makes it even more affordable.
Joe Gordon,
Renewable Energy Specialist