PV Gap

Tara Said:

Customer comments on Rinnai or Solarhart solar hot water systems.?

We Answered:

The best.

http://www.noritz.com/professionals/prod…

Freddie Said:

How efficient are solar hot water systems?

We Answered:

since you live up north, you'll need a 4 panel solar thermal system with at least 108 gallon tank. Not only will you be taking care of your domestic hot water, but you should put a hot water heat coil (looks like a radiator) in your duct to preheat your air. the equipment and labor will cost the installer roughly $6,000, a max of $7,000. thats with the heat coil. now, whatever they tack on to that is up to them. but that is their cost. A domestic system (3 panels because of you being up north, 2 panel if in south) it would run the installer about $5,000 installed including labor. again that is the 'before' profit estimate. make sure you facing south and clear of shade. ask for a mixing valve unless you already have one. usually you state and federal tax credits can enable you to cut the cost by about 50%. so if you paid a total of $11,000, you would get about $5,000 back in taxes. of course states vary in tax benefits. payback with hot water coil would be about 8 to 10 years, domestic only about 13, depending on how much you use it. the panels i install are 4 feet by 7 feet. you can get some that are 4 feet by 10 feet, pending the make. these system are 95% efficient compared to a max of 16 to 18% for pv. hope this helps, dont let the installer charge you an arm and a leg. my estimate for the cost for the install is close to dead on, of course they have to make a profit. the job should be completed in no more than 4 days.

**hey mike, solar thermal is used in residential for the soul purpose of pre heating your current hot water heater.

Ryan Said:

Solar Hot Water Systems are lower cost and easier to install, but it is advisable for whole bldg having 40flat?

We Answered:

I agree with what you are say except the 40flat? I have solar and love it.

Carmen Said:

Discussion/advice on solar hot water systems?

We Answered:

Look into "GeoThermal" heat pumps. They are guaranteed to pay for themselves in a set amount of time. Solar panels can be tied in with them. And they work in any temperature because they do not use outside air for heating or cooling.

Bobby Said:

Solar hot water systems?

We Answered:

Solar water heating can be installed in most climates. If your place is frost prone, flat plate solar collectors are the perfect solution for you. You would circulate a water and antifreeze solution through the collectors, and the heat would be transferred to your storage tank through a heat exchanger. It can generate up to 75% of your hot water for free (100% in summer, 50% in winter). You could tie it into your existing water heater, and it will heat the water up the rest of the way in the winter. You can see an average sized system here http://www.altestore.com/store/Solar-Wat…

Jason Said:

How to Solar Hot Water Systems Work?

We Answered:

Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don't.

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. In two-tank systems, the solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In one-tank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank.

Three types of solar collectors are used for residential applications:

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Flat-plate collector

Glazed flat-plate collectors are insulated, weatherproofed boxes that contain a dark absorber plate under one or more glass or plastic (polymer) covers. Unglazed flat-plate collectors—typically used for solar pool heating—have a dark absorber plate, made of metal or polymer, without a cover or enclosure.
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Integral collector-storage systems

Also known as ICS or batch systems, they feature one or more black tanks or tubes in an insulated, glazed box. Cold water first passes through the solar collector, which preheats the water. The water then continues on to the conventional backup water heater, providing a reliable source of hot water. They should be installed only in mild-freeze climates because the outdoor pipes could freeze in severe, cold weather.
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Evacuated-tube solar collectors

They feature parallel rows of transparent glass tubes. Each tube contains a glass outer tube and metal absorber tube attached to a fin. The fin's coating absorbs solar energy but inhibits radiative heat loss. These collectors are used more frequently for U.S. commercial applications.

Alan Said:

Is there a British Standards document/recommended guideline on sizing Solar Hot Water Heating systems?

We Answered:

Try BS5918, I think this is what you are looking for.


I haven't read it myself though!