SOLAR HOT WATER HEATING CONSUMER GUIDE
WHAT IS A SOLAR WATER HEATER:A solar water heater is extremely simple.
On a typical single-family residence, there will typically be one or two solar collector panels on the roof.
The panels resemble skylights, and will be about 4 feet wide and 8 to 10 feet long.
The cold water supply is connected to the solar storage tank. Water to be heated circulates between the storage tank and the solar collectors. The output from the solar storage tank becomes the cold water connection to the conventional gas, electric or oil water heater. When a hot tap is opened, pre-heated water is drawn from storage into the conventional ("auxiliary") water heater. The burner or electric element turns on only if the temperature cannot be maintained by the solar heater. Most properly-designed solar water heaters will supply 70 per cent or more of all the energy needed for water heating.
INSTALLATION CONDITIONS FOR A SOLAR WATER HEATER:
To get the full benefits of a solar heater you must have an area for the solar collectors that is large enough and has the proper exposure to the sun. A flat roof is ideal because the collectors can usually be oriented to face the sun directly very easily. If you install the collectors on a pitched roof, the ideal direction the roof should face is south.The collector area required will depend on the daily amount of hot water use, the type of collectors used, the orientation of the collectors and your geographic location. If you consider a standard "package", you should be sure it is sized appropriately for your specific installation.
If you choose a "Passive" solar water heater, the storage tank(s) will be on the roof. In this event, simple structural bracing may be required. Active solar systems do not normally require structural calculations or roof bracing, because the weight of the collectors is well within normal roof load limits.
An "Active" solar water heater uses a small pump for solar collector circulation, and does not require a tank on the roof. A "Passive" solar heater depends on thermosyphon action, so does not use a pump, but tanks(s) must be on the roof.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:
Your solar water heater should be supplied with operation and maintenance instructions. You will find that there is little, if anything, for you to do once the installer has started your system and checked its operation for the first time. Properly designed solar water heaters are completely automatic and are left in operation year-round. Active systems have a small electronic control with one or more indicator lights to let you know if there is a malfunction. Be sure the instructions specify how your system is protected from freezing! Freeze damage is possible anywhere in California.SHOPPING FOR A SOLAR HEATING SYSTEM:
Know exactly what you are getting and for what price, and make sure you are dealing with a licensed solar energy contractor.1. Get specific details on how collectors will be attached to the roof, are they structurally attached through into rafters, and are they elevated to allow for proper drainage, to prevent roof rot and debris buildup.
2. Get a dimensioned scaled sketch or drawing showing the number and location of collectors,and schematic diagrams showing plumbing and control arrangements.
3. Get specification sheets and warranties on collectors and control. The manufacturers warrant these items.
4. Get a copy of the certified solar test ratings for the collectors, or a written statement listing the certification.
5. Make sure the control has an Underwriters Lab (UL) label.
This can be confirmed by the manufacturer's specification sheet or literature.
6. Make sure the work contract specifies the manufacturer, model, and size of the solar panels and the exact model number of the control.
7. Make sure the collectors have current approval of the city or county, if required, or IAPMO approval otherwise.
8. Specify a date when the installation is to be completed.
9. Specify who is responsible for clean-up after installation.
10. Specify exactly what is to be done before progress payments are made, and when final payment is to be made.
11. Specify that the installer will demonstrate how the system is operated and will provide written operating instructions.
"ORPHAN SOLAR SYSTEMS"
Many current homeowners have recently purchased homes already equipped with solar water heaters, in some instances without being aware of it. It is not unusual that the system has been left turned off, and no instructions left for the new owner so he can start it up and take advantage of it. Others have systems purchased earlier that now need some maintenance, usually minor. Because many solar installers have moved or gone out of business, the homeowner may not know whom to contact for instructions or service. Such situations are often referred to as "Orphan systems."
For those with orphan systems or those interested in installing a solar water heater for the first time, we recommend that you get a referral from a friend, and in the Los Angeles area, you can contact AMECO Solar. We have been installing solar energy systems for decades in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Solar Heater Guides
Solar Air Heaters are systems that capture the suns rays and convert the energy into heat. As the sunlight passes through the front of the unit, the sunrays are trapped, giving off heat.
Cooler air from your home or outside enters the system and is heated by the sun. In fact, temperatures inside solar heaters can reach over 220 degrees! As the air is warmed, it rises.A vent in the top of the unit allows this warmed air to pass directly into your home.
The system does not run off a solar panel, however one can be used to power other features such as a thermostat and blower fan.
5 Good Reasons To Get The Solar Heater Guide
1. It Works! – Thousands of people worldwide have harnessed the sun to produce heat.2. Saves Money – Keep more of your hard earned money and quit wasting it on the utility company.
3. GO GREEN – Do your part for the environment. Solar heaters are the fastest and cheapest way to implement solar.
4. Fun DIY Project – You are really going to enjoy building your solar heater. Your friends and family will be impressed with what you have built.
5. Risk Free – Our guarantee is simple – If you’re not happy with our product simply email us and we will promptly refund every penny back to you.
Apartments
Simple energy conservation measures can lower your utility bills while increasing the comfort of your apartment. Although your landlord or management company is ultimately responsible for your building's energy efficiency, you make dozens of energy decisions every day.Electricity
Many ways for cutting electricity costs in houses also apply to apartments. See our section on reducing electricity use for ways to lower these costs.Heating and Cooling
Here are some ways to reduce your heating and cooling costs. They can also make your apartment more comfortable. You might need your landlord's or management company's permission for some of the suggestions.- Caulk and weatherstrip windows and exterior doors.
- Carefully select, install, and use window treatments or coverings.
Water Heating
If you have your own water heater in your apartment, see our section on energy-efficient water heating. If you don't have your own water heater, you can still save energy by reducing your hot water use. You may need your landlord's or management company's permission for some of these energy conservation measures.Three types of solar collectors are used for residential applications:
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.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.
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.
Direct circulation systems
Pumps circulate household water through the collectors and into the home. They work well in climates where it rarely freezes.
Indirect circulation systems
Pumps circulate a non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid through the collectors and a heat exchanger. This heats the water that then flows into the home. They are popular in climates prone to freezing temperatures.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters—also called solar domestic hot water systems—can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use—sunshine—is free.How They Work
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.
