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How
does a solar thermal system work?
A solar system consists of a solar collector, a regulator, a multistage
pump and a very good insulated hot water tank. The collector on
the roof collects the energy from the sun with its absorbers and
transfers it via a solar medium (glycol MH – the non-poisonous
type). The heat is transferred through copper pipes into the solar
storage tank. The solar station with its built-in regulator transports
the heat via a heat exchanger, into a solar storage tank. In this
way, the tank enables you to have hot water, even at night or
during the days when the sun is not shining.
Could I use a solar system on my house?
The intensity of radiation is enough to make solar a viable energy
source. As long as there is southeast, southwest or better still,
a southern roof exposure without shade and a 20 – 60 degree
angle on your roof to mount collectors on, it will be of great
benefit. There is a requirement of 2 m2 per person, of collector
area. Flat roofs and even secure areas around the home, close
to the house, are also ideal. The solar storage tank space requirements
are about 1 m2 and about 2 m in height.
When is it best to install a solar
system?
It would make most sense to install solar systems during construction
of a new home. The advantage of this approach is primarily ease
of installation and speed but it also presents a cost saving of
about 20% when compared to retrofitting. In any case, it would
be wise to install piping for solar heating even if the system
will not be installed until years later. Thus when installing
later on, the cost will be lower. Also, existing heating systems
can be updated and solar systems can be added later. It should
be noted, however, that insulation must be considered when installing
a new furnace as well as planning to combine a solar system.
In terms of financing an alternative energy system, it may be
possible to obtain subsidies from the province or state to assist
in the purchasing of such a system. Your H.V.A.C. contractor or
we would be able to give you a reliable energy audit. Also, we
will be able to assist you in obtaining assistance for your project.
How much thermal solar energy can
I expect?
A well-planned and well-designed solar system can give a maximum
of 70% saving on water heating during a year. From about May to
the end of October, it is possible for a solar system to cover
100% of all hot water needs. For the remainder of the year, a
reduced output is expected. The cold water supply, however, will
be preheated and the rest of the hot water will come from the
existing method of water heating that we can supply, without any
loss of comfort. In any case, the saving will be substantial.
Can I cover my hot water needs with solar?
It is always recommended to conserve energy when showering, bathing
or washing. 2000 solar kilowatt-hours of solar heating energy
will suffice to heat water for about 4000 baths of about 150 litres
each or 2000 showers of about 300 litres each.
The sun produces about 50% of energy use for warm water of 4000
washings or about 3000 dishwasher uses. The other 50% can be supported
with electricity or natural gas. We would like to discuss with
you the installation and cost of such a system.
As for a solar heating system, the cost of purchase and installation
for a four-person residence would be about $10,000.
How can a solar system assist my
heating and reduce my energy bills?
More and more people want to know how they can save money and
cut down on their heating and water heating costs. We can design
a combination solar system that will provide your domestic hot
water and possibly heat your swimming pool and home. In the winter,
the system will simply assist the furnace in heating the home.
It must be noted that such systems require a larger number of
collectors and storage capacity for the hot water to draw from.
Therefore, a modern heating system, in conjunction with solar
as well as good insulation, will provide quite considerable savings.
What is the life expectancy of a
solar system?
The life expectancy of a solar system is between 20 and 30 years.
The system can still produce heat even after 30 years if it receives
regular maintenance check ups once a year. Service contracts can
be made and are available. Some components are guaranteed for
10 years. Please see contract details.
How much would be the cost of a solar thermal system?
The cost of a solar thermal system for a 4-person household is
between $6,000 and $8,000. If the homeowner requires a home heating
system package, the cost increases to between $8,000 and $12,000.
It is expected that even with additional costs for this option,
the payback calculation would be approximately 7-10 years. It
should be kept in mind that the system will last between 25 and
30 years. Of course, energy costs with all forms of energy are
rising dramatically and will continue to do so in the future.
The cost of solar thermal energy is not likely to drop as might
be expected by some people, because material and service costs
are expected to rise. Thus deferring the purchase of a solar system
has no cost benefit. When it comes to funding, financial institutions,
credit unions and governments can help. As well, funding is available
through us. We will be happy to provide you with assistance and
exact information pertaining to all your energy needs.
What is the time required for installing
a solar system?
The installation of a solar system will take, on average, about
2 to 3 days. It must be noted that the installation should conform
with optical and architectural points of view as well as local
by-laws, if they are applicable. Commercial systems are more complex
and therefore would require more planning and time to install.
How much maintenance and service
costs can I expect?
Like all types of heating, air-conditioning or ventilation equipment,
solar systems should receive an annual service check so that they
can function at their optimum level. It may be practical to service
them at the same time as the air-conditioning system or furnace.
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