Home Hot Water Systems

Question: Do you use plastic collectors in the solar home hot water systems?

Answers: No. The absorber plate in our collectors are made of copper for maximum thermal collection and transfer. Plastic collectors are designed and produced for solar swimming pool heating applications because the harsh chemical environment in pool water degrades copper. Plastic collectors are low temperature collectors meaning they are capable of increasing the temperature of water about 30-35 degrees above ambient temperature. Medium temperature collectors with copper absorber plates can increase the temperature of water 100 degrees + above ambient temperatures year round.

Question: What is the difference between a “drain back” system and a “direct” or “open loop” system?

Answers: A “direct” or “open loop” system circulates the potable water in the water heater tank directly to the roof collector for heating by means of a circulator pump. This type of system is recommended for tropical and moderate climates like South and Central Florida where there is only a remote chance of freeze conditions occurring. Our systems all have a primary and backup freeze protection features to protect the collector in case of a rare freeze condition.
A “drain back” system circulates a heat transfer fluid, usually a glycol mixture or distilled water, from a drain back tank to the roof collector by means of a circulator pump. Another circulator pump then circulates the potable water in your tank through a heat exchanger either in or near the drain back tank to heat your water. When the system is “off”, the heat transfer fluid in the collectors drains back naturally to the drain back tank eliminating the risk of freeze damage, This is, of course assuming the system was plumbed correctly by the installer and the collectors drain thoroughly. Some of the plastic collectors in the market have a secondary manifold that impedes efficient draining leaving them susceptible to freeze damage. These systems are recommended for climates where freeze conditions are more common.

Questions: Is the contractor required to obtain a building permit before installing a solar hot water system?

Answers: Absolutely. Question the legitimacy of any contractor telling you otherwise. Obtaining a building permit is an essential part of protecting you, the consumer, from fraud and abuse.

Question: How much will I really save each month on my electric bill with a solar home hot water system?

Answers: The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates about 17% of your electric bill is a result of heating water with a standard electric water heater. Most other solar companies use a 30% estimate as their guideline. We believe the real number is most likely in the middle at about 25%. Obviously, the more hot water you currently use, the more you will save each month with a solar home hot water system. Most of our customers realize a $35.00 - $70.00 decrease in their electric bill as a result of their new solar hot water system.

Question: How reliable is the system and how much maintenance is required?

Answers: A properly installed solar home hot water system very reliable and requires little to no maintenance. The components we use are tried and tested and are designed to last for many years and even decades. You can be confident that your system will continue to perform for many, many years.