April 2011
Hosting US Solar Thermal Tour
An acclaimed solar thermal manufacturer and distributor is launching the "High Efficiency Revolution" tour across major chunks of Texas in April and May 2011. The solar thermal tour will begin on April 26, 2011 and conclude on May 9th 2011. The tour will make stops in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas,...
What is the best angle to position my collectors?
This answer depends on what you are trying to accomplish. For simple Domestic Hot Water systems you should try and position you collectors at the same angle as your latitude. For systems that are tied into the home heating system, as in a combisystem, you should position you collectors 15...
What is the best way to secure my collectors to the roof?
There are many ways that you can mount you collectors to the roof. Whether you choose a flush mount or tilt mount design you should consider using a rail system. A rail system allows you to take advantage of the rafters while not interfering with the exact location of the...
How can I learn more about the financial assistance available for solar thermal
In order to educate your clients about the benefits of going solar, it is important to understand the financial opportunities. There are lots of incentives currently available for solar hot water systems. Most systems will qualify for a 30-50% incentive! Figuring out which incentives are available in your area and navigating the bureaucratic process to...
How do I properly size my storage tank for the collector area?
The rule of thumb of 1-3 gallons of storage per ft2 of collector will only get you so far, so it is best to try being creative with your storage. As your load increases in the winter and production decreases, you should adjust your storage capacity accordingly. Even slight changes from day to day...
What is more important, postioning the collectors for maximum aesthetic appeal or maximum solar gain?
Do you want to make this system perform to its highest ability or should it look nice and fit the architecture of the house? We have all seen those albatrosses on the roof that are cantilevered at a compound angle to get a few extra BTU's at the cost of aesthetic appeal. Here...
Can I connect my pool to my solar hot water heating system?
Yes you sure can. Using the pool as a heat dump in the summer is very easy to do and very beneficial, not only to your wallet but a warm pool makes a happy wife. We have many clients that are doing this very thing with their "extra" energy from...
What can I do with excess energy in the summer?
Three choices- Steam, Drain or Dump. For most places in the US, there will be more solar gain in the summer than in the winter. This occurs during a time when your load is lowest, so that means EXCESS HEAT. You must deal with this if you are to design...