FAQS


Evacuated tubes, an essential component of SunMaxx Solar hot water systems, are designed to function optimally in all seasons, including the winter months. Here's a simplified explanation of how they work when temperatures drop:

Insulation: Each evacuated tube comprises a double-layered glass tube with a vacuum in between. This vacuum acts as an excellent insulator, reducing heat loss to nearly zero, thus maintaining the efficiency of the system even in freezing weather.

Absorption: The inner layer of the tube is coated with a special solar-absorbing material that captures sunlight and converts it into heat. This layer is designed to absorb the maximum amount of solar radiation, including during shorter winter days.

Heat Transfer: Inside each tube, a heat pipe transfers the generated heat to a manifold, which then circulates the hot water or heat transfer fluid to your storage tank. The evacuated tube design prevents the heat from escaping back into the cold atmosphere.

Orientation: Even when the sun is low in the winter sky, the cylindrical shape of evacuated tubes allows for optimal absorption of sunlight throughout the day.

In summary, the insulating vacuum, solar-absorbing coating, efficient heat transfer, and cylindrical design all contribute to the effective operation of evacuated tubes in the winter. While there may be less overall sunlight in the winter months, SunMaxx's evacuated tubes are engineered to make the most of available sunlight.

Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors FAQs1. What are Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors? A. Evacuated tube solar collectors are a type of solar thermal energy technology that consists of tubes made of glass that are sealed with a vacuum. The vacuum helps to reduce heat loss, making them more efficient than conventional solar collectors.2. How do Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors Work? A. Evacuated tube solar collectors absorb solar energy from the sun, and the tubes act as heat absorbers and insulators to store the heat. The heat is then transferred to a thermal storage system, such as a hot water tank, which can be used for a variety of applications.3. What are the Benefits of Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors? A. Evacuated tube solar collectors have numerous advantages, such as: - High efficiency, since they reduce heat loss due to their vacuum-sealed design; - Low maintenance requirements; - Can be used in a variety of applications; - Can be combined with other solar energy systems to increase efficiency.4. What are the Problems with Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors? A. Evacuated tube solar collectors may not be suitable for all climates, as they can be affected by extreme temperatures. Additionally, the tubes are fragile and may require an additional protective layer for outdoor installations, and the cost of installation can be quite high. Evacuated tube solar collectors have some drawbacks, including:
  1. Higher initial cost: These collectors are typically more expensive upfront compared to flat-plate collectors, due to their complex design and manufacturing process.
  2. Fragility: The glass tubes can be fragile, requiring careful handling during installation and maintenance to prevent breakage.
  3. Replacement cost: If a tube breaks or loses efficiency, it needs to be replaced, which can be more expensive than replacing a component of a flat-plate collector.
  4. Aesthetics: Some people may find the appearance of evacuated tube collectors less visually appealing than flat-plate collectors, as they have a more industrial look.
  5. Space requirement: Evacuated tube collectors may need more roof space compared to flat-plate collectors for the same energy output, due to their cylindrical shape.
  6. Installation and maintenance: They may require specialized skills for installation and maintenance, which could result in higher service costs.
Despite these drawbacks, evacuated tube solar collectors offer several benefits, such as high efficiency and better performance in cold climates. Weighing the pros and cons can help you decide if they are the right choice for your solar water heating needs.
There can be a lot of reasons which lead to problems with sensor reading error. Due to this you can follow the steps below, maybe they can help you to solve the problem:Remember to turn of the appliance form electricity, safety is the most important
  1. Check all wires - connection is required to correct work of sensor. If there is a loose, try to put in harder inside
    1. If problem vanish, your repair is completed
    2. If no follow the next step
  2. Take the multimeter tool and check the current flow of the wire. If you have some values, the sensor is fully functional
  3. When you still have a problem you can constant to engineering team, maybe they can help you or replace the whole device.
These simply step can help to solve the problem.  
To check the temperature sensor you can use the digital multimeter tool and check the resistance of the sensor.A simple steps which allow to check the temperature sensor:
  1. Turn the system off (electricity) - safety us the most important
  2. Open the controller box
  3. Check if the connection is not loose
    • If loose fix the connection by pushing the sensor wire inside the terminal
    • Close the controller box and check if that fixed the issue
  4. Check the sensor wire resistance with multimeter (turn the multimeter switch to the resistance measurement) – reading should be around 1.101 kOhm at room temperature and around 1.250 kOhm for hot water
    • If readings are different sensor might need replacement
This short advice should help you to solve the problem.
The length of lineset depends on a factor like size of installation or how far is from solar collector to the solar tank. Linesets are sold in one length 82 ft. This package includes dual lineset where each have a 82 ft length. Usually this is a optimal solution for solar system. If you need a longer connection you can add an extra lineset and connect them using the stainless steel piping coupling. Remember that couplings are sell  in lineset sizes and they have to fit to a right lineset. 
In our offer we have three sizes of dual line set in pipe diameter 5/8", 3/4" or 1".  Lineset diameter depends on a size of the whole installation (number of collector or banks). For small domestic systems usually we are using 5/8" that it is the best solutions for this type. For larger system 3/4" or 1" diameter will be better to optimize the whole system. If you want to choose the right size, you can contact the engineering team. they will definitely  help you to make a right decision.
Flexible lineset is perfect solution for solar piping system. It has a lot of advantages, which make it better from other.Flexibility - all to make connection in every directions, suitable for every surface. Easy installation form in domestic or residential systems.Insulation - Pipe is insulated, you don't have to buy extra insulation and waste time on it.Sensor wire is included in a piping system covered by insulationEvery lineset has dual piping with insulation and sensor wire. Moreover it fully recommended for Solar SunMaxx system and guarantee the optimal connection to the solar collectors. In our offer there are three sizes of lineset  5/8", 3/4" and 1". For more information please contact us.

The science of evacuated tubes. Short introduction on how they work.

Part 2 of this webinar series.

Quick video on how to replace your evacuated tube heat pipes (replace or to remove if you have issues with producing too much heat!) .

The United States Government, and most state governments within the United States have implemented credits, rebates, and incentives to help offset the costs of purchasing and installing a Solar Hot Water Heater. While the initial costs of a Solar Hot Water Heater from SunMaxx Solar are generally in the ballpark of 2 to 5 thousand dollars, these credits and other incentives generally bring the payback period of a SunMaxx Solar Hot Water Heater from between 9 and 11 years down to between 3 and 5 years, depending on specific factors.In order for these credits and incentives to be applied to a Solar Hot Water Heater the System must be tested and passed by the SRCC (Solar Rating and Certification Corporation), an independent testing organization designated, and approved by the United States Government and the separate State Governments. SunMaxx Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors are SRCC Certified, making them applicable for all State and Federal Solar Hot Water Incentives & Tax Credits.Federal Solar Tax Credit:Credit Amount: 26% (2020)Maximum Incentive: UncappedApplies to: Solar Hot Water, PVNew York State Tax Credit:Credit Amount: 25%Maximum Incentive: $5,000.00Applies to: Solar Hot Water, PVFor more information on tax credit information, visit the Tax Incentives Database.