Can a solar water heating system be used in place of a traditional gas or electric heating system?
In order to ensure proper efficiency of your water heating system, a solar energy system must usually be used in conjunction with a traditional gas or electric heating system, rather than as an alternative to a traditional system. While it is possible to size a system to provide a 100% solution, the best return on investment occurs when a system is sized to provide most of the hot water, most of the time.
Do solar thermal systems produce hot water in the winter?
SPP solar systems will operate and produce hot water during the winter months. By using tubes, evacuated tube collectors catch the sun's rays for a longer time each day which will produce more heat.
Do solar thermal systems produce hot water on a cloudy/overcast day?
SPP solar systems will be able to provide water heating during cloudy or overcast days, but may require the use of traditional gas or electric heating system to produce required temperatures after two or three days of cloudy weather.
Can I use a solar collector with my existing hot water system?
Most often times solar collectors can be used with an existing system by utilizing a simple solar conversion valve that connects to your existing water tank. The solar heated water will always be used first. Controls will switch on the gas or electric water heater only when the solar heated water falls below a pre-set temperature.
What happens if one of the solar tubes is broken?
The tubes are very strong and not easily broken, but can be replaced very easily should one break due to extreme conditions. They are inexpensive and available though your local SPP dealer or directly from SPP. One advantage of evacuated tubes systems is that breakage from hail, for example, will typically disable only a single tube instead of an entire collector as would be the case with a flat plate design, the system will continue to produce hot water with one or even several broken tubes. There is no leakage from the system as a result of a broken tube.
What is the payback/ROI of the system?
Depending on factors including geographic location of the system, incentives or rebates, insolation levels (amount of solar radiation) in that area and annual usage of the system, an average household of 4 can expect to recover the cost of a solar system within 4 to 6 years.
What is the life of the solar collector systems?
SPP solar systems have a life expectancy of greater than 20 years with a manufacturer's warranty of 10 years. It is estimated that evacuated tube collectors will last a life time since there is no insulation in the collector that will de-gas.
Do SPP solar heating systems require any maintenance?
Maintenance of the system is negligible; however, an annual assessment of the solar system is recommended to help to maintain efficiency levels and to help avoid potential long term problems with the system.
If I order a solar water heating system, what do I get?
All units can be provided as a complete system with all components included to install and operate the system, including the water storage tank. Furthermore, Mirasol Solar Energy Systems provides a custom design provided by an experienced designer with extensive knowledge with solar, hydronics, HVAC and mechanical systems to easily retrofit the system into your home or business.
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