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SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
Our Systems
Mirasol Solar Energy Systems currently offers the highest SRCC-rated Solar Thermal Collectors from leading manufacturers such as Sunda. Leading with the chosen collector, we design a complete package that interfaces with existing waterheaters, forced-air furnaces and radiant heat systems.
WHAT'S NEW! WHAT'S REALLY HOT!
EVACUATED TUBE COLLECTORS
Most advanced innovation in thermal solar collectors. Greater heat output than flat-plate collectors during winter months. Evacuated Tube Collectors stand up to northern New Mexico's weather, high winds and hail. More efficient performance for larger families, mid-sized businesses, or higher heat applications providing up to 95% heating for hot water, 40% for forced air funaces and 90% for radiant heat Small footprint, easily integrates with any existing home heating and water heating system. Successfully used in Europe & China for 10 years. Fifteen years or more without loss of efficiency. There is no insulation that will de-gas rendering the system useless. Modular system makes repairs easy — if ever needed.
Here is an example of evacuated tube collectors we have installed.
Note the After installation compared to the Before installation.
Evacuated tube collectors installed in Albuquerque by Mirasol to replace flat plate collectors shown below.
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Installation by solar designer and licensed contractor shows proper slope and support of pipes for drain back flow.
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Installation by licensed contractor. Note collectors wrongly installed on their sides; pipe not sloping for drain back flow, unsupported and not adequately insulated.
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Pipe ruptured due to freezing of water in the line.
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Mirasol designs different systems to suit the needs of each customer. Whatever the individual needs, efficient solar systems require a minimum of unobstructed insolation from 9 am to 3 pm. If the collector is eclipsed by trees or any other objects during this period, it will not be possible to produce heat in a meaningful intensity. Homes must also be properly insulated in order to reap the desired benefits of solar energy.
TYPES OF SOLAR WATER & AIR HEATING SYSTEMS
There are several types of hot water and air system designs that may be used including Batch System, Drainback - Closed Loop System, Integrated Collector Storage, and Floor Radiant Heat.
Batch Systems
Simplest to manufacture and most inexpensive to install when placed at ground level. The batch system requires that users cover the insulated box at night to preserve the heat. The batch system must be drained during freezing weather and it is therefore used mainly in warm climates. The batch system was patented in 1891 and was widely used throughout the turn of the 19th century until fossil fuel water heaters were introduced circa 1912. Being efficient, simple and inexpensive, this system has remained in operation since then and today remains a favorite among do-it-yourself conservationists and solar enthusiasts.
 Drainback, Closed Loop System
The system recommended by Mirasol is the Drainback, Closed Loop System. Its advantage over all others is year-long, safe, automatic operation in any climate. It is the strong favorite of those who just want to turn on the faucet without caring where the hot water came from. This system will not boil or freeze. Unlike the simpler, direct systems, the tank water is heated via a heat exchanger using non-toxic propylene glycol. When the temperature in the system reaches maximum, it automatically drains back and stores the heat of the collector, thus preventing overheating and degeneration of the anti-freeze. Air heating options can be readily added to this system.
 Integrated Collector Storage
If conserving space in the home is equally important to conserving fossil-fuels, Mirasol can install an Integrated Collector Storage (ICS) system on the roof. This system (shown here) combines the storage tank and the collector into one unit.
Floor Radiant Heat
New construction provides an ideal situation for the most desirable form of solar hot water heat: floor radiant heating. In this system, hot water circulates in tubes under the floor radiating the heat upward. The advantages of radiant floor heating are:
Evenly distributed heat radiation throughout the home. No blowing dusty air. No hot and cold spots or drafts. Better storage of heat, thus more savings.
Floor radiant heat can be retrofitted in existing homes. However, the installation would be more laborious than with the other systems shown herein.
There are more variations of the systems mentioned here to fit individual circumstances. These can be discussed with Mirasol in the course of an estimate.
TYPES OF SOLAR ELECTRICITY SYSTEMS
Photovoltaics (PV)
The circulating pump in Mirasol's Drainback, Closed Loop system requires electricity for its operation. This is provided by a small photovoltaic panel. PV panels convert the energy of the sun into direct current (DC) electricity.
PV panels can run appliances in the home, such as a refrigerator, a TV set, etc. Since most appliances run on alternating current (AC), a converter (DC to AC) is required. Refrigerators that run on DC current can be directly connected to a PV panel for cost free operation and low cost installation.
PV can also provide for the total electric consumption of a home and be connected to the power plant grid as back up power. A typical home in Los Angeles requires 2 kilowatts of electrical output from PV panels. The number of panels required would almost totally cover the entire roof area and cost approximately $10,000 alone. A complete installation- panels, batteries, inverters, etc.- would run anywhere from $10,000 to $35,000, depending on individual home requirements. At this time, the cost of a PV installation for a totally independent solar home would take many years to recover.
Please feel free to inquire about any of our solar energy systems or request a estimate on a system design that interests you.
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