OUR EXPERTS SPECIALIZE IN SOLAR THERMAL WATER HEATING

Cool Remodeling Experts specialize in installing Solar Thermal Water Heaters, also known as Solar Water Heaters, or Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems, that can provide you and your family with the following important benefits:

• Stop wasting your money on constantly increasing utility bills.
• Maximum energy performance efficiency in your home.
• Maximum comfort for you and your family at home.
• Highest level of product quality, efficiency and reliability.
• Well-known brands supported by local product distributors.
• Best product and service warranties supported by manufacturers.
• Low product acquisition and maintenance costs.
• Product rebates and Federal Tax Credits whenever applicable.
• Best product and service value for your money.
• Best return on your long-term investment.
• Peace of mind knowing that you do the right thing.

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

Replacing a Water Heater is an important investment to ensure your overall Home Energy Efficiency.

Since energy efficiency and saving money by lowering utility costs became a priority, many homeowners chose to install a solar water heating system which offers substantial energy-saving benefits by reducing electricity or gas costs from local utility companies.

Before replacing your water heater, be sure to speak with an Energy Efficiency Consultant about the current level of your home energy efficiency.

The energy efficiency consultant will help you to identify all areas of energy inefficiency in your house and potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars in the future.

HOW DOES A SOLAR THERMAL WATER HEATER WORK?

According to Energy.gov, Solar Thermal Water Heaters can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use - sunshine - is free.

TYPES OF SOLAR THERMAL WATER HEATING SYSTEMS

There are two main types of Solar Thermal Water Heating Systems, as shown below:

• A Passive System, which relies on natural convection to circulate the water. In this case the solar collectors and the water tank are located on the roof.
• An Active System, which uses a pump to circulate the water between the tank and the collectors. In this case, only the solar collectors are located on the roof and the tank is located inside the house.

PASSIVE SYSTEM

ACTIVE SYSTEM

PASSIVE SOLAR THERMAL WATER HEATING SYSTEM

Passive Solar Thermal Water Heating Systems are usually less expensive and less efficient. They can be either integral collector/storage systems or thermosyphon systems.

The Integral Collector/Storage type is typically used to pre-heat water for a conventional water heater and is best-suited to climates where temperatures seldom fall below freezing. Thermosyphon systems rely on natural convection to circulate the water, so the tank must be located higher than the collector panels - the heated water from the panels flows upward to the tank and the cooler water returns to the collector for heating on the ground.

ACTIVE SOLAR THERMAL WATER HEATING SYSTEM

Active Solar Thermal Water Heating Systems are probably the most popular type of systems available in the market today.

The cold water enters the Storage Water Tank from where it is pumped by a Circulating Pump into the Solar Thermal Panels. While the water flows through these panels, it is gradually heated by the sun and its temperature is checked by the Thermostat Control.

ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR THERMAL WATER HEATING SYSTEMS

According to EnergySage, solar water heating is a great solution if you’re looking to reduce the cost of heating water for your home or business.

With a Solar Water Heating System, you can use the power of the sun to reduce your reliance on traditional heating sources, such as oil, electricity, and natural gas, in favor of an abundant and environmentally-friendly energy source – the sun!

Solar water heating technology has been around since the 1970’s. A solar thermal water heater generally takes up less space than the average solar PV system, and many homeowners can fit both solar PV and solar water heating systems on their roof.

Additional advantages include:

• Negligible running cost.
• High thermal efficiency.
• Almost free maintenance.

THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF SOLAR THERMAL WATER HEATING SYSTEMS

According to Energy.gov, the cost-effectiveness of a Solar Thermal Water Heating System depends on several factors and should be evaluated by an experienced professional. These factors include:

• Hot Water Use - the hotter water you use, the more likely a solar thermal water heating system will pay for itself over time. They are usually most cost-effective for larger families or homes with a high demand for hot water.
• Cost Of The System - passive systems are typically less expensive but may not be practical or appropriate in many cases.
• Amount Of Available Sunlight - solar applications obviously work best in locations with plenty of available sunlight. Ideally, collectors should be exposed to direct sunlight for the maximum possible number of hours each day, so proper location is critical to achieve optimum performance.

Payback periods will vary, based on these and other factors, but tax credits and other incentives can significantly reduce the initial cost and shorten the payback time.

Before purchasing a solar water heating system, you should investigate all potential incentives and factor them into your decision.

PAYBACK PERIOD FOR A SOLAR THERMAL WATER HEATING SYSTEM

Payback Periods for a solar thermal water heating system vary depending on how you currently heat your water.

For example, the payback period for a solar thermal water system that replaces natural gas will be longer than one that replaces electricity or gasoline because natural gas is a comparatively less expensive fuel.

If you install a solar thermal water heating system on your roof, you can expect a 5% to 15% annual return. Plus, using a solar thermal water heating system reduces your emissions and your home’s impact on the environment.

• A standard electric water heater uses 400 – 1,000 kWh per year.
• A solar thermal water heater can offset about 80% of the cost of using an electric water heater.
• Solar thermal water heater cost around $6,000 - $8,000.
• Payback period for a solar thermal water heater is about 6 -12 years depending upon specific usage.

SELECTING A SOLAR THERMAL WATER HEATING SYSTEM

According to Energy.gov, before you purchase and install a Solar Thermal Water Heating System, you want to do the following:

• Estimate the cost and energy efficiency of a solar water heating system.
• Evaluate your site's solar resource.
• Determine the correct system size.
• Investigate local codes, covenants, and regulations.

WHAT SIZE OF A SOLAR THERMAL
WATER HEATER DO YOU NEED?

Sizing of a Solar Thermal Water Heater entails matching the capacity of the hot-water source to the needs of the homeowners. You should start with a lifestyle audit of your typical usage:

• How many people are showering and when?
• Is there a "shower rush hour" in the morning or at night?
• Do you have a deep soaking tub or whirlpool? What is its fill capacity in gallons?
• Are the dishwasher and washing machine used at the same time when family members are showering?
• How much hot water is needed to deliver the experience you want in your remodeled bathroom?

POPULAR PRODUCT BRANDS

Some of the most popular brands of Solar Thermal Water Heating Systems are presented below in A to Z order.