FAQ
Q: Are solar water systems useful for both homes and businesses?
A: Solar hot water systems are great for homes and commercial applications alike—including small business, large industrial, agricultural, and even municipal applications. Progressive Plumbing offers a variety of flat panel solar collectors and water heating systems that are perfect no matter what your volume of usage, from heating the family pool to heating water for a high-production factory.
Q: How are solar hot water systems different than Photovoltaic (PV)/Solar Electrical systems?
A: PV systems use the energy in sunlight to generate electrical charges, which are then stored and used to power the appliances and electrical devices in your home or business. Solar hot water systems instead capture the sun’s energy to generate heat. “Closed loop” systems, which are preferred in climates like North Carolina where freezing temperatures are common, utilize flat panel solar collectors and a non-toxic heat transfer fluid to collect heat. A heat exchanger is used to transfer the heat, then a system of valves, pumps, and controllers circulate the heat transfer fluid throughout the collector, thereby heating water in the storage tank. The heated water is then useful for everything from washing laundry to heating a pool.
Also, compared to PV systems, solar hot water systems are much more efficient. Case in point: Most PV panels have an efficiency of 14 to 20%. Solar hot water systems, on the other hand, are up to three times more efficient than PV cells! That means solar hot water systems are one of the best uses of solar energy when it comes to efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Q: What are some ways I can use solar-heated water at home?
A: You'll be able to utilize solar-heated water for everything from bathing to cleaning. Most importantly, solar hot water systems are a great way to save money on your energy bills. In fact, if you’re like most people, you use approximately 20-25 gallons of hot water each day for bathing and cleaning. Having a solar hot water systems can help you dramatically reduce your energy costs—sometimes up to 80%, depending upon your volume of usage. What’s more, you’ll be reducing your dependency on carcinogenic fossil fuels for heating water.
Q: Do solar hot water systems work on cloudy days?
A: Yes. Solar collectors collect direct sunlight as well as solar radiation. So, even on cloudy days, there is ample solar radiation to provide significant performance. Although, it is true that performance of the solar collector will be reduced in comparison to a cloudless day.
Q: What are the components of a closed loop solar water heating system?
A: Solar water heating systems include a number of components for optimal performance. Components include:
- Solar Collectors
- Solar Hot Water Storage Tank with Internal Heat Exchangers
- Or, an External Heat Exchanger
- Automatic Differential Temperature Controller
- SHW Circulator Pump
- Expansion Tank (on Pressurized Closed Loop Systems)
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Other Balance of the System Components:
- Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves
- Automatic Air Bleeders
- Temperature and Pressure Gauges
- Copper Piping and/or PEX Tubing
- Connections and Other Basic Plumbing Hardware
Schedule your appointment with Progressive Plumbing & Drains online.
