Solar Thermal

Solar Thermal systems can provide for both hot water and space heating needs. While the technology for both applications is the same, the system design and size differs.

Solar Thermal Hydronic systems are one of the best renewable energy investments you can make. While meeting your need for Domestic Hot Water (“DHW”) and/or Space Heating, Solar thermal hydronic systems can typically pay for themselves within 10 years. There are few operational costs once the system is installed. Most DHW systems need minimal maintenance and service. When properly designed and installed, solar thermal hydronic systems operate efficiently, even when outdoor temperatures are at zero degrees F.  These systems can last beyond 25 years.

Solar Domestic Hot Water (DHW):

DHW systems typically include two solar collectors, a control unit and a storage tank.  The system works by moving a solar fluid (usually a non-toxic glycol) through the solar panels and using a heat exchanger to transfer the heat gained from the sun to your domestic hot water. Solar DHW systems typically provide 65 – 75% of required annual hot water needs, depending on the system size.

System size depends a great deal on the demands for hot water in your household. During your initial consultation, we will ask questions such as: How many people live in your home? How many showers/baths are taken each day? How many hours a day is someone home? These questions help determine the “load” (hot water demand), thereby determining the appropriate number of panels, storage tank size, and how much of your hot water demands can be met through a solar thermal system.

Space Heating:

Solar thermal hydronic space heating systems which use a liquid medium for heat storage are simply expanded solar hot water systems. They require an increased number of solar collectors and larger (or multiple) water tanks for storage than a system designed to solely meet hot water needs.  These space heating systems use a fluid or air heat exchanger to transfer the heat from a large hot water storage tank to the heat delivery system.  They require a low temperature (130º F) delivery system, often radiant floor heating, although forced hot air and baseboard can be used if properly sized.

Proper solar space heating design requires careful attention to the building design and associated heating loads.  Systems can be designed to augment existing heating systems or to satisfy 100% of the heating demand.  The design of a system needs to account for summertime overheating potential.

Solar Thermal Hydronic systems have been installed for many years and are a proven and certified technology.  The Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (SRCC) provides independent solar thermal panel certifications, a requirement of State and Federal incentive programs.  These panels are very reliable, require little maintenance and can last well beyond 25 years.