SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS
A solar hot water system (solar thermal system) uses free energy from the sun to heat water. These systems are typically used for domestic hot water (showers, washing machines and dishwashers), accounting for a significant portion of your utility bill. As energy costs continue to rise, investing in a solar hot water system is a smart and affordable solution.

Using the sun to heat your home's Domestic Hot Water (DHW) is an enormously efficient way to reduce utility costs and reduce your carbon footprint.  Many Solar DHW systems will provide all the hot water for your home from May through September and about 30% to 40% for the rest of the year.

Solar hot water systems can also be used to supplement some heating systems such as hot water radiant floor heat and forced hot air systems.  However, these systems cannot be used (economically) to supplement a hot water baseboard system. Radiant floor heat runs at much lower temperatures (about 90 degrees) than hot water baseboard (about 160 - 180 degrees), and when you would need the most heat production (in the middle of winter) there is the least amount of daylight hours.

SYSTEM TYPES
Flat Plate Collectors absorb light, converting the energy into heat for your domestic hot water needs. Today’s solar collectors are more efficient and more attractive, and designed to blend into existing architecture.

Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors operate differently than other types of solar collectors. These innovative solar collectors consist of a heat pipe housed inside a vacuum-sealed tube. The solar collector tubes are extremely efficient, capable of absorbing up to 93% of the sun’s energy to heat water for a home or office.

QUICK FACTS
Can it heat my home?
Yes, a solar hot water system can be used to supplement hot air or radiant floor heating systems.

Can it heat my pool?
Yes, excess heat from a solar hot water system can be diverted to your pool in the summertime, extending the swimming season.

Are solar hot water systems efficient?
Yes, solar hot water systems are nearly 93% efficient. A maintained system will last for decades with very little loss in heating efficiency.

Will the system work on a cloudy or rainy day?
Yes, solar hot water systems perform well even on overcast or rainy days – 365 days a year. For best performance full sunlight and southern exposure is ideal. However, these systems can accommodate partial shading from trees.

Can the system be installed on the ground?
Yes, there are a variety of installation options for solar hot water systems. Our ground frame systems are very popular for ease of installation and maintenance, or we can design an attractive roof-mounted system.

Is it affordable?
Yes. After generous federal and state tax incentives payback is fast – making solar affordable for everyone.

Take the next step
Request a site evaluation or call 518 392 4000

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