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Energy Efficient Solar Systems Flat Panel Thermal Evacuated Tubes Energy and Environment Atlanta Georgia
Energy Efficient Solar Systems
Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch? Solar panels provide FREE Hot Water - Courtesy of the Sun - forever.
Solar thermal energy is a technology for harnessing solar power for solar heating to electrical power generation. With increasing energy costs, solar water heating is one of the best ways you can save money on your utility bill. You'll also be doing your part to reduce our dependence on foreign energy and reduce green house gas emissions.
Solar thermal collectors, such as solar hot water panels, are commonly used to generate solar hot water for domestic, commercial and light industrial use. Solar thermal energy is used in architecture and building design to control heating and ventilation in both active solar and passive solar designs.
- Low Maintenance - Operating costs are low because thermal solar needs very little maintenance and no fuel.
- Non-polluting - Be part of the solution and reduce your carbon footprint. Solar collectors reduce CO2 emissions by millions of tons annually.
- Predictably Present - Unlike limited resources, such as coal and oil, the sun will always be around and available for use. With solar, there no power outages.
What kinds of systems are there?
Solar thermal systems are broken into two basic types: Evacuated Tubes and Flat Panel. Each has strengths and a careful analysis can help determine the best system for you.Click here for an E&E Solar Thermal Assessment.
A brief illustrated synopsis of the systems:
Evacuated Tube System
Flat Panel Solar Thermal collector and energy pack/controller
A Solar Collector or Solar Water Heater is a device that absorbs thermal energy from the sun and converts it into usable heat. The heat is normally absorbed by water, or a freeze resistant water mix, which can then be used to supplement hot water heating, space heating and even space cooling via use of an absorption chiller or desiccant cooler technology.
The Technology: Evacuated Tubes
The tubes actually contain very little liquid instead they are designed to heat the copper header which contains the larger flow.
Tube Structure and Thermal Principle
The heat pipe is hollow with the space inside evacuated, much the same as the solar tube. In this case insulation is not the goal, but rather to alter the state of the liquid. Inside the heat pipe is a small quantity of purified water and some special additives. At sea level water boils at 100°C (212°F), but climb to the top of a mountain and the boiling temperature will be less that 100°C (212°F). This is due to the difference in air pressure.
Based on the principle of water boiling at a lower temperature with decreased air pressure, by evacuating the heat pipe, the same result is achieved. The heat pipes used in Apricus solar collectors have a boiling point of only 30°C (86°F). So when the heat pipe is heated above 30°C (86°F) the water vaporizes. This vapor rapidly rises to the top of the heat pipe transferring heat. As the heat is lost at the condenser (top), the vapor condenses to form a liquid (water) and returns to the bottom of the heat pipe to once again repeat the process.
At room temperature the water forms a small ball, much like mercury does when poured out on a flat surface at room temperature. When the heat pipe is shaken, the ball of water can be heard rattling inside. Although it is just water, it sounds like a piece of metal rattling inside.
This explanation makes heat pipes sound very simple. A hollow copper pipe with a little bit of water inside and the air sucked out. In order to achieve this result more than 20 manufacturing procedures are required and with strict quality control. All Apricus solar thermal collectors come with a comprehensive warranty. E&E is an approved installer of Apricus Solar Thermal systems.
A cut-away of an Apricus Solar Thermal System. Apricus Systems have won numerous US awards in solar water heating competitions.
Apricus Solar Thermal was named one of the top ten Green Building Products of 2007: Click here to download the Top 10 Green Building Products PDF.
The Technology: Flat Panels
Often considered more aesthetically pleasing, flat panel displays appear from the outside to be skylights or windows mounted on a sloped roof. They generally produce water temperatures less than that of evacuated tubes (explained above) and are very suitable for residential applications. These panels are also cheaper than an evacuated tube installation. Though they have lower efficacy ratings, they can produce greater volumes of heated water than a similarly sized evacuated tube installation.
E&E installs the EnerWorks residential solar water heating systems. EnerWorks solar water appliances are a clean, cost-effective solution using the sun's energy to heat water. With 1, 2, 3 and 4 panel systems available to meet your needs, the appliance is attractive, safe, and reliable with minimal maintenance required over its long operational life. Solar Thermal is a proven, patented technology offering a reliable all-season solar appliance that will improve your home's energy efficiency without compromising comfort.
For detailed data on EnerWorks systems click here.
Installation Basics for all solar collectors...
When choosing a solar collector, selecting the correct size and orientation to the sun is important.Click Here for an E&E Solar Thermal Assessment.
Deciding the Direction and Angle of Installation
The angle and direction of installation is of great importance as it affects the efficiency of the solar collector. The collector needs to receive the maximum amount of sunlight each day and throughout the year. As a general rule if you are in the Northern Hemisphere (Canada and US) then the collector should face South and if you are in the Southern Hemisphere (South America) then the collector should face North. See diagram:
The angle at which the collector is mounted should roughly correspond to the latitude of your location. For example:
- Melbourne, Australia has a latitude of 37 degrees South - the collector should therefore face north at a 37 degrees angle.
- London, England has a latitude of 51 degrees North - the collector should face south at a 51 degrees angle.
- Atlanta, Georgia has latitude of 34 degrees North – the collector should face south at a 34 degree angle.
The exact angle is only suggested. If the roof angle is within 10 degrees +/- of the desired angle then the solar collector may be mounted flush against the roof surface.
Optional Remote mountings for either technology:
Remote Mounting is possible if direct placement on home or building is not optimum. This is true of Flat and Evacuated tube Solar Thermal technology.
Incentives for Solar Energy Systems
Who is eligible for the tax credits?
The tax credits go to homeowners and builders who install qualifying solar installations.
What are the tax credits for residential solar systems?
Homeowners are eligible for tax credits for qualified solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. Solar water heating systems produce hot water; photovoltaic systems produce electricity. The credits are available for systems placed in service in 2007 and 2008. The tax credits are for 30% of the cost of the system up to a maximum credit of $2,000. Click here to view the US Incentives Map.
For details on the Federal Tax rebates: Click here.
What are the tax credits for commercial solar systems?
Please see our Commercial Services page for more information.
In addition to any State rebates and incentives, the Federal government offers a 30% Federal tax credit on solar power systems and allows businesses an accelerated depreciation schedule over 6 years. Click Here for more information.
What are the requirements?
Solar Water Heating:
- System must be certified for performance by the Solar Rating Certification Corporation or a comparable entity endorsed by the state government in which the system is located. (Both types installed by E&E meet this requirement)
- At least half of the energy used by the system to heat the water must be solar energy. The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs.
Photovoltaic systems:
System must provide electricity for the residence and must meet applicable fire and
electrical code requirements.
What do I need to do to qualify for the tax credits?
- Certification that the system meets the qualifying criteria discussed above.
- Cost of the system (including labor to connect the system to the plumbing and/or electrical systems).
Where can I learn more about these products?
Click on one of the links below to open a new window with the selected website:
- Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
- Solar Energy Industries Association
- Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
- Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance
Contact us today for more information about Solar Thermal services and products.
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Energy & Environment LLC
2125 Bolton Road NW
Atlanta, GA 30318-1107
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