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Solar Hot Water |
 No
company in the Bay Area has more experience or knowledge
in the design and installation of Solar Hot Water systems
than Sun Light and Power. We have been in the business since
1976.
A Solar Hot Water (or “Solar Thermal”) system
can provide as much as 70-80% of your hot water needs for
the year, greatly reducing the portion of your utility bill
that relates to water heating -- usually natural gas. If
the water heater is electric, the money saved is even greater.
A full-size system will typically provide all the hot water
needed between March and October.
NEW! Federal Tax Credit
Beginning
in 2006, a federal tax credit equivalent to 30% of the cost
of installation will be available for each system
placed in service (with a $2000 cap for residential systems).
Simple
Yet Time-Proven Technology
Although the basic technology
has been around for a number of years, recent improvements
make today’s solar hot
water systems more efficient, reliable, and durable than
those of the past.
A typical domestic solar hot water system
uses two 4' x 8' flat plate “collectors” which
are installed on the rooftop of a home or business (but
can be located on
the ground). These flow to a hot water heater, which is to
be used as a storage tank and for back-up heat during the
cold months of the year.
General Types of Systems
Hot
Water systems are of two general types.
In the first, potable water passing through
tubes is heated by the sun before flowing into the storage
and heating
unit. In the second type, non-toxic glycol circulates
through the
tubes, heated by the sun, and flows to a heat exchanger
where it heats the water. A back-up heater provides
any additional
heating of the water.
Spa systems and pool systems function
in a similar manner.
System Sizing
(1) Domestic Hot Water
Generally, domestic
hot water systems are sized according to the number of
people in your family. Typically, two
4 ft. x 8 ft. collectors and a 120 gallon storage tank
is sufficient for two adults.
(2) Swimming Pool.
Pool Systems require that solar collectors
have a combined surface area equal to 50 - 70% of the pool
surface area,
with “glazed” type collectors being the most
efficient.
To learn more about the features and benefits
of Solar Thermal, please go to:
Solar
Hot Water Benefits
Types of Solar Hot Water Systems
… or phone a Sun Light and Power representative at
(510) 845-2997
Financing Your Installation
Sun Light and Power understands that many people considering
a solar installation will be seeking financing for their
project. We do not carry our own financing but, in
keeping with the spirit of sustainable energy advocates,
we do encourage you to consider local "green
lenders". Therefore, in response to the many inquiries
from our customers regarding such financing, we have begun
to provide information on Bay Area green lenders. SL&P
is not directly involved in their lending activities and
offers this information solely for your convenience.
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