One reason for these savings is that roofers and solar installers often have partnerships that can benefit homeowners. Solar panels last about years, which is similar to the lifetime of a roof. By doing both at the same time, you avoid needing to have your solar panels re-installed after replacing your roof, which can save money in the long-run. Yet another financial benefit is the value solar adds to your home. Additionally, there is evidence homes with solar panels sell faster than those without.
There are two basic types of passive systems:. How do I select a solar water heater? Before you purchase and install a solar water heating system, you want to do the following:.
How do I install and maintain a solar water heater? The proper installation of solar water heaters depends on many factors. After installation, properly maintaining your system will keep it running smoothly. Plumbing and other conventional water heating components require the same maintenance as conventional systems. Regular maintenance on simple systems can be as infrequent as every years, preferably by a solar contractor.
Systems with electrical components usually require a replacement part after or two after 10 years. For more information about system maintenance, see the following:.
What other ways can I improve water heating energy efficiency? After your water heater is properly installed and maintained, try some additional energy-saving strategies to help lower your water heating bills, especially if you require a back-up system.
Some energy-saving devices and systems are more cost-effective to install with the water heater. How can I protect a solar water heater from freezing?
The main purpose of the insulation is to reduce heat loss and increase performance. For protecting the collector and piping from damage due to freezing temperatures, you basically have two options:. Using an Antifreeze Solution Solar water heating systems that use an antifreeze solution propylene glycol or ethylene glycol as a heat-transfer fluid have effective freeze protection as long as the proper antifreeze concentration is maintained.
Antifreeze fluids degrade over time and normally should be changed every years. Since these systems are pressurized, it is not practical for the average homeowner to check the condition of the antifreeze solution. If you own this type of system, have a solar heating professional check it periodically. Draining the Collector and Piping Solar water-heating systems that use only water as a heat-transfer fluid are the most vulnerable to freeze damage.
Sensors on the collector and storage tank tell the controller when to shut off the circulation pump, to drain the collector loop, and when to start the pump again. Improper placement or the use of low-quality sensors can lead to their failure to detect freezing conditions. The controller may not drain the system, and expensive freeze damage may occur. To ensure that the collector loop drains completely, there should also be a means to prevent a vacuum from forming inside the collector loop as the liquid drains out.
Usually an air vent is installed at the highest point in the collector loop. It is a good practice to insulate air vents so that they do not freeze. Also make sure that nothing blocks the airflow into the system when the drain cycle is active. Collectors and piping must slope properly to allow the water to drain completely. All collectors and piping should have a minimum slope of 0.
Placing large amounts of insulation around the unglazed parts of the collector and covering the glazing at night or on cloudy days will help to protect the collector from cold temperatures. However, water in the collector can freeze over extended periods of very cold weather. The collector supply and return pipes are also susceptible to freezing, especially if they run through an unheated space or outside.
This can happen even when the pipes are well insulated. It is best to drain the entire system before freezing temperatures occur to avoid any possible freeze damage. Air will not freeze or boil, and is non-corrosive. However, it has a very low heat capacity, and tends to leak out of collectors, ducts, and dampers.
Water is nontoxic and inexpensive. Unfortunately, water has a relatively low boiling point and a high freezing point. Water with a high mineral content i. Make sure that no toxic dyes or inhibitors have been added to it. Most glycols deteriorate at very high temperatures.
You must check the pH value, freezing point, and concentration of inhibitors annually to determine whether the mixture needs any adjustments or replacements to maintain its stability and effectiveness. Hydrocarbon oils have a higher viscosity and lower specific heat than water. They require more energy to pump. These oils are relatively inexpensive and have a low freezing point. The basic categories of hydrocarbon oils are synthetic hydrocarbons, paraffin hydrocarbons, and aromatic refined mineral oils.
Synthetic hydrocarbons are relatively nontoxic and require little maintenance. Paraffin hydrocarbons have a wider temperature range between freezing and boiling points than water, but they are toxic and require a double-walled, closed-loop heat exchanger. These result to less solar absorption and energy conversion. Should this be the situation, you must contact your provider to replace your existing panels and we can provide the thorough installation service for your new equipment.
Call us at 03 or fill out our Contact Form today. Solar Panel Replacement. Shattered Glass with Microfractures If you see cracks on some surfaces of your solar cells, this may be a sign of deterioration.
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