TYPICAL SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM
Creating electricity with either photovoltaic panels or wind turbines typically begins with production of direct current (DC) electricity. That current then passes through a transformer to become the typical alternating current (AC) used in almost all homes (aside from some RVs and boats). Most modern systems do not include battery storage, simply because battery technology has not matured enough to warrant the expense and environmental impacts. That may change in the next few years, but for now, the best bet is a grid-connected system that can later be reconfigured for advanced batteries.
TYPICAL SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM
Using the sun to heat your home’s hot water is a time-tested idea. Typically, the liquid circulating from these panels to your home’s hot water tank is not water, it’s something that won’t freeze or boil easily, such as glycol. The heat is transferred to your fresh water inside the tank—and that’s where some of the best new technology is found. The latest insulated hot water tanks don’t rust, and the best ones lose less than half a degree per hour. That heat you collect from the sun can be stored for days.
SOLAR HOT WATER SMART STORAGE
The availability of extremely durable hot water storage tanks—which in some cases also serve as water heaters—has made solar hot water collection even more viable. Many tanks now include a separate closed loop of a freeze-resistant liquid. That extra loop is specifically for solar hot water—so that when the sun is shining, the solar panels on the roof heat the clean water in the tank. But when the sun is not sufficient (or you have teenagers using up the “free” hot water) an external boiler or heating system built into the tank kicks on to make up the difference.
One of the great advantages of a solar hot water system is the relatively rapid payback. In other words, if you install this year, it may pay for itself in less than three years, especially once you figure in the tax credits and rebates available.
A.O. SMITH CIRREX SOLAR ELECTRIC HOT WATER SYSTEM
The Cirrex Solar water heating system is a comprehensive solar system, allowing for quick and easy installation. Properly sized solar water heating systems can provide up to 70% of the energy needed for water heating directly from the sun.
www.hotwater.com
ENERGEN SOLAR PV ROOF SHINGLES (CERTAINTEED/ UNI-SOLAR)
This roof-ready BIPV system comes in a pre-engineered kit with all the parts needed for installation. It’s easy to install and low profile enough not to panic view-sensitive neighbors.
www.certainteed.com
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