Long Island Solar Energy Industries Association
SOLAR THERMAL & HOT WATER FAQ
This section contains frequently asked questions with related answers, provided by LISEIA volunteers. Additional information of a technical nature may be found in the educational section on the Code Corner page. See the Multimedia, Energy Gallery and News pages for additional information, videos and pictures of systems and components.
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Majestic Son & Sons, Inc.Solar Thermal Domestic Hot Water
1) Do the panels have to face south?
South is best. East and west are fine also but you get a little less hot water production. The number of hours of direct sunlight on the panels is the critical factor in solar hot water production.
2) Do the solar panels have to be tilted up off the roof?
Usually not if using flat plate collectors. If using evacuated tubes you must tilt the panels up.
3) Are their different types of solar hot water collectors?
There are several types. Flat plates and evacuated tubes are the two most common.
4) How long will a solar hot water system last?
30 or 40 years if properly maintained.
5) What maintenance is needed?
Regularly check the solar fluid levels, the solar control, and circulator to be sure there is no malfunction.
6) Is a solar thermal system the same as a solar hot water system?
The terms are used interchangeably.
7) Can a solar water heating system heat my pool?
Only if designed properly to do so.
8) Can a solar hot water system heat my house?
If used with a radiant heating system you may be able to obtain satisfactory results. It must be properly designed and it can be expensive.
9) Do solar systems work on cloudy days?
Yes! Depending on the thickness of the cloud cover which limits the intensity of the sun the system will still produce heated water.
10) Are solar hot water systems affected by shade?
Yes. The number of hours of direct sunlight on the panels is the critical factor in solar hot water production. The more direct sun on the panels the more hot water you get.
11) How hot will the water get in my tank?
A pump circulates fluid thru the panels and absorbs the heat from the sun. The heated fluid then moves thru the piping down to the heat exchanger at the solar tank and is stored in the tank until you use it.
12) What happens during a power outage?
Most solar pumps need electricity to work. During a power outage these pumps will not work and therefore the solar system will not produce hot water. There are solar powered pumps on the market that work with pressurized solar hot water systems. They will still operate and make solar hot water.
13) How do the panels get mounted to the roof?
They are lag bolted directly thru the roof shingles into the rafters.
14) How do you prevent leaks while mounting the collectors?
Sealant is used between the panel mounting bracket and the roof shingles.
15) What type of insulation do you use on the pipe?
A flexible, rubberized, UV stabilized weather resistant insulation that is sometimes covered with a PVC or plastic coating.
16) Does air temperature affect the system performance?
Yes. Heat loss thru the pipe insulation is greater. However, the performance of the system is more closely related to the seasonal changes in the angle of the sun.
17) Do you need building permits to do the installation?
Yes. On Long Island most of the municipalities do require building permits. There are a few that don’t. Ask your contractor.
18) Does the installer need to be licensed?
Yes. A Home Improvement, plumbing and sometimes an electrical license is required for a solar hot water system.
19) How long does the installation take?
Usually about 2 days.
20) Can the panels be mounted on the ground?
Yes. A ground mount systems are common. Face them south!
21) Do I need to have a new roof before the installation?
That depends on the age and condition of the roof. Your contractor can make that determination.
22) Are there any Federal and State incentives available?
New York State and the Federal Government (IRS) have tax credits that are available.
23) How will it look on my roof?
We think EXCELLENT!! However look at some pictures of other installations and you decide. It’s your house.
25) How much space will it take on my roof?
Most installations are 120 square feet or less.
25) How much hot water will it produce?
60, 80 or 120 gallons of 90 to 160 degree water. Sizing is based on the number of people that live in your house.
26) How many panels do I need?
1, 2, or 3. Sizing is based on the number of people in your house.
27) How heavy are the panels?
Around 125 pounds each.
28) How much money will I save with a solar hot water system?
Depending on the number of people in your house. $200.00 to $1,200.00 per year.
29) How much does it cost?
Somewhere between $8,000.00 and $15,000.00.
30) Are panels and collectors the same thing?
Solar panels and solar collectors are terms that are used interchangeably.
31) Will the system work all year long?
Yes. All year long it will produce hot water. Lower temperatures in the winter (90-120 degrees) Higher temperatures in the summer (120-160 degrees).
-FAQ section above contributed by Dean Hapshe, NABCEP PV & Thermal Certified Installer, of Majestic Son & Sons, Inc.
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