
Air conditioning is the biggest consumer of energy in most Alabama homes.
Heating water is second. Heating water with the sun represents one of the best and
easiest ways you can reduce your energy bill and lower your dependence on fossil
fuels.
You are going to need hot water. The question is, "How am I going to heat it?"
Solar Tech Alabama can recommend the best type of solar water heater for your
particular situation. All systems installed in Alabama must provide protection from
freezing. We favor the flat plate collectors made by Alternate Energy Technologies in
Jacksonville, Florida. They are among the best made.
- The drain back system has the highest efficiency and requires the least
maintenance of all systems. It uses a special heat-exchanger tank and
gravity to provide fail-safe freeze protection. It is the preferred system.
- In cases where the installation requirements for a drain back system can't be
met, we use the indirect closed-loop glycol system. It is slightly less efficient
and requires a little more maintenance, but works very well. (The system
shown in the link has a PV panel to operate the pump and an in-tank heat
exchanger. There are other options.) There are more glycol systems
installed in the United States than any other kind.
- The smaller Evacuated Tube systems pictured on many magazines cost
more than either of the flat plate systems above. Additionally, they are
maintenance intensive and less efficient for domestic use. They are
particularly suited when the required temperature is above 160 degrees.
If you are interested in how this system can make you money – even without federal
tax incentives – click here.
Water Heating Video - How it Works (Best viewed in Explorer)
We recommend the same technology for your business that we recommend for your
home. The typical commercial system is larger than your home system, but it
functions exactly the same. Evacuated tubes are suitable in applications that require
higher temperature water.
On larger commercial systems, we usually install real-time data collection so that
your hot water system can be monitored via the internet. This allows you to track the
system, make corrections, and identify problems quickly so that you get maximum
performance from your system. Yes, Solar Tech Alabama can provide some
monitoring for you.
AND, the same federal incentives apply. PLUS, you get an accelerated depreciation.
We don’t agree with every government program, but this one makes sense.
All new installations should consider solar. If you are heating water with electricity,
you really can’t afford to wait any longer. Heating with gas? Solar will get you sooner
or later. Call and let us show you how you can increase your profits by letting the sun
heat your water.
Solar Technology Alabama
80 gal storage tank with
drain-back tank on top. Note two
brown pumps and the insulated
plumbing.
In homes with a large hot-water
demand, we can use storage
tanks in tandem or use a single
120 gal tank to increase capacity.
Three 4 x 8 EagleSun Collectors
mounted on shingle roof.
More collectors are used if the
system supplies heat for a
radiant floor.
Restaurant with 120 ft2 of
collectors on the roof and a 120
gal storage tank in the kitchen.
Click here to find out how much money you can save by heating your water with the sun.
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Cut-Away View of Drain Back Tank
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40-gal gas tank in tandem with 80-gal solar tank. Note Drain-back tank on top of solar storage tank.
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