Solar Thermal

Solar Thermal for Commercial and Agribusiness Applications

Features & Benefits

Solar thermal heating systems will insulate you from rising fossil fuel costs and protect you from fuel-price inflation over time.  You will be earning an annual 6% to 25% tax-free rate-of-return on your investment, depending on how much hot water you use and how much energy you save.

Typical paybacks for these systems range from five to seven years for a system will a life of over 20 years.  Another important reason to invest in solar thermal systems may be less tangible. When you purchase a system, you support technologies that are good for the environment. You are making a conscious, responsible decision to help reduce harmful emissions from fossil fuels, while maintaining your quality of life.

OK, What is Solar Thermal?

Solar thermal energy (STE) is a technology for harnessing solar energy for thermal energy heat. Solar hot water technology works in both hot and cold climates.  Solar Hot Water collectors can be mounted on roofs, walls or the ground. The collectors absorb heat energy from the sun and transfer that heat to a storage tank, usually with a heat exchanger. Two Solar hot water systems appropriate for climates that experience freezing are Closed Loop Drain Back systems or Closed Loop Anti-Freeze liquid (usually propylene glycol) systems with heat exchanger systems. Collectors can be unglazed (low temperature needs, such as swimming pools), glazed flat plate collectors (usually for temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius) or vacuum tube collectors (able to heat water to temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius). The collectors have different characteristics and the choice of collector will depend on temperature, seasonal hot water needs and other design requirements.

Appropriate sites for solar hot water systems have a clear southern exposure close to the hot water load free from shading from about 10 AM to 3 PM or longer. Size of the collectors and storage tank will depend on factors such as the climate, solar exposure and amount of hot water required.

Regular maintenance on simple systems can be as infrequent as every 3 to 5 years. Systems with electrical components usually require a replacement part or two after 10 years.