NEXTGEN BUILDERS

We all know the sun’s energy can be converted into heat; just get into your car on a summer’s day after it has been left in the sun. The principle of a solar thermal collector, the heart of the solar hot water system,  is  very similar. It takes the light energy from the sun and converts it to useful energy in the form of hot water. Evacuated tubes are used as Solar Collectors and are normally mounted in a frame on the roof.

 Figure 1 shows the process that takes place within an Evacuated Tube as it is heating water. Infrared rays from the sun are trapped inside the vacuum tube and generates heat inside the copper tube. The temperature of the copper tube can reach up to 350 degrees on a sunny day. The Evacuated tubes generates heat regardless of existing outside temperatures since its operation ONLY depends on the presence of sunlight.  This heat is transferred to the storage tank by a re-circulating fluid in pipes connecting the  manifold of the frame (figure 3) to the storage tank inside the buildings.  Figure 2 shows the components of an actual evacuated tube.

                                              Figure 1

DayStar Solar  uses the SunMaxx Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors. They are among the most efficient, cost-effective and affordable solar collectors available on the market today for you solar powered home and business heating systems. Our collectors feature proprietary coatings, design and assembly processes that allow us to deliver industry leading performance and efficiency at a fraction of the cost of the competition.

                                                       Figure 2 

Figure 2 is an actual photo of a single evacuated tube. Note the copper tube and metal plates inside the double walled vacuum glass tube.

                                          Figure 3

Figure 3 shows a Frame which comprises of many evacuated tubes.  Each tube is plugged into an insulated manifold across the top of the frame. The re-circulating liquid comes in contact with each copper tube  on the inside of the glass tubes.  Heat from each tube is then transferred to the re-circulating liquid that is carried into the storage tank below. 

                                                    Figure 4

A complete Solar Hot water system is depicted in figure 4. Re-circulating liquid  transfer heat from the evacuated tubes into the first storage tank.  An electronic differential controller and pump station controls  the system operation.  Customer may also monitor and control the system remotely thru a computer. The second storage tank represents the existing customers tank that may act as  supplemental heat source based on the systems design.

How Can I Save Money with a Solar System?

If you have a gas or electric water heater you probably pay  several hundred dollars ($$$thousands for some large businesses) per year for your heating bill. This adds up fast over the 15 year life of your heater. Your fuel bill also increases every year by your Gas or Electric supplier.  A solar heater has a one time install cost. The operating cost is FREE from that point on.

The federal government gives a 30% tax incentive to offset the cost of installation. The  State of Ohio may also give grants to qualified installations.  A solar system is therefore a very wise investment  and represents the best of renewable energy applications

DayStar Solar provides FREE consultation for designing and installing your Solar Thermal systems.