FAQs

Why Solar Thermal?

Solar thermal energy is a technology for harnessing solar energy for heat. Solar thermal collectors are characterized by the US Energy Information Agency as low, medium, or high temperature collectors. Low temperature collectors are flat plates generally used to heat swimming pools. Medium-temperature collectors are also usually flat plates but are used for creating hot water for residential and commercial use. High temperature collectors concentrate sunlight using mirrors or lenses and are generally used for electric power production. This is different from solar photovoltaics, which convert solar energy directly into electricity. (From www.Wikipedia.com)

What type of Solar Collectors does USSPC use in their installation?

We utilize Solar Hot Water Collectors. Our evacuated tube collectors are one of the highest quality collectors on the market. Two layers of extremely durable borosilicate glass maintain a vacuum layer which acts as a magnificent insulator. With this superior insulation property, Evacuated tube collectors have the ability to generate heat through the winter in colder climates with overcast conditions! Our Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors are available in 10, 20, 25 and 30 tube collectors, as well as in 20 and 30 U-Pipe Collectors. Additionally, we have 20 and 30 tube Thermosyphon Solar Hot Water Kits and the very popular Flat Plate Solar Collector.

What are Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors and How do They Work?

Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors are built with series of clear glass, vacuum sealed tubes with a special selective coating that allows solar radiation to pass through from the outside and traps it inside. This 360 degree collector design is the key principle advantage of Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors - it allows for great absorption earlier and later in the day when the sun is at odd angles for most solar collectors - leading to increased overall system efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The solar radiation then heats the copper heat pipe within the Evaucated Tube, which transfers its heat upward where it is passed to the water moving through the manifold through the specially designed condenser.

Click here for a diagram on Solar Thermal Energy

How does Solar Hot Water Differ from PV or Solar Electricity?

PV, or Solar Electric, uses the energy trapped within sunlight to generate an electrical charge. This charge can then be stored and used to power any number of electronic and electric devices. Solar Hot Water, however, is also known as Solar Thermal, and uses the tremendous energy trapped within sunlight to generate heat - this heat is then transferred by any number of mechanisms to water. We can use that water for nearly every hot water application - from domestic hot water use to radiant space heating to pool/spa heating. In, fact, Solar Thermal technology is much further advanced than PV technology today - a typical PV panel has an efficiency of 14 - 20% where a Solar Hot Water System has an efficiency of 80% or better - this makes Solar Hot Water Systems one of, if not, the most cost-effective and affordable uses of Solar Energy available today.

How do I know what Solar Thermal plan is right for me?

It pays to thoroughly investigate and determin which Solar Hot Water Heater is right for your location and budget. Sometimes trees and other buildings will limit where a collector can be placed. Other factors, such as limited roof space, or the wrong building orientation come into play. USSPC will come to your home or business and do a thorough Site Survey to ensure you receive the most energy efficient and cost-effective Solar Thermal Plan available.

What should you have ready for a site survey

1. Be prepared to spend an hour or more with us. We will need the following information to determin the size of your new Solar Hot Water Heater, the cost of your system, the payback period, and the return you can expect on your investment.
2. What is your current heating source (oil, natural gas, electric, wood)
3. How much fuel is consumed in heating the location
4. Your current cost of heating fuel
5. Please provide us with a few examples of your monthly or annual heating bills (12 months, if possible)

To arrange a Site Survey, please call us at 630.810.1587