Solar power is the new old technology that people are using to help them save money. With the economy down and prices up, people are looking for new ways to save or even make money, which solar is a good option. With this, you can buy a pre build system that you piece together or [...]
Solar Heating and Cooling
Using passive solar design techniques to heat and cool your home can be both environmentally friendly and cost effective. Passive solar heating techniques include placing larger, insulated windows on south-facing walls and locating thermal mass, such as a concrete slab floor or a heat-absorbing wall, close to the windows. In many cases, your heating costs [...]
Homemade Solar Power – Save Money by Making Your Own Solar Power System
Article by Jon Osbourne There are many positives that come with building a solar power system. These positives include, but are not limited to, saving a lot of money on your power bills and helping out the environment. It’s therefore not a big surprise to discover more and more people are starting to produce their [...]
Solar Water Heating System Maintenance and Repair
Solar energy systems require periodic inspections and routine maintenance to keep them operating efficiently. Also, from time to time, components may need repair or replacement. You might be able to handle some of the inspections and maintenance tasks on your own, but others may require a qualified technician. For help finding a qualified technician, see [...]
The Economics of a Solar Water Heater
Solar water heating systems usually cost more to purchase and install than conventional water heating systems. However, a solar water heater can usually save you money in the long run. How much money you save depends on the following: * The amount of hot water you use * Your system’s performance * Your geographic location [...]
How to select potential contractors for installation and/or maintenance of solar water heater
When screening potential contractors for installation and/or maintenance, ask the following questions: * Does your company have experience installing and maintaining solar water heating systems? Choose a company that has experience installing the type of system you want and servicing the applications you select. * How many years of experience does your company have with [...]
Installing and Maintaining a Solar Water Heating System
The proper installation of solar water heaters depends on many factors. These factors include solar resource, climate, local building code requirements, and safety issues; therefore, it’s best to have a qualified, solar thermal systems contractor install your system. After installation, properly maintaining your system will keep it running smoothly. Passive systems don’t require much maintenance. [...]
How to Select a Solar Water Heater
Before you purchase and install a solar water heating system, you want to do the following: * Consider the economics of a solar water heating system * Evaluate your site’s solar resource * Determine the correct system size * Determine the system’s energy efficiency * Estimate and compare system costs * Investigate local codes, covenants, [...]
Two types of active solar water heating systems
* Direct circulation systems Pumps circulate household water through the collectors and into the home. They work well in climates where it rarely freezes. * Indirect circulation systems Pumps circulate a non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid through the collectors and a heat exchanger. This heats the water that then flows into the home. They are popular in [...]
Solar water heaters – also called solar domestic hot water systems
Solar water heaters – also called solar domestic hot water systems – can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use – sunshine – is free. How They Work Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There [...]
