Disclaimer: The information provided by the City of Santa Rosa and Solar Sonoma County through its Clean Energy Advocate program (CEA) is limited to an unofficial overview of energy efficiency and solar upgrades, available rebates, incentives, and other related information. It does not constitute professional advice or other professional financial guidance, and it should not be relied upon as such or used as the only source of information when making purchasing decisions, investment decisions, tax decisions, or when executing other binding agreements. While the CEA strives to provide the best information possible, the CEA makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of the information provided or arising out of your use of the information provided by the CEA.

08/10/2011: Clean Energy Series Solar Thermal (hot water) Workshop

Preliminary 1. What characteristics should a house have to be considered a good solar candidate?

A roof that is south facing is the ideal spot for solar. Other directions can work and in the case

with solar hot water (as opposed to electric) you do not need constant direct sun on the

system. Also, make sure the roof is in good condition and does not need to be replaced.

2. Are solar thermal and solar hot water heating the same thing? Solar hot water refers to domestic hot water (shower, sink) and thermal is not only domestic hot water, but space heating and pool heating also.

3. Does Sonoma County have the correct climate for solar thermal? Yes. While Sonoma County may receive some morning fog or have rainy days the overall sunny climate is suitable for solar hot water systems.

4. Even if some of my system is shaded, will the unshaded parts still work? The system will still work. Unlike string electric systems, which go down if one panel is shaded, solar hot water systems will still continue to heat your water; it just may not happen as fast.

5. Should an energy assessment of the home be done before solar is installed? It is always a good idea. While it is not required before installing a solar hot water system there are rebates available through the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program which cover 75% of a home assessment. www.sonomacountyenergy.org

6. Should the hot water pipes be insulated before a domestic solar water heating system is installed? Yes, insulation of pipes is important. If you do not have insulated pipes the temperature drop from your water storage tank to the faucet will be greater. Insulation in this case is assisting with heat transfer as opposed to the insulation you might have on your pipes outside to prevent them from freezing.

Functionality 1. How does solar thermal work?

Energy is absorbed from the sun in collector panels located on your roof or ground. The energy in the form of heat is then transferred to water that is stored in the system. There are different types of solar hot water systems, which are installed depending on your usage, climate and water quality. The collectors also differ as do ways in which you store the water.

Disclaimer: The information provided by the City of Santa Rosa and Solar Sonoma County through its Clean Energy Advocate program (CEA) is limited to an unofficial overview of energy efficiency and solar upgrades, available rebates, incentives, and other related information. It does not constitute professional advice or other professional financial guidance, and it should not be relied upon as such or used as the only source of information when making purchasing decisions, investment decisions, tax decisions, or when executing other binding agreements. While the CEA strives to provide the best information possible, the CEA makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of the information provided or arising out of your use of the information provided by the CEA.

Flat plate collector panel (above)

Evacuated tube solar collector

2. Can solar hot water heating be used for pool heating, radiant heating systems and domestic

hot water heating? Some panels can be used for all. The easiest heating is domestic hot water. An average system will provide enough hot water for a family of 3-5.

1. What’s the difference between a direct and indirect water heating system? Direct = Open-loop system, where you allow water to circulate through the system

Indirect = Closed-loop system, which is more common and allows for a heat transfer fluid

(glycol usually) to circulate to help transfer heat more effectively.

2. Should you have a back-up system to heat your domestic water supply? Yes. Solar hot water is expected to cover 70-80% of your usage year round. To heat the remaining 20% a backup system is needed. You can hook up your existing water heater to a solar hot water system, with minimal additions to complete the install.

3. Is it better to have water filled tubes or heat transfer fluid filled tubes? This is specific to your site and where you live. For example, if you have poor water quality you would want a heat transfer fluid so that you do not have scale build up in your solar tubes. Heat transfer fluid is also applicable if you live in an area with frequent freezing temperatures.

4. Can a solar thermal system be ground mounted? You can put a system on the ground, it usually requires additional work to lay pipes to and from the house versus on the roof.

Disclaimer: The information provided by the City of Santa Rosa and Solar Sonoma County through its Clean Energy Advocate program (CEA) is limited to an unofficial overview of energy efficiency and solar upgrades, available rebates, incentives, and other related information. It does not constitute professional advice or other professional financial guidance, and it should not be relied upon as such or used as the only source of information when making purchasing decisions, investment decisions, tax decisions, or when executing other binding agreements. While the CEA strives to provide the best information possible, the CEA makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of the information provided or arising out of your use of the information provided by the CEA.

5. How long does it take to install a solar thermal system on the roof?

Two to five days is typical. The location of the system and if there is a need to re-plumb can affect the time frame.

6. How reliable is solar hot water heating?

It is very reliable. The technology has been used for over 100 years. In the 70’s and 80’s there was a big boom for solar hot water systems and many of those are still in operation today. Maintenance is important to keep your system running however.

7. What is the life expectancy of the system? All systems should have at least a 10 year warranty. Anything less than that will not qualify for the PG&E rebate currently available. A 10 year warranty is recommended but systems are lasting for 20-30+ years with proper maintenance.

8. Are some systems better than others? There is a quality difference. In the case of solar hot water there are “solar fractions.” One may show annual production at 50%, but a stronger model will show 80% which will be more expensive but that is tied in with quality of the system. Batch heater – These hot water systems are not as efficient but they are simpler in design and therefore less expensive.

9. Will my contractor take care of permitting with the city for me?

Yes, your contractor should take care of this. Make sure to review the proposal from your contractor to see if the permitting fees have been included. If they are not included this is something you will want to ask your contractor about. If the contractor is uninformed about permitting you may wish to get a second proposal to compare expertise and confidence in the process and install. A permit is required for all solar hot water (and solar electric) systems.

Financing

1. How much does a system cost? On average a system can cost between $4,000 to $9,000. Keep in mind PG&E offers a rebate up to $1800 and there is a 30% federal tax credit available.

2. Are there tax credits or rebates available to help finance my project? Yes. A federal tax credit (30% of the system) and PG&E offers a rebate up t o$1800.

3. Can you lease a solar hot water system?

In Sonoma County that option is not currently available. After installation

1. What maintenance do solar hot water systems require once they’re installed? Every 2-5 years you will need to replace your *glycol (heat transfer fluid) which should be

done by your installer because they have the proper tools and pumps. Your storage tank (just

Disclaimer: The information provided by the City of Santa Rosa and Solar Sonoma County through its Clean Energy Advocate program (CEA) is limited to an unofficial overview of energy efficiency and solar upgrades, available rebates, incentives, and other related information. It does not constitute professional advice or other professional financial guidance, and it should not be relied upon as such or used as the only source of information when making purchasing decisions, investment decisions, tax decisions, or when executing other binding agreements. While the CEA strives to provide the best information possible, the CEA makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of the information provided or arising out of your use of the information provided by the CEA.

like a normal water heater) should also be drained, as well as checking the anode for

corrosion.

*Glycol is a non-toxic substance and is different from anti-freeze that is used in vehicles.

2. What if my water is hard, do maintenance concerns change? It is recommended that you use an indirect/closed-loop system so there isn’t build up in your

pipes. The City of Santa Rosa has moderately hard water and is sufficient for solar hot water

systems.

3. What is the usual warranty for solar hot water systems? 10 years is standard for both workmanship and the hardware of the system.

Do-It-Yourself

1. Any tips for do it yourselfers? While is it possible to build your own system and purchase the items wholesale, it is quite complicated and not recommended. There are additional issues with plumbing and heat exchangers which should be handled by a professional.