SOLAR HOT WATER HEATING CONSUMER GUIDE

WHAT IS A SOLAR WATER HEATER:

A solar water heater is extremely simple.

On a typical single-family residence, there will typically be one or two solar collector panels on the roof.

The panels resemble skylights, and will be about 4 feet wide and 8 to 10 feet long.

The cold water supply is connected to the solar storage tank. Water to be heated circulates between the storage tank and the solar collectors. The output from the solar storage tank becomes the cold water connection to the conventional gas, electric or oil water heater. When a hot tap is opened, pre-heated water is drawn from storage into the conventional ("auxiliary") water heater. The burner or electric element turns on only if the temperature cannot be maintained by the solar heater. Most properly-designed solar water heaters will supply 70 per cent or more of all the energy needed for water heating.

INSTALLATION CONDITIONS FOR A SOLAR WATER HEATER:

To get the full benefits of a solar heater you must have an area for the solar collectors that is large enough and has the proper exposure to the sun. A flat roof is ideal because the collectors can usually be oriented to face the sun directly very easily. If you install the collectors on a pitched roof, the ideal direction the roof should face is south.

The collector area required will depend on the daily amount of hot water use, the type of collectors used, the orientation of the collectors and your geographic location. If you consider a standard "package", you should be sure it is sized appropriately for your specific installation.

If you choose a "Passive" solar water heater, the storage tank(s) will be on the roof. In this event, simple structural bracing may be required. Active solar systems do not normally require structural calculations or roof bracing, because the weight of the collectors is well within normal roof load limits.

An "Active" solar water heater uses a small pump for solar collector circulation, and does not require a tank on the roof. A "Passive" solar heater depends on thermosyphon action, so does not use a pump, but tanks(s) must be on the roof.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:

Your solar water heater should be supplied with operation and maintenance instructions. You will find that there is little, if anything, for you to do once the installer has started your system and checked its operation for the first time. Properly designed solar water heaters are completely automatic and are left in operation year-round. Active systems have a small electronic control with one or more indicator lights to let you know if there is a malfunction. Be sure the instructions specify how your system is protected from freezing! Freeze damage is possible anywhere in California.

SHOPPING FOR A SOLAR HEATING SYSTEM:

Know exactly what you are getting and for what price,
and make sure you are dealing with a licensed solar energy contractor.

1. Get specific details on how collectors will be attached to the roof, are they structurally attached through into rafters, and are they elevated to allow for proper drainage, to prevent roof rot and debris buildup.

2. Get a dimensioned scaled sketch or drawing showing the number and location of collectors,and schematic diagrams showing plumbing and control arrangements.

3. Get specification sheets and warranties on collectors and control. The manufacturers warrant these items.

4. Get a copy of the certified solar test ratings for the collectors, or a written statement listing the certification.

5. Make sure the control has an Underwriters Lab (UL) label.
This can be confirmed by the manufacturer's specification sheet or literature.

6. Make sure the work contract specifies the manufacturer, model, and size of the solar panels and the exact model number of the control.

7. Make sure the collectors have current approval of the city or county, if required, or IAPMO approval otherwise.

8. Specify a date when the installation is to be completed.

9. Specify who is responsible for clean-up after installation.

10. Specify exactly what is to be done before progress payments are made, and when final payment is to be made.

11. Specify that the installer will demonstrate how the system is operated and will provide written operating instructions.

"ORPHAN SOLAR SYSTEMS"

Many current homeowners have recently purchased homes already equipped with solar water heaters, in some instances without being aware of it. It is not unusual that the system has been left turned off, and no instructions left for the new owner so he can start it up and take advantage of it. Others have systems purchased earlier that now need some maintenance, usually minor. Because many solar installers have moved or gone out of business, the homeowner may not know whom to contact for instructions or service. Such situations are often referred to as "Orphan systems."

For those with orphan systems or those interested in installing a solar water heater for the first time, we recommend that you get a referral from a friend, and in the Los Angeles area, you can contact AMECO Solar Company. We have been installing solar energy systems for decades in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

CONCLUSION:

You can save money on utility bills by using solar energy for heating water. Not only will you save money you will also help preserve our natural gas supplies and decrease air pollution locally.

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