Pressurized glycol solar heat systems

As we’ve discussed before, pressurized glycol and drain back solar heat systems are the two most common systems designs used today. Today, we will discuss how a pressurized glycol system works and how to care for one.

A pressurized glycol solar heat system has a closed-loop design. Unlike with drain back systems, the water you use is not passed through the collectors. A glycol and water mixture circulates through the collectors, and your hot water is warmed by heat transfer from this mixture. The glycol acts as antifreeze to prevent system components from freezing. The concentration of glycol in the system is determined carefully in order to provide adequate freeze protection for your solar heat system.

The pH of the glycol solution within your system should be checked annually. Your solution needs replaced whenever the pH falls below 7. Other components need checked regularly to ensure your solar heat system is working properly. Pressure relief valves, check valves, and automatic air vents are prone to failures and have short service lifespans. These components should be tested as part of your solar heat system’s regular maintenance routine to determine whether or not replacement is necessary.

Pressurized glycol systems require fluid changing every few years. As these fluids are under pressure, it’s best to contact a trained professional to perform this maintenance for you. Over time, glycols within your system can degrade and cause system components to deteriorate, which is one reason proper care for your pressurized glycol system is important.

Solar heat systems are becoming more common and are being utilized by more and more home and business owners every day. Pressurized glycol systems can be a useful design for your application, but require regular maintenance and care to maximize system life. If you have questions about pressurized glycol solar heat systems, please give us a call. At Smith Sustainable Design, we’re here to answer your solar heat questions anytime.

Get the facts about solar thermal water heaters

While many people associate solar power with electricity generation, not everyone knows it can be used to heat water. Solar hot water is called solar thermal, and is an energy efficient way to meet the hot water demand of your household. Solar thermal can also be used to provide cost-effective heating solutions for pools. Get the facts below to learn more about the advantages of solar thermal.

Solar thermal is cost-effective

A complete solar energy system for electricity generation may be out of your price range, but solar thermal systems are very affordable. Using solar energy to heat your water is a cost-effective way to begin utilizing natural energy to save money on your utility bills. Whether you are used to using a gas or an electric water heater, solar thermal will provide significant savings over both these traditional water heating methods.

Solar thermal is more efficient

Converting the sun’s energy to electricity takes a lot more work than simply absorbing the sun’s heat for use. Solar thermal is around 3 times more efficient than the average solar panel which converts sunlight for electricity. Hot water is also much more efficient for storing energy than the electrical storage which is used by solar panels.

Solar thermal is a good investment

Considering their cheaper price tag and higher efficiency, solar thermal systems can be a much better investment financially. Without the high cost of a solar electricity system, solar thermal systems have a much shorter payback period.

If you’re interested in using solar energy in your home, solar thermal is an affordable way to do so. Reduce energy costs by meeting your home’s hot water demand using the sun’s energy instead of your utility provider’s. Smith Sustainable Design installs solar thermal systems for homes as well as businesses. If you want to learn more about solar thermal for your home, feel free to contact us.

Drain back options for solar hot water systems

Drain back solar hot water systems are one of the most common types of solar thermal systems used today. In short, they utilize two temperature sensors to control the system. When rising temperatures are detected in the solar collectors, cold water from the storage tank is pumped through, absorbing heat as it’s pushed through. The water then flows back into the drain back tank to maintain a certain temperature.

Drain back solar hot water systems can be designed a few different ways:

Type 1 drain back design, often called a two-tank system, uses a full size solar hot water storage tank, and a separate solar storage tank. This design can be used for large or small systems. When hot water is used in the home, it passes through the heat exchanger into the hot water heater, preheating the water and minimizing the energy used by the regular water heater.

Type 2 drain back design uses a solar hot water heater with a built-in heat exchanger. This one-tank system uses one pump to run the collector loop, and holds the volume for solar storage and for the regular hot water heater. They are used mainly for smaller residential systems.

Type 3 drain back design is used for similar applications, and has a heat exchanger located within a small reservoir tank, making it compatible with gas or electric conventional hot water heaters. A second pump is usually needed to circulate water within the system.

The advantages and disadvantages of each system design vary by application. Depending on your home and the configuration required, one solar hot water system design may offer better results and more energy savings. The experts at Smith Sustainable Design will plan your solar hot water system design using the most appropriate configuration for your home. If you have questions about the drain back options available, please give us a call.

Solar hot water heater systems- the drain back design

While solar hot water heater systems are available in many configurations, there are two types that are commonly used today: pressurized glycol systems and drain back systems. In this article, we’ll take a look at how the drain back design works and its characteristics.

Drain back solar hot water heater systems have been in use for decades. The system uses two temperature sensors: a high temperature sensor on the collectors, and a low temperature sensor on the coolest area of the storage tank. The sensors detect when it’s time to start pumping water through the collectors to absorb heat. Solar power preheats water for use inside the home while a traditional water heater finishes by heating water to the desired temperature. So, the warmer the water in the solar tank is, the less energy must be used by the traditional water heater to finish off the job.

Drain back systems have some distinct characteristics, which can make this design an excellent choice for your 

solar hot water heater system installation.

1. Drain back systems can be used in applications of all sizes, from small homes to large residences, even commercial buildings.

2. Drain back solar hot water heater systems are the most durable. The alternative pressurized glycol systems have a 30% shorter lifespan, because glycols break down over time and their acids eat away at system components.

3. Drain back systems work in any climate. No matter how hot or cold it is where you live, they won’t freeze or boil.

4. Drain back systems have fewer components- this means a drain back solar hot water heater system requires less maintenance and less hassle.

A drain back solar hot water heater system can be configured a few different ways to fit your home and your needs, which we’ll discuss in an upcoming article. If you think a drain back solar hot water heater system may be right for your home, or have questions about solar thermal installation, give the experts at Smith Sustainable Design a call- we’re here to help, anytime.