Solar thermal versus electric pool heating

Heating a pool can be costly. Solar thermal systems and electric heat pump systems are cheaper than operating a gas powered pool heater, but which is the better choice? Let’s compare the two so you can see the advantages of each side by side.

Solar thermal pool heaters

Solar thermal pool heaters work by collecting the sun’s energy and using it to warm the water circulating in your pool. Just like the water in your hose heats up being left in the sun all day, the sun heats up the water pumping through the solar collectors. Pool temperatures aren’t as hot as the hot water you need inside your home, so lower cost materials can be used to create the system.

Advantages:

• Solar thermal pool heaters are definitely the cheapest option as far as operational costs are concerned.
• These systems are fueled by the sun’s energy, which happens to be free!
• Solar thermal pool heaters are green and environmentally friendly, as they use naturally occurring energy.

Disadvantages:

• You can’t use a solar thermal pool heater to heat on demand if weather conditions aren’t right, which could limit the use of your pool for some people.
• A solar thermal pool heater can’t heat up the pool as quickly as electric pool heaters.
• A large collector area may be needed, depending on the size of your pool. No big deal, but may be aesthetically displeasing to some.

Electric heat pump pool heaters

Just like a heat pump used to heat and cool a home, an electric pool heat pump removes heat from the outside air and transfers it to heat the pool water.

Advantages:

• Electric heat pump pool heaters can be used even on cloudy days, as they don’t rely on the sun’s energy.
• These systems can absorb the proper amount of heat needed to warm pool water even when outdoor temperatures aren’t very warm. Sufficient heat can be absorbed when outdoor temperatures are as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Electric heat pump pool heaters offer fast recovery times than solar thermal pool heaters, making them a better option for swimming during colder outdoor temperatures.

Disadvantages:

• Electric heat pump pool heaters require utility energy to operate, and are not as environmentally friendly as solar thermal pool heaters.
• When using an electric heat pump pool heater, you are subjected to fluctuating energy prices as well as utility grid down time.

Selecting a solar thermal system

When it comes to selecting a solar thermal system, there are a few options available to homeowners. Homeowners must decide the style of solar thermal system that will be best for their needs. Selecting a contractor to install your system is another element which is important. Let’s take a look at the basic information you’ll need to know.

Types of solar thermal systems

The two types of solar thermal systems are active systems and passive systems. An active solar thermal system is made up of circulating pumps which use controls. In a passive system, there are less working parts but cannot be used where freezing temperatures my occur. Most solar thermal systems use storage tanks which hold the heated water. Collection systems may use one or two insulated tanks.

When used in residential applications, two types of active system collectors can be chosen. Flat Plate solar collectors are made up of dark absorber plates housed in well-insulated boxes, covered by plastic or glass. Evacuated Tube solar collectors are made up of copper vacuum pipes that transfers the heat from within the evacuated tubes up to the manifold, and the heated water is circulated to the buffer water tank.

Selecting a solar thermal contractor

When it’s time to select a contractor, there are a few key questions which you need to ask in order to determine a good fit.

1. Ask the contractor to help you determine your savings from using a solar thermal system.
2. Ask where the solar thermal collectors should be placed to achieve the maximum efficiency.
3. Ask the contractor for their recommendation as to which size and type of solar thermal system is appropriate for your application.
4. Ask how efficient the recommended system is compared to other options.
5. Ask the contractor what permits are required in your area.

If you have questions about the different types of solar thermal systems available, or how to choose a contractor, call Smith Sustainable Design.

Why use a solar hot water heater system?

Why use a solar hot water heater system instead of a conventional hot water heater system? Using the sun’s energy is easier than you think. Solar hot water heater systems are an efficient and affordable way to harness this free, natural energy.

Solar hot water heater systems use the sun’s energy to heat water, versus gas or electric power. If your demand is high, you may also want to have a conventional backup on-hand for cloudy days. A good southern exposure on your home’s roof is the perfect spot for placement of the solar thermal collectors. You’ll also need an insulated collector tank to store the water your solar heat panels will heat.

So why use a solar hot water heater system? The strongest tipping point for most homeowners is the potential energy savings which can be achieved through their use. If you come from using a conventional system which uses higher priced fuel, you stand to save more than you would if your old system was using cheaper fuel- savings will vary from household to household. Plus with solar hot water heaters, you won’t be subjected to rising fuel rates!

Most homeowners achieve an energy savings of 50 to 80 percent with a solar hot water heater system. With the lower cost of installation compared to solar power systems, the costs can be recouped in a short number of years. After your system has paid for itself, you’ll essentially be heating water for free when using your solar hot water heater system.

Choosing the right contractor to install your solar hot water heater system can definitely impact your savings. You want to team up with a contractor who knows what they are doing and can ensure proper installation with effective operation. Call Smith Sustainable Design today to discover more about solar hot water heater systems and how one can save you money.

Hybrid hot water systems from Rheem

There are many hot water heater systems available on the market. Many reputable manufacturers have created excellent products which help homeowners achieve great energy savings for water heating. Rheem, a notable manufacturer of heating, cooling, and water heating equipment, has introduced a new hybrid hot water heater, which offers significant savings for homeowners.

Rheem’s Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater can save homeowners up to $329.00 per year. It has the highest energy efficiency in its class, with an Energy Factor (EF) of 2.45. This model is also ENERGY STAR qualified, which can earn you additional savings through rebate programs which may be available in your area. All in all, it is estimated to cost less than $16 dollars a month to operate.

Like a heat pump used to heat and cool spaces in your home, the Rheem Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater uses the same technology. The unit extracts heat from the air around it to heat the water within. It does not store hot water like a traditional electric or gas tank hot water heater. This method is far more efficient.

Plus, this model offers the added benefit of dehumidifying the space around it. Since it pulls heat from the air to warm the water, the air receives a cooling effect. Great installation locations which can really benefit from this feature are garages and basements.

The Rheem Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater is also easy to use. It features a full-color backlit touchscreen which controls the functions of the unit. It has a vacation mode to save money when you are away from home. The water heater provides diagnostic information for technicians and service alerts to help homeowners keep their systems functioning properly.

For more information about the Rheem Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater, call Smith Sustainable Design today.

Installing a solar hot water heater system

When installing a solar hot water heater system in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, there are many factors which should be considered. To determine if this choice is best for your home, you’ll want to learn about the advantages and if you are a good candidate. For peace of mind, Smith Sustainable Design has included this information below. We can also provide further assistance in determining if a solar hot water heater system is right for you- just give us a call.

Solar hot water heater systems reduce a home’s reliance on other domestic hot water heating systems such as an electric water heater or a boiler. With a solar hot water system installed, solar thermal energy is free to collect and use- unlike electricity, natural gas, or oil. Solar hot water heater systems allow you to produce most, if not all, of the hot water your home needs, reducing energy costs drastically.

Solar hot water heater systems are an environmentally friendly choice for providing the hot water your home needs. Without the use of fossil fuels, your solar thermal system will help your household cut back on carbon dioxide emissions. Fossil fuels are commonly used to produce electricity; so even if you have an electric water heater, your home is still contributing excess carbon dioxide emissions indirectly. Anytime you can use the solar hot water heater system, you will be benefiting the environment.

So, is your household a good candidate for a solar hot water heater system? Households with the following qualities are likely to benefit greatly from installing one:

• Homes which are occupied all year long (a primary residence, not a vacation home)
• Homes which are currently not heating water efficiently (using older, inefficient equipment)
• Homes with higher hot water demands (households of four or more people, or multifamily homes)

If you think you’re a good candidate for solar hot water heater system installation, or for help determining whether you are or not, contact us. We’ll review your household’s characteristics and your current water heating systems to see if solar hot water would benefit you.

Evacuated tube panels versus flat plate solar heat panels

When installing a solar heat system, there are two types of solar heat panels which can be used: evacuated tube panels and flat plate panels. Evacuated tube solar heat panels are a newer technology which is utilized in many new installations today. Does newer technology always mean better? Below, we will discuss evacuated tube solar heat panels so you can decide for yourself.

Evacuated tube solar heat panels:

• Collect sunlight better due to their greater exposed surface area
• Transfer heat more efficiently than flat plate solar heat panels
• Are able to be used for applications where temperatures fall below 0 degrees
• Perform well even in less-than-ideal weather conditions
• Take up less space

In general, evacuated tube solar heat panels are more efficient than flat plate collectors. Evacuated tube panel technology is newer, so the price of components is higher than with flat plate panels. While they cost more initially, they are very durable and replacing broken tubes can be done easily and affordably. Repairs for flat plate panels can be more expensive if needed.

When determining which type of solar heat panel is right for an application, we have to consider the temperature of water in the storage tank as well as the outdoor temperature. Flat plate collectors are more efficient than evacuated tube solar heat panels when there isn’t much temperature variance. On the other hand, evacuated tube solar heat panels offer increased efficiency when the temperature variances increase, making them ideal for use in colder temperatures.

Though evacuated tube solar heat panels are becoming the preferred choice, there are many applications where flat plate solar heat panels are still the best choice, including:

• Housing and dormitories, such as for colleges, the military, correctional facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes
• Cafeterias
• Car Washes
• Laundries

Smith Sustainable Design will determine which panel type is right for your application, and answer any questions you may have about the equipment we recommend. Call us today to schedule your consultation.

Solar hot water systems versus electric hot water systems

When it is time to install a new hot water heater, many homeowners start doing their research and comparing different systems. One system you may be overlooking in your search is a solar hot water system. This can be a costly mistake, as solar hot water systems have many advantages over their traditional electric competitors. Not convinced? See for yourself:

Electric hot water systems are a major consumer of energy within a household. Many times, these systems aren’t tied into an off peak power program like heating and cooling may be, so you’re likely paying full price for power whenever you need hot water. With solar hot water systems, most if not all of your hot water is produced using solar energy, so your household electricity bills are much lower.

Think you can only use a solar hot water system on a sunny day? Think again. Evacuated tube systems are very effective and work well even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Your solar hot water system can be used when it’s cloudy, raining, or snowing! Yes, an electric system won’t normally be affected by inclement weather (unless of course there is a power outage), but with these systems, you’re still using utility power anytime you need hot water.

Still worried about the weather affecting your hot water supply? There is really no need because solar hot water systems do have electric backup systems which will produce hot water for your home during periods where solar energy collection is minimal. These backup systems aren’t utilized very often, so utility energy use is still minimized with a solar hot water system.

If you’re not sure about whether you should ditch electric and switch to a solar hot water system, feel free to give us a call. Smith Sustainable Design can help you compare the benefits and discover the savings that solar hot water can offer your household.