Solar Hot Water Heaters

Solar Lights & More offers two types of custom Solar Hot Water Systems designed specifically for your home and your hot water needs. These are the Active and Passive systems. Here's how they work:

Heating water is one of the largest sources of energy consumption in a household. Using solar energy to provide that heat is smarter than ever. Unlike traditional fuels, the cost of solar energy never goes up – it's free ! It generates no pollution. It doesn't need to be refined or shipped. And it's a proven technology that is dramatically reducing America's utility bills.

Active solar water heater. In an “active” system, sunlight heats the roof collector which activates a pump and controller. The pump moves cool water from the bottom of the water tank to the collector for sunwarming. The heated water circulates from the collector to the tank. When water in the tank is warmer than the collector water, the controller switches off the pump.	Passive solar water heater. An Integral Collector Storage “passive” system (ICS) combines a storage tank and collector in one unit. Sunlight heats water in the ICS throughout the day. When hot water is used in the home, it is delivered directly from the storage tank then replaced by solar heated water from the ICS. This system requires no pumps or controls for operation.

Active & Passive systems.
In both active and passive solar systems, a gas or electric water heater provides backup during periods of prolonged cloudy weather or excessive demand. This assures a seamless supply of household hot water.

Florida Solar Energy Research & Education Foundation, the Florida Home Builders Association and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Energy Office.

How it Works | Warranty | Advantages | Options | Tax Incentives

The FAFCO Solar Water Heater

How It Works

Revolution by FAFCO solar hot water systems have been specifically designed to work in conjunction with your current electric or natural gas heater for years of trouble-free operation.

The Revolution system features lightweight, ultraviolet-resistant polymer solar collectors. A heat transfer solution is channeled through the collectors where it absorbs heat from the sun.

The integrated circulation module automatically runs when there is enough solar energy to heat your water. It pumps two separate, closed loops, one to the solar collectors and one to your hot water tank. Heat is transferred between the two loops without the heat transfer solution ever contacting your household water.

Much of the electricity or gas normally used to produce hot water has been replaced by the sun's energy. Hot water is now available for all your household needs including clothes washing, dish washing and bathing.

FAFCO'S Revolution System offers an optional kit that enables the system to operate soley with power generated from a photovoltaic (PV) panel. Using this option, the photovoltaic solar panel provides the electricity required for service even during a power outage.

Gas water heaters require an additional storage tank. A second tank is optional with electric water heaters. The additional capacity supplied with a second storage tank is a welcome addition for large families where hot water usage is high.

Additionally, the heat transfer solution circulated through the solar collectors protects the system against freezing, eliminating the need to drain the collectors when the system is not operating.

Why Revolution by FAFCO

As the oldest solar thermal company in the United States, with a 40 year history of innovation, FAFCO is the pioneering leader in solar water heating. And with over 1.7 million durable polymer solar panels installed worldwide, the systems have proven themselves time and time again. FAFCO is an Energy Star partner, offering solar hot water solutions with proven efficiency and affordability.

Warranty

What is covered by the warranty?

The FAFCO warranty provides 10 years peace of mind on the solar panels and a 1-year warranty on system parts. For detailed warranty information contact Solar Lights & More.

What is the expected life of the system?

FAFCO is the oldest and largest solar thermal panel manufacturer in the country. With 1,700,000 panels installed in the field, we have seen that most panels last at least 20 years.

System Advantages

Enhanced performance — The 500 Series' advanced design delivers an average of 10% additional water heating performance.

Built-in freeze protection — Freeze resistant heat transfer solution eliminates the need to drain the solar collectors when the system is not operating.

Optional Photovoltaic (PV) solar panel power — enables the system to operate solely with power generated from the PV panel, providing the electricity required for service even during a power outage.

Streamlined system design — Compact system design, including integrated pumps, heat exchanger and solar controller provides maximum installation flexibility.

Product Options

Depending on your needs and the selected configuration, a FAFCO installation may be as quick as a half day.

A dual-tank configuration is required for installations with a gas water heater. One of the tanks is used to hold just the water heated by the solar collectors. The dual tank option is the most popular configuration and is desirable for large families or homes where additional hot water capacity is required.

Note: Base configuration is shown. Number of solar collectors may increase depending on your system requirements.

Tax Incentives

The federal government encourages Americans to invest in free, renewable solar energy. FAFCO solar hot water systems installed before the end of 2016 are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT). Other state, municipal or utility incentives may be available to you as well. Find out what incentives apply in your area.

FAFCO solar water heating works with your existing heating system and provides up to 50% of your household hot water—even more in some applications—thereby dramatically reducing water heating costs.

Features & Warranty | How It Works | Specifications | Standards | Tax Incentives

The Guardian Active Solar Water Heater

Features & Warranty
Guardian uses AE-Series Solar Collectors manufactured by Alternate Energy Technologies (AET). Here are some of the outstanding features of the AE Series Line:

All AE- Series Collectors Feature:

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Wind load tested to 195 MPH Crystal Clear ™ selective coatings Extruded aluminum frame and battens Thermax™ polyisocyanurate foam insulation Aircraft aluminum pin grip rivets 30+ year design life 10 year warranty Proudly made in the U.S.A. Thermafin™ absorber plates Quick-lock mounting hardware

Alternate Energy Technologoes - www.aetsolar.com

How it Works:

Intelligent automation is the key to GUARDIAN’S outstanding efficiency. Designed to be self-sufficient, GUARDIAN will turn on and off daily, collecting heat whenever it is available. GUARDIAN’S ‘brain’ is an automatic controller, which alerts the pumps when to run. The units’ solar circulation pump distributes cold water from the bottom of the heat exchange reservoir through the solar collector(s), and returns the heated water to the exchange reservoir. Simultaneously, cold water is pumped from the bottom of the solar storage tank up to the heat exchange reservoir. This water collects its heat from the upper tank and returns back to the bottom storage tank hot and ready for use. The cycle continues as long as the sun is available to provide heat to your water. When there is no solar heat available, the controller turns the pumps off.  Any water circulating through the collector drains back into the exchange reservoir, which protects the collectors from freezing during the winter months. If your family ever needs more hot water than the sun can provide, or in long periods of inclement weather, GUARDIAN’S back-up heating element automatically takes over, insuring that you will always have all the hot water you need. Tax Credit 2011 Back to Top
Specifications AE-Series Collectors with exclusive - selective "Crystal Clear" inside Design Life: 30 Years Warranty: 10 Years Working Pressure: 165 PSI Flow Rate: 0.5 to 1.8 GPM 9recommended)
Glazing: Low-Iron tempered glass, exclusively using our "High-T" tempered glass, with a total sloar energy transmission of 90% Collector Frame and Battens: Type 6063-T6 extruded aluminum frame and battens with electrostais bronze plate finish that facilitates long life and strength. Insulation: Polyisocyanuraye foam board insulation. Foil-faced, glass fiber-reinforced, rigid board Thermax sheathing (1-1/4" in the bed / 3/4" in the sidewalls). Mounting Hardware: The variable "quick Lock" mounting hardware reduces mounting time and makes it simple for anyone to install. The Quick Lock system allows the highest flexibility in mounting and is tested to wind load conditions of 195 mpg. Mounting possibilitiesinclude: Piched roof, Flat roof, Ground, Balcony, and facade mounting. Back to Top Absorber Plate: Manufactured by Thermafin™ Mfg., a 100% copper absorber plate, the fin and the riser tube are moleclarly forge welding. Absorber Coating: Exclusively by Thermafin™ Mfg. a selective "Crystal Clear" Coating . a=0.96 , = 0.08 Gasket Grommets: AUV durable EPDM, U-channel gasket with molded corners which prohibits water penetration and assures long life. Extruded Silicone Grommet with 1-1/8" Bore. Corner Beacket: Architectural aluminum angles Inside with aircraft-grade pin grip rivets to ensure high stability. Fasteners: 5056 Aluminum rivets secure the backsheet. Batten screws are 18-8 SS, 10-24 x 3/8" , hex head screws, and black oxide coated. Backsheet: Type 3105-H14, 0.019" stucco embossed aluminum sheet (bronze) pop-riveted to aluminum frame. Back to Top Standards Code Approvals - AE- Series Collectors have been designed and constructed to meet major applicable nationwide codes, including the following: Solar Rating and Certification Corporation SRCC Standard 100 - Test Methods and Minimun Standards for Certifying Solar Collectors ( ASHRAE Std 93-1986 ) Florida Solar Energy Center - Test Methods and Minimum Standards for Solar Collectors ( ASHRAE Std 93-1986 ) Miami Testing Laboratory - Wind Load Test ( ASTM E 3300 ) Certification No. 94-1028.01 International Association of Plumbing Mechanical Official (IAPMO) Uniform Solar Energy Code (USEC) File No, S-5038 International Testing Bodycote Materials Testing Canada Inc. Report No. 02-08-0513 TÜV Bayern Sachen e. V. (DIN 4757) Report No. 28600399 Bundesforschungs - und Prüfzentrum Arsenal ÕNORM M 7714 - Order No. M 4 015 Back to Top

The ProgressivTube Passive Solar Water Heater

The ProgressivTube passive solar water heater is a self-contained, single unit system that integrates the solar collector and storage tank. In most applications, it functions as a pre-heater to an instantaneous or conventional water heater. The many benefits include:

Lower utility cost today, and no future cost increases

Providing additional hot water storage capacity for your home or business

A Green, clean, environmentally friendly energy source

Very low to no operating maintenance expense

Maintains regular hot water supply during electric utility outages

Requires only local water pressure

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Features Include:

A "Passive" solar water heater that requires no mechanical or electronic components to operate.

Fully rated & certified

Durable design while assuring trouble-free maintenance with maximum savings

It extends life of backup water heating element

Instant payback on investment

A technology that every homeowner can use to save money on energy bills.

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How It Works

The all copper collector storage tank absorbs solar radiation through its selective surface coating by raising the temperature of the water stored in the collector. It is well insulated with closed cell foam and double-glazed for increased heat retention.

The 4" diameter copper tubes are welded into a series flow pattern so that the top of the lower tube feeds the bottom of the next tube. This allows the collector to contain the colder replacement water in the lower tubes where it is heated by the sun as it flows from one tube to the next.

Each time hot water is used, the innovative design eliminates the cooling down of the remaining heated water that normally occurs in other types of solar water heating systems.

Not only does this design ensure the delivery of the hottest water, but it also provides more hot water at a higher temperature and with a faster recovery time than solar systems of similar capacity.

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Water Heater Specifications

Glazing Gaskets: A continuous gasket made of special long life EPDM synthetic rubber is compressed by the glazing caps to seal out the weather. The inner glazing spline is made of high-temperature tolerant EPDM.

Glazing: Outer glazing is tempered low-iron solar glass with 91%transmittance. Inner glazing is Teflon film, known for its high temperature tolerance (525 degrees Fahrenheit) and its long term durability and stability, transmittance 96%. The 3/4" air space between glazings reduces heat loss.

Fluid Connections: Inlet and outlet connections are made of nominal 3/4" diameter Type "L" hard copper pipes. This allows for fast, leak free sweat fitting plumbing connections.

Case: The baked on bronze acrylic finish of the hard temper, T6,extruded aluminum framewall and glazing caps, alloy 6061, assures years of attractive rust-free appearance. All rivets and bolts are aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum back sheet .025".

Insulation: Rigid closed cell polyisocyanurate foam board, the most efficient insulation available, is used to maximize heat retention. Sides and ends of the unit have 1.5" board, R-value 10; bottom has 2" board, R-value 14; between tank tubes has 1.5" board, R-value 10.

Absorber/storage tank: Constructed entirely of copper, the 4" diameter tubes are welded to the interconnecting pipes to form a series flow pattern. The tank is pressured rated to 300psi and is coated with a high-temperature "selective" solar radiation absorption surface that maximizes heat gain and reduces heat loss.

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Water Heater Standards

The ProgressivTube and its mounting systems have successfully passed static wind load testing to 180 m.p.h. All ProgressivTube models and/or systems meet the following standards:

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Water Heater Warranty

Limited 10-year Consumer Warranty
Thermal Conversion Technology
101 Copeland Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204

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