Tips for Installing Your Solar Storage Tank
The solar storage tank is probably the most critical component of any solar hot water system. Thus, it should be protected from rain and prolonged freezing temperatures in case of…
Thoughts on Chinese Solar Tariffs
We have the classical conflict between manufacturers and contractors. Contractors don’t really care where the product comes from. The want the cheapest product so they can sell the most. Manufacturers want good prices for their products so they can stay in business.
In Case You Missed the Last Solar Thermal Webinar…
Thanks to the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received, we will start broadcasting a one-hour solar thermal Q&A webinar on the third Wednesday of every month at noon. So that puts our next episode at April 18th. Please join us!
Determining the Proper Flow Rate for Solar Hot Water Systems
“Dr. Ben, SRCC has used for many years .0294 GPM per square footage of collector to determine proper flow rates. In your many years of experience have you found another formula that works best, especially for drainback systems?”
Comparitive Economics: Heat Pumps vs Solar Thermal
“Hi, Dr Ben! Can you please explain which is a better option: a solar water heater or a heat-pump?”
How To Avoid Over-sizing A Solar Thermal System
Properly sizing a commercial solar hot water system requires a simple understanding of a basic universal principal: the Law of Diminishing Returns. Let me explain. The term “Solar Fraction” is defined as the ratio between the solar energy output of a system over the total energy demand of a building served by that system.
“What’s wrong with using Rubatex to insulate solar thermal system piping?”
You may have heard me say before not to use any type of rubber when insulating the pipes of solar hot water systems. The picture to the right shows why. This rubber insulation was installed on a new A/C unit only some 4 years ago. The unit is in the shadow of a building and is as […]
What Is An “Immersion Vent”?
I had the opportunity to sit down recently with Alan Watts of Renewable Design Associates. To be such a young guy, Alan really seems to have a firm grasp of the basic fundamentals of solar hot water systems.
Inspecting the Solar Hot Water System at The Healing Place!
The solar thermal system at The Healing Place of Wake County is now up and running! So I decided to pay it a visit and see how it’s doing. I was pleased to see a fair amount of solar energy had been collected and stored over the past several days even though the weather had […]
Irregardless Cafe Goes Solar Thermal With Yes!
2012 is off to a shining start for Arthur Gordon, Chef Emeritus and Owner of the Irregardless Cafe here in Raleigh, NC. The Irregardless has joined the growing number of North Carolina businesses and organizations leading the charge for renewable energy. Arthur recently called Energy Specialist Dan Lezama of Yes! Solar Solutions to come out and […]