July’s Solar Thermal Webinar Recording Is Now Available
You can catch the replay right here!
Monitoring data, proper sensor placement, and flow meter expectations…
June’s Solar Thermal Webinar Recording Is Now Available
You can catch the replay right here!
Double wall heat exchangers, variable speed pumps, proper piping slope, and lots of coughing!
Upgrading the Flow Sensor at Duke University
We went back out to visit our solar hot water system at Duke University this week. One of the major objectives of this trip was to swap out the original 2″ Btu meter with a 1.5″ Btu meter. This is because the larger meter was not as sensitive as the smaller one…
In Case You Missed May’s Solar Thermal Webinar…
You can catch the replay right here!
Galvanic corrosion, solar radiant floors, unglazed collectors, and much more…
Evaluating Solar Hot Water Panels on the Carriage House
We were asked by the Raleigh Housing Authority to visit the Carriage House, an 8-story low-income apartment building with 100 senior residents and a solar hot water system on its roof.
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…
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 […]