Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters are the most cost effective use of solar energy. They utilize simple reliable technology to capture the heat of the sun for use in domestic hot water or space heating. Solar domestic hot water will typically save 50% to 70% of a home's water heating expense. Solar hot water systems are also eligible for a PST tax rebate, renovation tax credit, and grant monies through the EcoEnergy program.
How They Work…
- The solar collector captures heat from the sun.
- A heat transfer fluid (food grade propylene glycol) transfers the heat from the solar collector on the roof to the heat exchange module located in your basement.
- The heat exchange module sends the heat into the solar storage tank.
- Now instead of drawing cold water into your conventional hot water tank you are filling it with solar heated water.
Main Components…
- Solar collector: this can be either a flat plate collector or evacuated tubes, depending on what your heating needs are.
- Heat exchange module: the box that contains the pump, heat exchanger, pressure relief valve, and automated system controls.
- Solar storage tank: a standard 60 gallon electric hot water tank, except that it is heated by the sun, not with electricity.
- Conventional tank: whatever type of hot water heater you currently use. This supplies backup heat for times when there isn't enough heat from the sun.
- Heat transfer fluid: food grade propylene glycol and water solution. This solution is non toxic and protects the system down to -40°C.
The Details…
- Lifetime: The standard lifetime of a system is 25 years, however a properly maintained system can easily surpass this.
- Costs: The average four person family would require a two panel system, for which the installed costs starts at $6500. Firm quotes are available: please see our Site Evaluation page.
- Service Requirements: Solar hot water systems require very little maintenance. A glycol pH test every three years should be performed. A service call to do this costs approximately $100.
- Rebates: Commercial systems are eligible for the EcoEnergy for Renewable Heat Program which supplies up to 25% of the installed cost to a maximum of $80,000. Residential systems are eligible for $1250 from the EcoEnergy program, $1250 from Ontario, and a renovation tax credit.
- Installation Time: Typical residential system takes one to two days, with only a few minutes interruption in your hot water supply.
- Warrantee: All of our systems carry a complete two year warrantee on labour. Equipment warrantees vary from supplier to supplier, but they are generally for five years.
- Payment Terms: A 30% deposit is taken at the start of installation, with the balance due within 30 days.
Common Myths…
The Canadian climate is too cold for solar water heating.
False: Solar domestic water heaters have been installed in Canada since the early 1980s. They have performed well and will continue to perform very well in the Canadian climate.
Solar water heaters cost too much.
False: Solar hot water will save the typical four person household approximately $400 per year. At this rate a two panel system will earn you ten percent on your investment for the next 25 years.
These solar systems are a new technology and require lots of maintenance.
False: The technology is 20 to 25 years old, proven, safe, and reliable. The maintenance involves as little as one check every three years to monitor the glycol.