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All solar water heaters work in every climate, but different types of heaters work best in different areas, see below:
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Warm Climate
ProgressivTube
• Solar Hot Water Passive
system
• Easy to install and
maintain; no moving
parts
• Uses no electricity; will
function during
blackouts
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Moderate Climate
Helio-Pak
• Active Solar Hot Water,
flat plate type
• Pumps, valves &
controllers assist in
the
prevention of freezing
• Tanks do not need to
be installed
above or
close to collectors
• Uses electricity; will not
function during
blackouts
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Cold Climate
TrendSetter
• Solar Hot Water Active
evacuated tube
• Heavy-duty residential
and commercial
• Additional applications:
Water heating,
Radiant
floor heating, Space
Heats
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Solar Water Heating technologies are a simple, reliable, and cost-effective harnessing the sun's energy to provide for the solar thermal energy needs of homes and businesses. And now the new Energy Policy Act of 2005 allows you receive a federal tax credit worth 30% of the system cost! This is the best time to reap the numerous benefits of solar power!
Compare Solar to Conventional Water Heater
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SOLAR WATER HEATER:
FREE energy from the Sun |
STANDARD WATER HEATER:
COSTLY gas or electric |
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Annual operating cost: $50 |
Annual operating cost: $500+ |
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Storage Capacity: 80-120 gal |
Storage Capacity: 40-50 gal |
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Life expectancy: 15-30 years |
Life expectancy: 8-12 years |
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Lifetime operating cost: $1,000 |
Lifetime operating cost: $10,000 |
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Does NOT pollute environment |
Depletes fossil fuels |
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Increases equity in your home |
No added value to your home |
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25% return on your investment |
No return on utility payments |
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Protection from future increases |
At mercy of utilities/government |
| Hot water during blackouts! |
No hot water during blackouts |
Benefits of Solar Water Heating
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Solar Water Heaters Work In Every Climate |
Today's Solar hot water technologies can be operated efficiently and affordably in any climate. Systems are specifically designed for various climatic and geographical areas of the country.
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Reduce Energy Costs |
By installing a Solar water heating system, a typical household can meet 50 to 80 percent of their hot water needs. In southern climates, a SWH unit can meet nearly 100 percent of a household's hot water needs.
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Proven Efficient Technology |
Currently there are more than 300,000 Solar Water Heater units installed across the United States (excluding swimming pool applications) and because these systems have been proven efficient and reliable, the number of installations continues to grow by the thousands every year.
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Improved Environment |
Reduced demand for fossil fuels will improve the environment by reducing air and water pollution as well as the heat-trapping gases that cause global warming. And though they cost a little bit more up front to install, a carbon free Solar Water Heating system will save consumers money in the long run as the fuel source (the sun's energy) will always be free.
Types of Solar Water Heaters
There are two basic types of Solar Water Heaters: Passive Solar Water Heaters & Active Solar Water Heaters. Active systems utilize a circulating pump and some type of temperature control. Passive systems do not have any moving parts and rely on the basic principle of physics - that hot water rises & cold water falls.
Active systems all function basically the same; however, there are different configurations depending on your climate zone. Passive systems come in two basic types: Thermosyphon & Batch. Each system has its distinct advantages.
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Commercial Solar Hot Water Applications |
▪ Condominium, hotel, nursing
home
▪ Resort, marina, sports complex
▪ University, research facility
▪ Park and recreational site,
summer camp
▪ Factory and Industrial site
▪ Farm and agricultural site
▪ Remote and off grid location
The ProgressivTube Passive Solar Water Heater outperforms other systems; EVEN IN COLDER CLIMATES! See Why
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