Types of Systems
Only two types of systems can survive in climates that experience freezing temperatures: (1) closed-loop pressurized, and (2) closed-loop drainback systems.
All of our kits are closed-loop systems. The main components of our closed-loop solar hot water systems are:
(1) Solar collector panel. Usually mounted on your roof, the collector captures the heat from the sun and transfers it to the liquid circulating through the panel.
(2) Solar storage tank. The solar storage tank is where the heat energy captured by the collector panel is stored for later use.
(3) Heat exchanger. The heat exchanger transfers the heat energy captured by the collector panel is transferred to the potable water that is stored in the solar storage tank. In our pressurized system, the heat exchanger is integral to the solar storage tank. In our drainback system, the heat exchanger is in the drainback tank.
(4) Control system. The control system consists of the differential controller and the circulating pump(s). The differential controller compares the temperature difference between the solar storage tank and the collector panel. When the collector panel temperature is 20 degrees higher than the storage tank temperature, the controller turns on the pump(s) and circulates the water through the system until the temperature difference is only a few degrees, then turns the pump off.
Which system is right for you?
Pressurized Systems are best used when you cannot install all of the lines from the collector to the drainback tank with a slope. Pressurized systems are sometimes easier to install in an existing home do to these slope limitations. These systems require an annual fluid check for pH of the glycol solution. This is easily accomplished by the homeowner.
Drainback Systems are easier to install in new homes because you can more easily slope all of the lines to the drainback tank. These systems are virtually maintenance free.
Our suggestion: For most applications the drainback system is the best because there is no maintenance and it's ability to handle overheating situations which can occur with a power outage or pump failure. A word of caution about drainback systems - it must be installled properly with ALL the piping sloped to drain.
Still undecided?
Call us Toll Free 877-862-5050
(8:30 - 4:30 Eastern)
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