|
| |
Solar Hot Water FAQ
Will my roof be able to handle the weight?
- A properly build roof has been built to handle the dead
weight of several feet of snow. The panels are much smaller and lighter than
that.
How much space on my roof do I need?
- A single panel takes up space similar to the top of a
banquet table (4x8 feet) and is generally mounted at the same angle as the
roof. It may be mounted on a rack at an angle different from the roof to
enhance the amount of heat collected.
How do I calculate what my payback will be?
- Here is a link to calculating your cost to heat hot water
based on a number of variables: (like electric or gas heater, temperature
setting, number of people using it.)
https://ewb.bchydro.com/appcalc/pg1.asp?id=0
- You should expect to save 40-50% of the hot water portion
of your bill with a solar hot water system.
- To calculate your environmental payback, here is a link to
a site with a calculator that includes CO2 reduction calculations as well
http://www.enerworks.com/flash/solar_calculator.swf
What goes inside the house /
how does this system work?
- A very large hot water tank gets put next to your
existing hot water tank (or a short distance away). It holds the water
that gets heated by your panels. This water is not directly used. The
potable water gets piped in through a heat exchanger installed inside this
tank, en route to the conventional hot water tank preheating it's intake
water. The conventional tank makes up the heat difference if required and
functions normally. There is also piping that runs up to the panels on the
roof and a sensor to determine when it is advantageous to pump waters
through the panels. When there is no heat to be gained, the water drains
back to the storage tank, and there is none in the panels, preventing
freezing.
|
|
What do they look like/cost?
|
 |
| What about Radiant Heat?
Could we do that too?
|
 |
|
