Solar-Powered Water Heaters in Seattle, WA
If you need a way to heat your home’s water supply while doing your part to protect the environment, Puget Sound Plumbing and Heating can help. We provide solar-powered water heaters to customers in Seattle, WA, and the surrounding area. Our family-owned and.operated business has been on the leading edge of innovation for more than 20 years. Among the state-of-the-art products, we offer our clients are water heaters that harness the sun’s energy. Our friendly customer service team would be happy to explain how these units work, the different types of solar-powered water heaters we offer, and all of their benefits. Call us today.
Solar water heater systems use the sun to generate warm water for the entire home. They utilize collectors on the roof to capture the sun’s energy and storage tanks to maintain a supply of hot water for cooking, cleaning, and various other chores. Solar energy can significantly reduce or even eliminate your water heating bill. It can be used as a complete system or as a supplement for your regular water heater.
Types of Solar-Powered Water Heaters
There are several different types of solar-powered water heaters. Puget Sound Plumbing and Heating will help you determine which one best suits your needs. They all utilize storage tanks and solar collectors, but some have circulating pumps and controls. Types of solar-powered water heaters include:
Active Solar Water Heating Systems
Active solar water heating systems use circulating pumps and controls to ensure your home has warm water year-round. Styles include:
- Direct Circulation Systems – These water heaters use pumps to circulate water through solar collectors and into the home.
- Indirect Circulation Systems – Indirect systems work best in areas that are prone to freezing temperatures. They use pumps that circulate non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid through solar collectors and a heat exchanger, which heats the water that flows into the home.
Passive Solar Water Heating Systems
Passive systems are typically less expensive than their counterparts but are not quite as efficient. However, they tend to last longer. Styles include:
- Integral Collector-Storage Passive Systems – These systems comprise large, black storage tanks. Sunlight heats the water directly before it flows into your home.
- Passive Thermosyphon Systems – Thermosyphon systems heat small batches of water using metal flat plate collectors. They typically contain 40 gallons of water.
Benefits of Solar Water Heaters
If you want to do your part to protect the environment, you should consider a solar-powered water heater for your Seattle area home. You can experience all the benefits of a traditional water heater along with the peace of mind knowing you are helping save the planet. Among the benefits of solar water heaters are:
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Energy savings
- Improved air quality
- Enhanced water quality
- Increased home value
We Offer Professional Installation Services
Puget Sound Plumbing and Heating has extensive experience installing solar-powered water heaters for homeowners throughout the region. We will schedule a consultation when it is convenient for you to determine the best location for your system and to make suggestions regarding size and style. After devising a plan, we will return for a quick, efficient installation process. We use state-of-the-art equipment and tools to guarantee optimal system operation and long-lasting hot water for your household.
Whenever you need repairs or maintenance for your solar-powered water heater, you can rely on the experts at Puget Sound Plumbing and Heating. We are committed to providing high-quality services at affordable regardless of the scope of your project. We understand solar-powered water heaters are significant investments, and we want to help you protect them. During annual maintenance visits, we can identify and correct any minor issues before they become significant issues. But if something goes wrong during the year and you need immediate help, call us for prompt repair services.
Benefits of Commercial Solar
Most efficient solar heating systems on the market are backed by the most comprehensive warranties.
We make sure your design is appropriate to meet or exceed your goals and that your project is the most cost effective solution possible. Using well-trained installers to get the job done right the first time, AET’s commercial lines of products are available in either glycol or drainback designs. AET’s commercial systems offer the right solution for any project, large or small.
Solar Heating System
The solar water heaters are also known in the field of solar hot water systems, are cost-effective options to provide heat to your home. They are accessible in any climate, and they don’t burn any fuel.
Storage tanks and solar collectors are two different types of solar water heating systems. There are two types: active and passive system for solar heating. Active systems do not have any control and circulators.
Solar collectors and storage tanks
Solar heating systems heat the water before it is heated in two-tank systems. The solar storage unit is integrated with the back-up heater in a single tank for one-tank systems.
Solar Hot Water System Installation
Understanding the requirements and installation process is key to understanding the way solar hot water functions within your home. It is important to engage an expert installer to make sure the solar hot water systems are correctly installed.
Six steps to installing solar hot water
- Put solar solar collectors up on your rooftop for the majority of solar water heaters, the first thing to do is put the solar collectors on the roof. The solar hot water collection systems look similar to photovoltaic panels and also lie flat on the roof. To properly mount the collectors your installer may have remove some roofing shingles to expose the tar paper flat that protects the roof deck as well as the shingles. Once you have found or created a suitable surface, the collectors can be moved to the desired location and then screwed onto the roof deck and the underlying roof rafters.
- Install heat exchangers and storage tanks Your collectors will require a storage tank to store their heated liquid for antifreeze transfer. The main element of a solar hot water system is the storage tank and heat exchanger. They are typically located in a basement, or in a utility closet. There they can be accessed via antifreeze tubing or water lines. This is the replacement process for gas-powered water heater. Depending on the size of your house and the amount of water you use it is possible to install as many tanks for storage as you require. This is also when you’ll require an additional tank that could run on electricity, or gas in case you run out of hot water.
- Install piping systems that transfer fluid – Your installer will run flexible pipe from your roof up to your new tank or tanks to connect your heat exchangers and collectors. Antifreeze liquid flows from another pipe, to collectors and back to the heat exchanger unit. A second line is connected at the end of the heat exchanger to allow fluid to be circulated. Further pipes will be needed to connect the collectors. A roof access point is needed to install these antifreeze pipes. This usually means drilling two holes into the deck: one to accommodate the antifreeze pipes and the other for return pipes. These holes do not have to be bigger than the pipe diameter and are easily covered with insulation or replacement shingles once the installation is completed.
- Install water transport pipes Just like antifreeze fluids, water has to circulate by your solar hot water systems. Copper piping is utilized to transport water lines from the storage tank and your home. It is likely that your house already has the distribution lines for water. Your installer will only need to disconnect your hot water heater and hook it up to the storage tank and backup system.
Important side note: You’ll need to take into consideration the backup hot water infrastructure. A proper wiring system is needed in the event that your backup water heater is electric. A gas line needs to be connected in the back tank if you intend to make use of gas to backup your solar hot water.
- Install control systems. Two temperature sensors must be wired and installed on the hot-water line. One sensor should connect to your collectors and one to your storage tank’s base. These sensors are attached to the control central that will guide you on when antifreeze fluid needs to be circulated. If the temperature of the collectors is lower than what the water tank’s temperature is, it is not required to circulate the fluid. In fact, this will cool your water.Also the central control system has to be connected to your power supply of your home. The device acts as the heart of the solar hot water heating system, and will allow you to run antifreeze by using the data it receives.
- Insulate the system. After everything is installed Insulate all parts in any solar hot-water system. The installer will wrap all connections and plug openings in the roofing. It is crucial to correctly protect your system.
Although no two solar water heating systems are identical, these are the steps that most contractors adhere to when installing them.
The six steps listed below are designed to provide a general overview of the process of installing solar hot water systems.
They do not reflect the exact route taken by each installer. This guide will outline the steps to set up an active or indirect solar hot water heating system. The majority of installations located in the United States are indirect, active systems, although not all.
Warranty for solar hot water
Solar hot water components have warranties, just like solar photovoltaic units. Before installing an solar hot-water system be sure you are aware of the terms of the warranty. The warranty on better quality solar hot water systems generally matches the price. While most warranties provide repairs or replacements for defective parts, it’s crucial to double-check with your installer as well as the manufacturer to confirm what they are and what they cover.
Solar hot water system is a hot water system that heats water by harnessing the power of the sun. In the event that there isn’t enough sunlight to fully heat the water to a complete degree in the event of a power outage, an electric booster will be activated. Solar hot water does not generate electricity and only heat water.
It is vital to know that solar hot-water manufacturers usually sell to local installers. These installers will often receive support, training and direction directly from the solar industry’s manufacturer.
This can be anyone from local companies who also work in conjunction with solar hot water installations to dedicated solar hot water firms. It could also be plumbers or electricians in some situations.
Barnes Solar is one of the most reputable solar heating systems manufacturers worldwide. We offer the most efficient flat plate solar collectors as well as solar thermal collectors along with flat plate collectors for residential and commercial customers.
Barnes Solar has long been a market leader for solar thermal collectors and solar thermal collector components. Barnes Solar products are made to the highest standards and are designed with the toughest conditions and environmental elements in mind.
Barnes Solar is the leading company of the company’s solar heating solutions designed for residential and commercial use. They are well-known for their lasting endurance, superior performance and stylish design.
Barnes Solar is a worldwide leader in the field of renewable energy technology. It has more United nations security council alternatives than the other companies.
While all solar thermal collectors are highly efficacious, only a few collector is the best for the task. Barnes Solar produces two of the most efficient solar thermal collectors that have different applications of renewable energy technology.
While one of the best collectors is sought-after but it is also prone to overheating and stagnation that could cause system damage. It is important to select a solar thermal systems collector with the highest efficiency for your needs.
Numerous manufacturers offer complete systems and individual parts for solar hot-water systems. There is no one dominant manufacturer of solar hot water.
In addition, there are numerous solar hot water companies which produce high-quality products and develop innovative technology. The solar hot water system is affordable and alternative energy that America can benefit from.
Barnes Solar is trusted by mechanical contractors, engineers and property owners all over all over the world. Barnes Solar has the capability to resolve any water heating problem regardless of industry, the fuel source, or the application.
Barnes Solar has installations in more than 30 countries. It is a major player in the solar hot water manufacturing industry. Barnes Solar offers both flat plate and evacuated tube collectors and sells the entire solar hot-water system.
We offer and manufacture entire solar hot water heating systems. They utilize Flat plate solar collectors and are available in indirect and direct configurations. Apart from solar hot, Barnes Solar supplies entire solar pool heating systems.
You will save money with less use of energy at work. You can achieve the best performance and the lowest maintenance when you choose the best solution for the solar heat project.
We make sure that your design is in line with or exceeds your expectations, and that the project is affordable. AET (Alternate Energy Technologies)’s commercial products are installed by highly-trained experts.
These are also available as drain back and glycol models. Commercial systems from AET are the best solution for any job, no matter how big or small.
To learn more about our system, click here to interact live with an Barnes Solar thermal installation.
We will keep in touch until you are completely satisfied. To request a quote, or questions about solar hot water controllers, please contact us. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Solar Hot Water
Please note: Efficiency Maine is not currently offering rebates for solar projects. Click here for a registry of independent solar installers.
Solar water heating systems include solar collectors and hot water storage tanks. In most installations, an antifreeze solution is circulated through solar collectors to extract heat, which is delivered to the storage tank. A solar hot water system that can meet a household’s water needs during summer months may need to be supplemented with a conventional backup system for periods of limited sunlight or high usage.
Courtesy the Department of Energy.
Panels are most effective when they are installed facing south with full sun exposure. Consult a NABCEP certified solar professional listed on our vendor locator tool to find out more about what kind of system would meet your domestic hot water needs.
Advantages
Homeowners interested in finding out more about solar hot water systems should contact local certified installers and visit the Department of Energy’s guide to solar water heaters.
Solar water heating for swimming pools
In order to maintain swimming pool temperatures during different seasons, homeowners and businesses may want to invest in solar water heating systems. Conventional natural gas and electric heaters are available for heating swimming pools, but they can be costly and inefficient. By comparison, SWH systems for swimming pools are cost competitive, primarily because the fuel source is free and the operating costs are low. A typical solar pool heating system can range from 5000,000 to 4,000, depending on variable factors such as ease of installation, state codes and safety requirements, and access to financing. The investment, however, is well worth the effort as a SWH system for a pool can pay for itself in just 2 to 4 years when you account for the energy bill savings. Solar pool heating systems are also highly reliable and generally maintenance free.
Solar heating systems are available for both in-ground and aboveground pools. They are effective because swimming pools require a low temperature heat source, which a relatively small solar collector can easily provide. Most SWH systems for pools include a solar collector, filter, pump, and flow control valve. Pool water is first pumped through the filter. Then it flows through the solar collector where it is heated before returning to the pool. Some systems offer manual automatic sensor valves that can send water through the collector when the collector temperature is greater than the pool temperature, or bypass the collector when its temperature is similar to the pool water. In particularly hot climates, passing pool water through the solar collectors during the evening hours can serve as a cooling mechanism.
Utility and policy support for solar water heating systems
Some electric utility companies have recognized the generation-offset capability of SWH and have designed programs to increase demand for their installation. For example, from 1996 to 2004 the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) saw more than 25,000 SWH systems installed within its customer base. These systems reduced the utility’s demand by a total of 12.7 megawatts—enough electricity to power approximately 18,000 typical US homes.
However the potential for SWH usage is not limited to temperate climates like Hawaii. In Oregon, SWH systems qualify for tax credits and local utilities are providing zero interest loans for installation. To see what programs and incentives are available in your area, check the North Carolina Solar Center’s Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy.
SWH also has a role to play in utility green energy programs. For example, Lakeland Electric, a municipal utility in Florida, has a unique arrangement for its customers. The utility installs and owns about 60 residential SWH systems in the community. The utility meters the SWH output and bills customers for the solar-heated water. The utility retains ownership of the green attributes (referred to as renewable energy certificates or RECs) associated with the solar equipment. In October 2004, Lakeland sold some of these credits to another Florida utility for use in its green pricing program.
Resources for more information
Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)—Solar Hot Water Systems Website
Florida Solar Energy Center—General Information on solar hot water systems for homes and swimming pools
North Carolina Solar Center—Detailed information about solar technologies (including solar hot water)
Solar Energy Industries Association—Includes a state-by-state directory of solar installers, retailers, and contractors