Solar Water Heating
Pricing and Purchasing

State & Federal Solar Incentives

We represent a full line of SunEarth solar water heating products.

Using the sun as a source for heating water which can be used for domestic hot water (basically any hot water which is supplied by a conventional hot water heater), hot water heating (known as hydronic heating which is described below), and/or heating swimming pools and Jacuzzis.

When using solar as part of your heating system, it is usually used as a pre-heater.  Meaning that it supplies hot water to your boiler or on-demand water heater.

A solar water heating system's main components consist basically of the following items...

1. SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTOR which allows the sun's rays to heat water which is running through them.  The number of collectors depends on the size of your system. The two most common methods of hooking up collectors are called open loop system and closed loop systems.  The open loop system uses a drain back method to drain the solar thermal collectors of their liquid when the system is off, this is commonly used where there is no danger of the water freezing in the collectors. While the closed loop system contains a glycol solution to prevent freezing in colder regions.

2. DIFFERENTIAL CONTROLS are used to turn the heating systems on and off

3. THERMAL STORAGE TANK stores the hot water until it is needed.  Many solar thermal storage tanks include a built in heat exchanger or two depending on the type of use and a thermal switch.

4. HEAT EXCHANGER which is sometimes mounted within the solar thermal storage tank or may be a separate item. The heat exchanger separates the liquid flowing through the solar thermal collector from that which is used for your domestic hot water.

5. CIRCULATING PUMP to move the liquid through the solar thermal collectors.  These pumps are DC and are designed to withstand the extreme heat and run off a PV panel or can run off your deep cycle batteries.

6. PV SOLAR PANEL is a panel which converts the sun's energy to DC voltage. Usually one 20 or 40 watt panel is all that is required to run the circulating pump.

7. THERMAL SWITCH is used to turn the circulating pump on and off.

8. EXPANSION TANK is a small tank which maintains the pressure in the loop.

9. DRAINBACK TANKS are used when you want the water to drain out of your collectors.  Drainback systems are popular in colder areas where Glyco is not desired

10. PRESSURE GAUGES are required so you can monitor your systems pressure.

11. TEMPERATURE GAUGES are important so you can monitor the systems temperatures

12. VALVES are used for control functions and isolating system components.

13. GLYCO is a non-poisonous anti-freeze used in closed loop systems to keep the water from freezing.

14. PIPE INSULATION, it is important to insulate all the copper pipes connecting your system together to minimize heat lost.

The remaining components to complete your system are readily available from your local plumber. These items would include but are not restricted to, pipe, tees, elbows, ball valves, check valves, drain valves, a boiler or tankless water heater and the remaining plumbing normally found in ones home or business.

The above items shown in bold type are the products which we sell, all remaining items are available from your local plumber, or for you do-it-yourself types, you can purchase them at your local hardware.

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• Drainback system
• 120vac pressurized system
• 12vdc solar pressurized system

Each of these packages come in three versions, depending on the zone where you live.  Each was designed for a specific region of the country which are the...

• ZONE 1 - Southwest states and Florida
• ZONE 2 - Midwest, southeast, and mountain states
• ZONE 3 - Northern and northern costal states
   

  ZONE 1 (Southern States) TOP DRAINBACK SYSTEM   120VAC PRESSURIZED SYSTEM   12VDC PRESSURIZED SYSTEM One 4 x 10 Empire Black Chrome Collector Rheem 80 gal Solar Storage Tank Drainback Tank GL-30 Differential Controller Two Temperature Sensors Two Thermometers Taco 009 Pump Pump Flange Set Boiler Drain Valve Coin Valve Diagram   One 4 x 10 Empire Black Chrome Collector Rheem 80 gal Solar Storage Tank Expansion Tank GL-30 Differential Controller Two Temperature Sensors Two Thermometers Pressure Gauge Grundfos 15-42F Pump Pump Flange Set Two Boiler Drain Valve Pressure Relief Valve Check Valve Coin Valve Diagram   One 4 x 10 Empire Black Chrome Collector Rheem 80 gal Solar Storage Tank Expansion Tank 20 watt, 12 vdc PV Module Two Temperature Sensors Two Thermometers Pressure Gauge March 809BR 12 vdc Pump Pump Flange Set Two Boiler Drain Valve Pressure Relief Valve Check Valve Coin Valve Diagram Painted Frame Black Chrome Frame   Painted Frame Black Chrome   Painted Frame Black Chrome $4,345* $4,535*   $3,890* $4,020*   $3,970* $4,140*

  ZONE 2 (Mid States) TOP DRAINBACK SYSTEM   120VAC PRESSURIZED SYSTEM   12VDC PRESSURIZED SYSTEM Two  3 x 8 Empire Black Chrome Collector Rheem 80 gal Solar Storage Tank Drainback Tank GL-30 Differential Controller Two Temperature Sensors Two Thermometers Taco 009 Pump Pump Flange Set Boiler Drain Valve Coin Valve Diagram   Two  3 x 8 Empire Black Chrome Collector Rheem 80 gal Solar Storage Tank Expansion Tank GL-30 Differential Controller Two Temperature Sensors Two Thermometers Pressure Gauge Grundfos 15-42F Pump Pump Flange Set Two Boiler Drain Valve Pressure Relief Valve Check Valve Coin Valve Diagram   Two  3 x 8 Empire Black Chrome Collector Rheem 80 gal Solar Storage Tank Expansion Tank 20 watt, 12 vdc PV Module Two Temperature Sensors Two Thermometers Pressure Gauge March 809BR 12 vdc Pump Pump Flange Set Two Boiler Drain Valve Pressure Relief Valve Check Valve Coin Valve Diagram Painted Frame Black Chrome Frame   Painted Frame Black Chrome   Painted Frame Black Chrome $4,875* $4,995*   $4,340* $4,630*   $4,560*  $4,790*

  ZONE 3 (Northern States) TOP DRAINBACK SYSTEM   120VAC PRESSURIZED SYSTEM   12VDC PRESSURIZED SYSTEM One 4 x 10 Empire Black Chrome Collector Rheem 80 gal Solar Storage Tank Drainback Tank GL-30 Differential Controller Two Temperature Sensors Two Thermometers Taco 009 Pump Pump Flange Set Boiler Drain Valve Coin Valve Diagram   One 4 x 10 Empire Black Chrome Collector Rheem 80 gal Solar Storage Tank Expansion Tank GL-30 Differential Controller Two Temperature Sensors Two Thermometers Pressure Gauge Grundfos 15-42F Pump Pump Flange Set Two Boiler Drain Valve Pressure Relief Valve Check Valve Coin Valve Diagram   One 4 x 10 Empire Black Chrome Collector Rheem 80 gal Solar Storage Tank Expansion Tank 20 watt, 12 vdc PV Module Two Temperature Sensors Two Thermometers Pressure Gauge March 809BR 12 vdc Pump Pump Flange Set Two Boiler Drain Valve Pressure Relief Valve Check Valve Coin Valve Diagram Painted Frame Black Chrome Frame   Painted Frame Black Chrome   Painted Frame Black Chrome $5,345* $5,535*   $4,890* $5,060*   $4,975* $5,180*

EMPIRE FLAT PLATE SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTORS
ITEM	DESCRIPTION	DIMENSIONS	OUR PRICE	PURCHASE
EMP-21P*	PAINTED WITH ANODIZED ALUM FRAME	3' X 8'	$980**
EMP-32P*	PAINTED WITH ANODIZED ALUM FRAME	4' X 8'	$1,070**
EMP-40P*	PAINTED WITH ANODIZED ALUM FRAME	4' X 10'	$1,355**
EMP-21C*	BLACK CHROME WITH ANODIZED ALUM FRAME	3' X 8'	$1,070**
EMP-32C*	BLACK CHROME WITH ANODIZED ALUM FRAME	4' X 8'	$1,270**
EMP-40C*	BLACK CHROME WITH ANODIZED ALUM FRAME	4' X 10'	$1,499**
MOUNTING HARDWARE
MTG-EC-FK	FLUSH MOUNTING KIT		$43
MTG-E-036	TILT MOUNTING KIT - FIXED FRONT LEGS & 36" LEGS		$80
MTG-E-060	TILT MOUNTING KIT - FIXED FRONT LEGS & 60" REAR LEGS		$95

*    These items will require additional freight charges depending on your location.  An invoice will be sent to you so that you can pay the additional fee if applicable.
**   These OUR PRICEs include the factory crating charge

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GENERAL
The casing is an anodized aluminum extrusion (alloy 6063 T5), a minimum 1/8 inch in thickness, with an architectural dark bronze finish. Sheet metal fasteners shall be stainless steel (18-8 #10 X *). The framewall is secured by four exterior anodized aluminum corner brackets attached with 8 each AD54BS aluminum rivets per corner. The casing backsheet is a painted textured aluminum of not less than .014 inches in thickness.

GLAZING
The glazing is one sheet of low iron tempered glass of not less than 1/8 inch thickness, and has a minimum transmissivity of 91%. The glazing is thermally isolated from the casing by a continuous EPDM gasket. There is a secondary silicone seal between the glass and the aluminum capstrip to minimize the intrusion of moisture into the casing.

INSULATION
The backing insulation is a foil-faced polyisocyanurate foam sheathing board with a minimum thickness of 1 * inches, and is siliconed in place to the aluminum backsheet. Aged thermal resistance R-value of the backing and side-wall insulation will be not less than R-12 at 75 F mean temperature. The ends of the ICS are insulated with 1 inch polyisocyanurate foam sheathing board with an aged thermal resistance R-Value of no less than 7.2.

ABSORBER/STORAGE CYLINDERS
The CopperHeart ICS is a combined collector and storage tank all in one unit. The all copper storage cylinders is a seamless drawn 4.125 inch O.D. copper tubing with a minimum wall thickness of .058 inches, and has machine spun ends to accept 7/8 inch O.D. Type L copper internal manifolds. Eight storage cylinders are manifolded in series to form a storage vessel. The rated internal working pressure is be 120 PSIG at 200 degrees F. All internal manifold braze joints are joined utilizing a copper phosphorous brazing alloy with no less than 15% silver content and conforming to the American Welding Societys BCuP-5 classification. EPDM grommets will isolate the manifolds from the aluminum casing.

ABSORBER COATING
The absorber coating is a moderately selective paint with a minimum absorptivity of 94 percent and a maximum emissivity of 56 percent.

Specifications subject to change without notice.  (Performance specifications subject to testing error of +/- 3%)

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SOLAR COLLECTOR WITH THERMAL STORAGE
ITEM	CAP (GAL)	WIDTH	LENGTH	DEPTH	WEIGHT	CONN. PIPE	OUR PRICE	PURCHASE
CP-20*	21	36.5	50.35	6.88	154	3/4"	$1,500**
CP-30*	32	36.5	78.35	6.88	210	3/4"	$1,950**
CP-40*	42	36.5	98.25	6.88	264	3/4"	$2,150**
MOUNTING HARDWARE
MTG-EC-FK	FLUSH MOUNTING KIT						$46
MTG-EC-024	HORIZONTAL TILT MOUNT, 24" LEGS						$139

*    These items will require additional freight charges
**   These OUR PRICEs include a $150 crating charge

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Pressurized tanks are readily available in 6 to 120 gallons and are constructed of steel and have a glass lining to prevent rusting.

Un-pressurized tanks are used to store large amounts of water in space heating systems.  These tanks are built in sizes ranging from 200 gallons to 10,000 gallons and larger. These tanks are made from stainless steel, fiberglass or high temperature plastic. Heat to be stored is transferred from liquid collectors into the tank with a coiled heat exchanger. A 60 to 100' coil of 1/2" to 1" copper tubing makes a good heat exchanger. Another coil of tubing, typically 1/2" can be connected to the domestic water heater to heat that water also.  In many cases it is more cost-effective to use two or more "standard" tanks rather than one large "custom" one. Many manufacturers used to offer tanks with internal coils, but they are hard to find today.

Solar water heaters generally have either one or two storage tanks. Most systems have only one tank, which normally contains only an upper heating element. The element serves as a backup heater when solar energy is not available or when hot water demand exceeds the solar heated water supply. (Some tanks contain both upper and lower heating elements.)  In a one tank system, water is forced from the lower portion of the storage tank to the collector or heat exchanger where it is heated (usually a 5-15 degree F temperature increase) and is returned to the top of the tank. A dip tube at the top or upper side of the tank forces the heated water to return below the heating element, ensuring proper hot water stratification.

In a two tank system, one tank provides storage for solar heated water. It is plumbed directly to the solar collector or heat exchanger and does not contain a back-up heating element. This tank is plumbed to a second tank which contains a heating element or gas burner that can be used when no solar energy is available.  Except for large residential or commercial type installations, the most popular tanks are glass lined or stone lined. These tanks have an outer shell of steel that must be protected from galvanic corrosion. Some tanks use a galvanized coating. In order to provide a longer lasting coating, glass and stone linings were developed.

Since the glass lining of a tank sometimes has gaps and may be damaged during shipping and handling, an aluminum or magnesium anode rod is installed in the tank. These rods are used to protect exposed tank metal from corrosion. If two different metals are in contact with each other and water, the less "noble" of the two metals will corrode first. Once the first metal is completely eaten away, the second metal will begin to corrode.

The anode rod is sometimes called a "sacrificial anode," because it is sacrificed to protect the steel of the tank. If the anode is never allowed to completely dissolve, it will continue to protect the tank. This rod attracts corrosion and thereby "sacrifices" itself. To continuously protect the tank walls from galvanic corrosion in the presence of hard or highly conductive water, the rod should be replaced periodically. A stone lined tank does not require an anode rod since the thick stone layer provides complete coverage and is not easily broken.

SUN EARTH - RUDD
Specially designed to be compatible with direct solar heating systems. Rigid, polyurethane foam insulation keeps heat in the tank. Meets or exceeds the most demanding energy efficiency standards without an extra insulation blanket.

Tanks with an electric element can assists the system only when the solar energy cannot maintain the desired temperature or during periods of peak demand. Cold water inlet, hot water outlet and anode rod are at top of the tank for easy access and installation.

Automatic temperature control thermostat keeps stored water at desired temperature. Solar storage tanks have 4 ports on the top of the tank, two for the solar and two for the DHW side of the system.

6 year limited warranty

Finished with a white gel coating. Designed to withstand temperatures up to 230°F.

All tanks come with two fittings, a 2" drain and 1" vent.

5 year limited warranty

400 GALLON	750 GALLON
ONE PIECE     4' diam. x 52", approx. 105 lbs.     $1,360	ONE PIECE   ONE PIECE     5' diam. x 7'1", approx. 155 Lbs. horizontal.     $1,700
ONE PIECE     with Optional 20" Manway     4' diam. x 52", approx. 105 lbs.     $1,500 p;   $1,500	ONE PIECE     with Optional 20" Manway     5' diam. x 7'1", approx. 155 Lbs. horizontal.     $1,850
TWO PIECE BOLT-TOGETHER       4' diam. x 52", approx. 105 lbs.     $1,360	TWO PIECE BOLT-TOGETHER     5' diam. x 7'1", approx. 155 Lbs. horizontal.     $1,700sp;   $1,700

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Carlson Stainless Steel Single Wall Heat Exchangers
Carlson stainless steel heat exchangers are used in applications where the protection of a double wall is not required. Hot tubs, pools, radiant floor systems are just a few of the applications that Carlson exchangers are used for. Operating temperatures up to 500 F and system pressures up to 150 PSI give these exchangers a wide range of design possibilities. When coupled with the corrosion resistance of stainless steel, Carlson exchangers are a good choice for almost any application that does not require double wall construction.

There are 4 sizes to choose from. Each size is the amount of heat exchange surface area in square feet.


 

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• Independent Energy Goldline
• SunEarth
• Swimming Pool Control

Differential controls are used in virtually all active systems that use liquid collectors except some photovoltaic powered designs.  A differential control uses an electronic comparator circuit which constantly measurers the output of two thermostats which are called sensors.  The sensors change their resistance upon a change in temperature and than turn on or off the pumps and blowers depending on the differences in temperature between the two sensors.

Controls also have a storage high limit of 160 to 180 degrees which is field adjustable.  Many controls also allow for a thermostat to be connected and also have options for digital readouts of collector and storage temperatures.

Swimming pool differentials have very low turn on and turn off differentials and high limits.  Typically a 3 to 5 degree turn on and 1 to 2 degree turn off.

5 year limited warranty

The differential is set at 4 degrees and cannot be adjusted.

The control has many options including both F and C readouts and a fixed high limit (lower tank sensor) of 140 degrees F (60 C).

The control also has a holiday function that will dessipate the heat in an overheated tank at night when there is no DHW load.

SUNEARTH DIFFERENTIAL CONTROLLERS
Model	Description	OUR PRICE	Purchase
TR 0301 U	Differential Control with Digital Readout	$166
TR SEN	Sensor for third digital readout, not 10K	$28

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Expansion tanks are required on

EXTROL EXPANSION TANKS
As liquids heat up in closed loop systems, they expand. Expansion tanks are required on glycol loop systems to provide for this expansion.

#15 TANK	$49	4.1 GAL
#30 TANK	$60	9.4 GAL

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In some situations glycol is used in draindown systems.  Because the solution drains out of the collectors when not in use, minerals can build up in the collectors.  It is recommended that every few years or so that you flush your system with vinegar or a product designated for dissolving the buildup.

GLY-01

1 GAL., HEAT TRANSFER FLUID

$33

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1/2" wall, high temp. Priced per six foot length. 

Rule of thumb, use two pieces for the first collector and another piece for each additional collector in your system.

5/8" I.D.-6 ft.	$9.98
7/8" I.D.-6 ft.	$11.34
1 1/8" I.D.-6 ft.	$13.46

Typically in solar applications, the valve port opens on descending temperatures allowing the near freezing water in the solar panel to be discharged and replaced with warmer supply water.

When the warmer water reaches the FP-45, the valve port closes and water discharge stops.

This cycle will repeat as often as necessary to help prevent freezing.

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

FREEZE PROTECTION VALVE	VAL-FP-45	$67.00
75# PRESSURE RELIEF	VAL-RV50	$27.84
ADJUSTABLE         PRESSURE RELIEF     Range 50 to 175 P.S.I., 1/2”	VAL-REL2A	$35.40
ERIE MOTORIZED VALVES
2 PORT ¾"	VAL-ERIE2	$128.00
3 PORT ¾"	VAL-ERIE3	$156.00
GATE VALVES
½" SWEAT	VAL-GATE2	$7.00
¾" SWEAT	VAL-GATE3	$8.50
BOILER DRAIN VALVES
½" SWEAT	VAL-DRAIN2	$10.80
¾" SWEAT	VAL-DRAIN3	$12.00
2 WAY BALL VALVES
½" SWEAT	VAL-BAL22	$7.66
¾" SWEAT	VAL-BAL23	$8.75
CHECK VALVES
½" FIP	VAL-CK14	$15.78
¾" FIP	VAL-CK15	$17.43
MIXING VALVE     ¾" Sweat connection.    110º to 170ºF	VAL-MX16	$93.96
¾" TEMPERATURE PRESSURE VALVES	VAL-TP17	$18.75

1/4" or 1/8" AIR RELIEFS

Amtrol and Watts Float-type Vent assures fast venting, positive shut-off, venting through the complete pressure range (0-45 psi) and no spitting or staining from leaks.

1/8"	VAL-AR18	$18.43
1/4"	VAL-AR19	$18.43
VACUUM BREAKER	VAL-VB20	$44.08

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Hot water from a boiler or hot water heater is the medium for heat transfer in a hydronic system. Radiators are the most common source of heat transfer, but radiant loops are gaining popularity. Installation and materials costs have made aluminum finned copper tubing the most effective style. Once the heat loss of a room has been determined, a measured length of baseboard (low output or high output) or the correct size free standing cast radiator can be installed. Baseboard, whether copper or cast iron, is run in a continuous loop from room to room, but the larger cast standing radiators work better as a supply and return loop or as a monoflo loop. Using a fitting called a monoflo T, One pipe can feed the entire loop of standing radiators. Unique but simple, the monoflo T uses an orifice placed to one side of the T arm to restrict the flow of water through it. Down side of the flow it forces water into the arm. Upside of the flow and suction is produced. Water is forced in and out of the radiator without valves or a separate pump.

Using the concept of warm feet as an important comfort factor, radiant heating is becoming more popular, but continues to be more expensive to purchase and install. It can be stapled to the underside of the sub-floor, embedded in a concrete slab, or strung between the ceiling joist to radiate down from the ceiling for double the pleasure or when refitting a room with an existing slab floor. When embedded in a concrete slab, response time is slow and gradual, so the water must circulate constantly and the thermostat set at the desired temperature and left alone.

Hydronic Heating is the heating of a building by heat radiation from pipes or tubing mounted under a floor which contains hot water.

• Hydronic Heating is so efficient and comfortable because it uses water to transfer heat throughout the building for one good reason....water is the ultimate transfer medium.

• A given volume of water can hold almost 3,500 times as much heat as the same volume of air, for the same temperature rise in each material.

• To equal the amount of heat that could be carried in a 1" diameter pipe (hydronic heat), you would need a 10 x 18 duct (forced hot air heat).

• Hydronic heating can be easily zoned for more efficiency.

• With forced hot air, indoor air quality has deteriorated because ducted systems repeatedly circulate dust, dirt and impurities back into the house. Hydronic heating systems have little or no air movement.

• In a forced hot air type system, the heating registers should be at the floor level because hot air will rise. With an air conditioning system, the ducts should be at the ceiling because cooler air will drop. Any combination heating and cooling system using the same ductwork will be a compromise in one mode or the other.

• 7 out of 10 Americans are unhappy (dissatisfied) with their hot air heating or cooling systems.

• 90% of American homes are heated by a forced air type system

• Not only is Hydronic Heating healthy for you, it is ideal for using with solar water heating applications which the federal government as well as several states are currently offering tax credits.

The same pump that filters the pool is used to circulate pool water through the collectors. A quick rule of thumb for pool design sizing is one square foot of collector surface area to every two square feet of pool surface area. This can give you a good idea of how large a pool system is required. You will need more collector surface area if your pool is left uncovered, especially in the spring and fall.

The pool collectors should face within 30° of true south and are tilted at an angle of latitude minus 15° from horizontal. Virtually all of the pool systems we install today use a simple mechanical timer to control the pump. You simply filter and heat the pool during daylight hours. Outdoor pool systems probably have one of the quickest returns on your investment of any solar energy equipment. In most cases it is simply foolish not to consider heating an outdoor swimming pool with solar energy.

Pool collectors are tilted slightly to drain automatically. The pool pump flows water through the pool collectors and the water is heated by the sun. The heated water is then returned to the pool. It’s really that simple. Valves are normally installed to bypass the collectors when needed for regular pool maintenance

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The collector contains superior components, including stainless steel hardware for greater strength. Made in the U.S. A. and constructed of specially formulated polymer compounds.

	4' x 8' COLLECTOR	$ 310
	4' x 10' COLLECTOR	$ 335
	4' x 12' COLLECTOR	$ 350
LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY OR TWELVE YEAR FULL WARRANTY.

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This page designed and maintained by Terry R. Wolff  Last up-dated on January 10, 2012
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