Opinion – Sure, sometimes economics can stand in the way of solar heating and cooling projects, but nowadays customers have several new financing options, and more and more are using them to finance SHC projects. Funding & Financing Sources “Third-party financing,” as it’s called, is attractive because it allows for the property owner to...
Opinion – Many commercial and residential solar installers use Armaflex and Rubatex foam insulation on solar thermal systems. There are several grades, including one for outdoor use. This material typically won’t last long on a solar water heating system out in the sun with high pipe temperatures. Some contractors have used latex paint to...
Opinion – The Antarctic Swimmer’s Club would likely find little value in solar pool heating. The rest of us, however, might enjoy a swimming pool heated with solar energy. Although solar heating’s effectiveness had been proven for decades, sales of domestic hot water systems declined in the ’80s for numerous reasons. To find new...
Opinion – If the recent SolarPower International tradeshow in Dallas this year was any indication, the plumbing industry is very hot on the potential sales of solar heating. Industry giants like Caleffi and others were eagerly exhibiting their solar heating goods and services in Texas at the October show. In fact, Caleffi is a...
Opinion – Question: “Can you control a solar thermal system using a solar radiation meter or UV meter?” - Stephanie Answer: Using a radiation detector as the control element for a solar thermal system has been tried and it works – sometimes. Usually the radiation detector is a small PV panel. While a radiation meter will tell...
Opinion – Five months before the 9/11 attacks, General Tommy Franks told lawmakers protecting energy resources was vital for the interests of America and it was a key role for Central Command. Franks later led the fight against the Taliban in Afghanistan as well as the war against Iraq as Commander of the U.S....
Opinion – The solar thermal market has been showing steady growth, but I predict the U.S. industry is on the path for record growth on par with the solar photovoltaic industry. Let me explain why. Based on the solar markets trends report, the solar thermal market is not showing fast growth. It saw nine...
Opinion – I’d like to share some information about the Fluid Handling System design, especially relating to the immersion vent and the function of the cavity. Let me give you a little background into the origins of the Fluid Handling System design that dates back to 1978. At that time I undertook a technical analysis...
Opinion – If you are reading this white paper, it can be assumed that you either own or operate a heated swimming pool. If so, you probably would like to reduce your pool heating costs and save money. Beyond turning down the pool’s thermostat and keeping the pool covered, your options are limited. The...
Opinion – I was interested in taking a gander at the ‘official’ ASHRAE solar thermal design manual since I see so many commercial specification packages done poorly. I know many PEs refer to the ASHRAE literature when a client asks them to put solar hot water system on a building project. The engineers do the...