What is the difference between PV (Photovoltaics) and solar water?

PV turns sunlight into electricity and solar water systems turn sunlight into hot water.

Click here to learn more.

How does the system work?

Click here to see our easy to follow animation that shows how the system works and includes component information via mouseovers and clicks.

What specific system do I need and what is my financial return?

Our easy to use online calculator will automatically determine your system and calculate future returns.

Will your system work in my home?

Your home must have at least 40 square feet of non-shaded south (preferable), west or east facing roof space and enough room for the tanks. In addition, the piping from the collector to the tanks must be sloped.

What if there is not enough sunshine to heat the water?  Will I run out of hot water?

Solar water heaters act as a pre-heater to your existing water heater.  You are not replacing your existing water heater or it's energy source.  A solar system will reduce your present hot water heaterís energy cost anywhere from 40% to 85% over the course of the year... pending your location.

Why not a single tank design?

Each person within a household according to the D.O.E. requires on average 19 gallons of hot water per day. A single tank design only has one working element 1/3 from the top of the tank.  Consequently there is only around 30 gallons of non-solar heated water.  If there is more than 2 people in the home the 30 gallons of heated water will probably not be enough given a lackluster solar day.  This is our number one complaint from existing solar water users.  Most importantly there is only 50 gallons of water available in the lower part of the tank for the solar storage.  50 gallons of hot water is not enough for 3 or more residents.    We highly recommend 2 tanks for households with 3 or more residents.

What is the difference between your system and other systems?

What about tank sediment buildup or corrosion?

       Tank sediment;

        The cause of tank sediment is hard water and high tank temperatures.  Only drain-back systems have high temperature protection capabilities.  Many of our local service calls are caused by glycol systems which during the summer months have very high tank temperatures.  High temperatures cause system component failures and heavy sediment buildup.  Techsun's unique system design and periodic tank flushing (the draining of 20 to 30 gallons from the water tanks every 6 months) eliminates sediment buildup.  Open loop systems (live tap water in the collector) obviously have sediment, corrosion, overheating and freezing issues.

        Early tank corrosion is usually created by ;

  1. Di-electric unions not being used with the threaded tank penetrations.
  2. Sediment builds up from the bottom of the tank and encases the bottom element.  As a result the element will prematurely corrode and a leak will begin through the element tank port.
  3. During the installation or thereafter water penetrates non-protected tank components (skin or inner steel tank through the insulation).

The system efficiency on your calculator for my location seems low as compared to other manufacturer claims.

Every locale has very specific solar radiation and efficiency ratings.  Most solar resellers and "industry experts" greatly generalize performance numbers.  In addition most people's true hot water use is sporadic.  The federal testing center uses 5 periodic daily draws during the best sunlight hours and exclude hot water use fluctuations. We provide the most valid data possible by utilizing NASA radiation data, real life variables and the actual roof/collector direction in our calculator.

What is your system's warranty?

We offer a 12 year warranty on the collector and a lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger.  There are various warranties on the remaining components. 

Does my family have to change our existing habits to use a solar water heater?

No. 

Are there government rebates?

It depends on your location for there are many local, state and federal rebates.  As of January 1st there will be a national 30% tax credit for a solar water heating system and it's installation. Please utilize our easy to use online calculator and check www.dsireusa.org for detailed information.

Will your system freeze or overheat?

No. Our system is based on the drain-back design.  A sensor which is connected to the collector triggers the controller to turn off the pumps when freezing or over heating temperatures are reached.  Once the pumps stop the water will drain from the collectors to the drainback tank.  Click Here to get a better visualization/understanding.

How many years will the system last?

The solar system is designed to last 30+ years.  The pumps and your water heater itself may need to be replaced after 12 to15 years although I have seen many last 20+ years. 

Is maintenance required for your system?

Pending your water quality (sediment buildup) we recommend flushing the live water heating tanks every 6, 12 or 24 months.  Also our system includes a see through boiler glass which allows the home owner to monitor the collector loop water level.