| Solar Hot Water |
There are several different types of solar hot water systems. ERS solar hot water systems are a closed loop
glycol system. A typical solar hot water system consists of a solar array(either flat panel or evacuated tube),
storage tank, pump station and a control. Some solar hot water systems also utilize a heat dump to keep the
system cool in summer months. Depending on the size of the system we offer different tank choices. We really
like the stainless steel tank offerings from Crown Boiler. For larger systems(3 collector or more) a tank from
stsscoinc.com is often used. These are a non-pressurized tank with multiple heat exchangers.
Most solar hot water systems still utilize a conventional hot water source as a backup, but the backup water
heater may be downsized. A complete heating system with solar backup would include a setup like this.
1. High efficiency boiler
2. Indirect water heater powered by the boiler
3. Solar hot water tank preheating the boiler fired indirect water heater
If the heating system is a low temperature system, and the solar system is large enough, we can then
interface the solar and the space heating. In most northern climates I believe any system with fewer than 3
collectors won't see much benefit from solar space heating, unless that home happens to be super insulated
or very small with a low heat load.
A fully installed solar hot water system for domestic hot water only may start at around $8,500($7500 kit price
before freight). This is a very nice system with a stainless steel tank. The tank offers a lifetime warranty. This
system is designed for a long service life with minimal maintenance. This system would have 2 panels and a
79 gallon tank.
A fully installed solar hot water system with 4 collectors and a 250g tank that will interface with a low
temperature heating system installed is closer to $17,500(kit price around $14,000 before freight).
ERS also sell partial systems and does system design for those of you who already have a current system or
have a start with some of the parts. ERS can take no responsibility for a system that does not have all it's
equipment from ERS.
glycol system. A typical solar hot water system consists of a solar array(either flat panel or evacuated tube),
storage tank, pump station and a control. Some solar hot water systems also utilize a heat dump to keep the
system cool in summer months. Depending on the size of the system we offer different tank choices. We really
like the stainless steel tank offerings from Crown Boiler. For larger systems(3 collector or more) a tank from
stsscoinc.com is often used. These are a non-pressurized tank with multiple heat exchangers.
Most solar hot water systems still utilize a conventional hot water source as a backup, but the backup water
heater may be downsized. A complete heating system with solar backup would include a setup like this.
1. High efficiency boiler
2. Indirect water heater powered by the boiler
3. Solar hot water tank preheating the boiler fired indirect water heater
If the heating system is a low temperature system, and the solar system is large enough, we can then
interface the solar and the space heating. In most northern climates I believe any system with fewer than 3
collectors won't see much benefit from solar space heating, unless that home happens to be super insulated
or very small with a low heat load.
A fully installed solar hot water system for domestic hot water only may start at around $8,500($7500 kit price
before freight). This is a very nice system with a stainless steel tank. The tank offers a lifetime warranty. This
system is designed for a long service life with minimal maintenance. This system would have 2 panels and a
79 gallon tank.
A fully installed solar hot water system with 4 collectors and a 250g tank that will interface with a low
temperature heating system installed is closer to $17,500(kit price around $14,000 before freight).
ERS also sell partial systems and does system design for those of you who already have a current system or
have a start with some of the parts. ERS can take no responsibility for a system that does not have all it's
equipment from ERS.
| Two Crown tanks and a Flowstar pump module as part of a solar installation that isn't quite finished. |