1. Solar hot water systems

These systems are designed to harness the sun’s energy to heat the water we use through a combination of collectors, pipes, a pump, storage tank and controller.

There are several different types of solar hot water systems, but because of the Carolinas' frequently frosty climate, closed loop glycol or drainback systems are the only types that are able to function year round. Our systems are customized to best fit each individual home. We feature two different types of collectors, a flat panel design, and a combination of individual cylindrical absorbers. Both of these are high quality systems and have obtained SRCC certification. We only offer products that qualify for the State and Federal tax credits.

The flat panel type systems have been around for a longer period of time and are slightly less expensive. The tube technology takes up less space and weighs less. Any system will work best if the collector is pointed as close to south as possible. In certain installations, to obtain a perfect angle, the flat panel collector may have to be raised at one end. The tubular systems have an advantage of being able to rotate the metal fin inside the tube to better accommodate this positioning. If you should encounter a problem with one of the tubes in a panel, the rest of the tubes will still function and the panel will continue to operate at slightly less efficiency until that tube can be corrected or replaced.

We also offer different sized storage tanks to best accommodate our customer’s needs.

Our solar hot water systems are reliable and cost effective. They help to save you money, save the environment, and give you a little less to worry about when energy prices are on the rise. For residential usage, these systems are in a price range to maximize the buyer’s tax credit.

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2. Pool heating with solar energy

Using solar paneling to heat your pool allows you to enjoy the comfort of a warm pool for an extended period of approximately 2 to 3 months each year. Compared to the costs of maintaining gas or electrically heated pools, solar power is very cost effective. These systems are a similar concept to the solar domestic hot water heating systems, except that the pool water itself is pumped through the paneling. A good rule of thumb, your paneling size should be 70% the size of your pool surface. These panels can also be placed on the roof of a home, or above any pool houses or cabanas that may exist.

Generally, these systems, although they may require more panels than a domestic hot water system, are less expensive. There is no storage tank and the pump is generally the existing pool pump. You may be surprised to learn that solar pool systems do qualify for the NC state tax credit.

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3. Home Heating

The air in your home can also be heated by using solar energy. Individual rooms can be heated with a small fan convection that is installed onto your wall, which will supply heat from the hot water pipes attached to it.

Another option of home heating is done by installing a heating exchange coil plate before the air intake on your furnace so the air coming to it will be pre-heated.

A third method for heating your home is by radiant floor heating. This system supplies heat to your home by a network of hot water pipes under your flooring, and because of that, is usually more appealing to someone who is renovating or planning to build a new home.

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4. Photovoltaic Energy

The sun can also help make the electricity you use in your home. This technology uses solar collectors containing photovoltaic cells that convert the sun’s energy into the electricity. Any excess energy made is networked back into the power grid and the power company pays you for it. Yes, during certain hours of the day, you will actually generate a profit, or a negative electric bill.

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5. Tankless hot water systems

Tankless hot water heating is another way to save on your energy bills. These systems use an on demand heating device so that you only pay for the hot water you use; unlike traditional systems that constantly maintain a reservoir (tank) of heated water. Another advantage the tankless systems offer is an endless supply of hot water.

When space is a consideration, your existing back-up system needs replacing, or if you simply want to minimize your dependence on purchased energy, the tankless system offers a good alternative as the back-up to your solar hot water system.

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