Solar Thermal Introduction

Most folks don't realize though the first commercial solar water heaters were introduced to the American market as far back as 1891. Four black metal tanks placed inside a glass-covered box were simply placed on the roof to trap the heat of the sun under the glass where it would warm up the water cursing through the tanks. Simple.

By 1887, nearly one third of the households in Pasadena, CA used this type of box called the Climax. Once the drawback of having all water stored in the tanks cool down when extended cloudy or cold weather plagued the area was cured in 1909, those who purchased these systems to avoid utility water heating costs could rely on a consistent and abundant source of hot water in their homes.

Below is a diagram of that system created after 1909 with the added insulated storage tank in the attic where hotter water would rise off of the solar collector tanks and stay warm for longer periods of time. Kept simple this basic commercial system has endured for over 100 years.

The system that Renova has introduced to the Coachella Valley goes one step further by passing the water over a closed loop of liquid alcohol ensuring an even more dependable, controlled system for heating domestic hot water under all Valley weather conditions. And even better by adding on a heat exchanging device the Customer can add pool heating to the mix at the same time!

Renova's Top Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions when it comes to solar hot water heating:

1. Question - If it's cloudy do solar hot water systems work?
   
   Answer - Our Valley has more than enough sunlight over the course of a typical day to effectively take care of most everyone's water heating needs. Even in Seattle... which has about 30% more sunlight per year than German, the world leader in solar installations... solar water heating has effectively provided uninterrupted service year round for many, many decades.
2. Question - Are solar hot water systems cost effective?
   
   Answer - Solar hot water systems pay for themselves in as little as eight years according to Larry Owens of the non-profit Shoreline Solar Project. Properly maintained hot water systems can have an operational life of 20-40 years and can help save an additional 15% on your electric bill when combined with a tank less hot water heater.
3. Question - Will I have less hot water if I switch to solar power?
   
   Answer - Solar hot water systems can be designed to support any quantity of hot water needs. Even in situations where the solar hot water system needs to be combined with a conventional system to provide for all of your hot water, it can save money by helping the conventional system operate more efficiently.
4. Question - Does solar hot water work at night?
   
   Answer - Solar hot water systems work throughout the day to offset your energy usage and costs by heating and maintaining the temperature of your hot water. Even if you use your hot water at night, the energy collected during the day is stored to be used when you need it.
5. Question - Isn't it too cold in the winter for water to reach heated temperatures using a solar thermal system?
   
   Answer - Even in sub zero temperatures, solar hot water collectors can reach temperatures greater than the cold water introduced to your domestic water system, meaning there is less energy needed to heat it to the desired level and you are saving money.
6. Question - Are solar hot water systems expensive to install?
   
   Answer - There are pilot programs being introduced to the California State Legislature (AB 1470) where the rebates can be applied upfront to the cost of solar thermal systems. There is also a federal tax credit of 30% of the cost of your system available to home-owners who switch to solar hot water. An average system for a home or business can be installed for an average of about $7,000 in our Valley, making it far more affordable than most kitchen and some bathroom upgrades.
7. Question - Do solar hot water systems make a big impact on the environment?
   
   Answer - Hot water heating is the second largest component of a home's energy use, accounting for between 15 and 25 percent of the energy consumed. Switching to solar hot water has an very positive environmental impact as the move can immediately eliminate carbon emissions created when fossil fuels are used to create energy.
8. Question - Aren’t solar hot water systems ugly?
   
   Answer - VELUX solar hot water systems are usually mounted flush with the roof and resemble a skylight. Solar hot waters systems have also become a status symbol as concerns about our country's energy needs and environment have become front page news.
9. Question - Do solar hot water systems take up a lot of space?
   
   Answer - Most solar hot water systems can be implemented without using much more space than is currently being handled by your current hot water system. Working with the knowledgeable design team at Renova Energy can help you create the system that is right for your space.
10. Question - Does it takes a long time to install a solar hot water system?
    
    Answer - Most solar hot water systems can be installed in one to three work days depending on the system and whether or not it is a commercial or residential installation.