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Using energy from the sun to heat water is not new. Today,
several million homes and businesses use solar water heating systems. You
to can join the millions who are using a cost-effective and reliable choice
for hot water. An initial investment in solar water heating systems range
between $1,000 - $3,000 depending on your hot water requirements. This initial
investment is higher than regular electric or gas water heaters but the
cost of the solar water heating system is lower in the long run since your
system will use an energy source that is free.
The Model Sun-Ray WH-1 is an active, direct system.
This system uses potable water in the solar collector and it is open
to the city pressures. This system averages greater efficiency, but
requires some attention during freezing weather conditions. The WH-1
is designed for installation in areas where the air temperature falling
below 41° F does not occur more than 3 to 4 times annually
and this low temperature does not exceed an 8-hour duration.
When solar energy is available, a small automatically controlled pump
circulates heated water from the solar collectors threw a storage tank
to reach the desired temperature (130F to 180F) When hot water is being
used preheated water from the solar storage tank flows into your water
heater and therefore the heating element in your water heater does not
turn on, which saves you money and energy. Your water heater becomes a
backup for those few sunless days.
Solar water heating systems are design to provide 60% to 80% of hot water
demand year around. In order to determine the proper size of your solar
heating system you must first estimate your daily demand of hot water,
which your system must meet. Hot water demand varies with each individual
living habit, but 15-20 gallon per person per day is a conservative estimate.
Once daily hot water demand is calculated the total Sq/Ft. of the solar
collectors can be determined by your geographical location and the panels
orientation to the sun. Since Sun-Ray Solar collectors are highly efficient,
one square foot of collector will heat up to 2 gallons of water in the
sun belt area. (See WH-1 System selection)
Sun Ray Solar water heating systems require relatively
little attention. But, as with any mechanical system, some basic maintenance
is essential to keep the system functioning smoothly.
The maintenance requirements of Sun-Ray Solar water heating system are
similar to those of conventional water heaters. The collectors, piping
and storage tank should be checked for leaks, the system should be flushed
periodically to remove tank and collected impurities (scaling in hard
water areas). The systems should be checked at least twice per year for
a proper operation of the pump, controller and sensors. The collector’s
glass can be rinsed periodically to remove dust collected in order to
improve collector efficiency.
Using the Basic Components, Sun Ray professionals can design and size
a system to meet your requirements.
The ideal orientation of Sun-Ray Solar collectors are directly south and tilted to the degree of your local latitude, but any direction within 90(degrees) from south is acceptable if the total degree of tilt + the orientation angle from due south is less then 130 (degrees).
The basic components of Sun Ray Solar water heating systems are:
-Sun Ray Solar collectors
-Solar water storage tank
-Automatic controller
-Low power circulation pump
Sun Ray's new generation of Solar Collectors; are simple efficient, durable and
economical. Sun Ray collectors are available with our unique highly efficient
all copper or copper aluminum absorbers. The collector frame and glazing cup
are constructed with 25 ga. corrosion resistant galvanized steel. The cover plate
is 3/16" clear tempered glass sealed to the frame with a rubber gasket. A 1" Poly-isocyanurate
insulation bored with perforated heavy aluminum foil backing. The collector Weight
is approximately 4.5 lb/sq./ft.
The storage tank has a glass lining and an anode rod for maximum corrosion protection. Its internal manifold provides even distribution of heat, an injected foam insulation minimizes heat loss. The tank is available with or without an element.
(UL Listed, 5-year warranty. Locally manufactured)
The controller is a differential temperature thermostat designed specifically to regulate a solar system operation. Its basic function is to monitor collector and storage temperatures and to automatically turn a small circulator ON or OFF at the appropriate temperature differentials. The controller can also provide additional functions, such as: system freeze protection (drain down drain back or circulation), storage tank high limit and positive OFF when the collector is below 80(degrees) F.
(UL Listed. 5 year warranty. Locally manufactured.)
Circulation Pump
All vital components are fabricated from corrosion-resistant, high-grade stainless steel. This quiet, self-lubricating circulator is maintenance free, and requires very little energy to operate.
(UL Listed. 18-month warranty. Locally manufactured)
Click here for installation instructions
When the water in the collector reaches a temperature near freezing, the system’s
one of three freeze protection mechanisms will protect it as followed:
(A) The controller turns the pump on and off periodically to warm the collector with water from the storage tank.
(B) A flush-type freeze protection valve installed near the collectors opens to let warm water flow through the collector.
(C) For a longer freeze duration or if a power failure and freeze condition occurs at the same time the collector must be manually drained. |
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