To keep your solar hot water heater system operating efficiently, proper maintenance is an essential element of ownership. Maintenance allows your system to continue operating properly, as well as improves the efficiency of the system. Here are some maintenance tips which can help you get the most out of your home’s solar hot water heater system.

Occasionally, your solar heat panels will need cleaning. Cleaning the surface of the collector panels will allow for efficient energy collection.

Check the glass covering of your solar heat panels for cracks. Check the seals for any imperfections. These issues can compromise the collectors within your panels, and may require repair or replacement.

Check the fasteners and mechanisms attaching the solar heat panels to your structure. Nuts and bolts should be tight, holding the equipment secure to your roof, or wherever your equipment is located.

Check the panel’s pressure relief valve. This safety feature is found on most types of solar heat panels used in solar hot water systems. To inspect, lift the valve to release fluid inside the panel. If fluid doesn't flow out, this could mean the valve needs replaced. Remember to close the valve gently after inspection. Many manufacturers of solar heat panels and solar hot water heater systems recommend that your check this function often, about every six months.

Check your system’s pump during peak sunlight hours to see that it engages. If your pump is not working steadily, or isn’t coming on, elements within the pump may require repair. The solar water pump is a crucial element of the system, so inspect to see it is operating properly.

Your system occasionally needs flushing to get rid of any sediment that has settled in your tank. Two times each year, you should flush your storage tanks by attaching a hose to the tank’s drain valve. Run the hose outside to an area which can absorb the water, and open the valve for approximately fifteen seconds. This will allow any sediment at the bottom of the storage tank to run out.

For more advice about how you can keep your solar water heating system working properly for years to come, contact Smith Sustainable Design. We can assist with all residential solar hot water systems.

Unlike other heating systems which are contained in and around the exterior of your home or building, geothermal heating systems go a little bit farther; into the ground. This means that there will be some digging involved, which is necessary to lay the underground earth loop which works with the ground source heat pump to provide geothermal energy for heating and cooling your space. Some homeowners may have concerns about damage to their yards during a geothermal heating system installation. To put your mind at ease, read the information below to learn just how installation will affect your yard.

Plain and simple, your yard will be affected in some ways. Heavy machinery is used in the drilling process, which can leave tire tracks. Nature plays a large role in determining if your yard will sustain damage, and to what extent. Water and runoff can create muddy conditions which make for messier drilling and digging, creating deeper tire tracks. When the ground is dry, your yard is less likely to be affected by the heavy equipment moving atop it.

While there will be some negative effects to your yard no matter what, Smith Sustainable Design can help keep damage at a minimum. Our experts have a great deal of experience installing geothermal heating systems in all conditions, and can assess the condition of your soil, and consider the design of your geothermal heating system to keep yard damage under wraps.

While nature can be uncontrollable, the design and location of your geothermal heating system is something we can control. The design and location of your earth loop will give you an idea of how your yard will be affected. Horizontal loop designs often result in more damage to the yard’s surface because of how the system needs to be laid out. Regardless of the design of your system, digging is still required to lay all earth loops.

When considering geothermal heating systems, we encourage our customers to look at the end results. The effects to your yard are only temporary, while your geothermal heating system will last long after the grass has grown back. At Smith Sustainable Design, we take great care to minimalize the effects to your yard, and can work with you to avoid the important areas which you want to protect. Your geothermal heating system will provide many years of efficient and environmentally friendly heating and cooling for your home, hopefully making up for any landscaping issues caused by installation.

While solar panels are easily recognizable and are the component most people think of when discussing solar energy, they aren't necessarily the only component of the solar power system. Inverters, batteries, and charge controllers may be utilized, which makes up an electric solar energy system. The need for this equipment is dependent on the type of system you have.

When it comes to electric solar energy systems, one size doesn't fit all. There are a few different types of system designs, which we will discuss in this post. The type of system best for your home is dependent on different needs, conditions, and other factors.

Photovoltaic Direct Systems

Photovoltaic direct systems require the fewest components. They don't use batteries, and aren't hooked up to an outside electric power source. Because of this, a photovoltaic direct system only provides electricity when the sun is out. This type of system isn't really appropriate for powering your home, but may be useful if power is only needed for a few certain applications.

Off-Grid Systems

If you've been investigating solar energy, you've likely heard the phrase “off the grid.” An off-grid system operates independently, and doesn't use existing electrical utility power (the grid). This capability makes off-grid systems a suitable option for remote locations, but you can use them anywhere. They do use a battery to store the energy created for use later on. A number of other components are used to protect the battery, prevent overcharge, and more.

Grid-Tied Systems

A grid-tied system without a battery backup is one of the most common solar energy systems. They convert solar energy for home use, and also sends the energy it produces to the utility grid to offset home energy use. Homes using this type of system may still use some electricity from utility companies, while producing its own solar energy for use. These systems require equipment like solar panels and inverters to make and use the electricity, as well as electrical safety components.

Without a battery, the system doesn't store the additional energy it converts. So, when you experience a utility power outage, your solar energy system won't provide relief. Some grid-tied systems do have a battery backup. They operate the same way as a grid-tied system, except they do store additional energy produced.

As we plan for your solar panel installation, we'll discuss which systems could be used. If you have any questions, we'll be happy to provide the information you need in order to evaluate your options. Contact Smith Sustainable Design today to begin planning for your electric solar energy system.

All solar energy is not the same. Many people use the term ‘solar’ to describe all solar energy, but there are actually two different types. Typically, we think of the electricity which can be produced using the sun’s energy, but solar thermal and solar electric power are both produced by the solar from the sun’s energy, but work in different ways. One is used to provide electrical power for your devices, and the other is used to generate heat. For a better understanding of the different types of solar energy, let’s compare the two.

What they do

Solar electric generates an electrical charge by trapping the energy within the sunlight absorbed by the solar panels. Solar thermal captures the energy generated by the sun and uses it to generate heat, which can be used to heat water or for radiant space heating.

Efficiency

Solar heat technology is far more advanced than solar electric technology at this time. While solar photovoltaic systems are only about fourteen to twenty percent efficient, solar hot water systems are eighty percent efficient or more. Solar water heating systems are proven to be a much more efficient use of solar energy.

Equipment

Solar electric systems and solar thermal systems both utilize collection panels to capture the sun’s energy. Each system uses a different type of panel. Solar electric systems utilize photovoltaic cells which make up the solar panels used by these systems. The panels which capture the sun’s energy for electric use have a shiny appearance. Solar heat panels look similar, but they do not appear shiny like photovoltaic panels. Another difference between the two is that a solar thermal system has plumbing connected to the solar heat panels, while a solar electric system has wiring connected to its panels.

When considering solar energy solutions for your home or business, remember that solar power can also provide heat for your home needs, not just electricity. Solar hot water systems offer a highly-efficient way to heat water for your shower, laundry, and dishwashing needs. To discuss installing a solar water heating system for your home, contact Smith Sustainable Design.

There are many types of equipment and systems available to provide heat for your home. Geothermal heating systems are just one of the options available for your home heating needs. A geothermal heating system utilizes heat stored within the earth to warm your home. So, how do you if a geothermal heat system is right for your home?

New construction or existing residence?

Geothermal heating systems use thermal energy from within the earth for use inside your home. In order to access warm spots underground, geothermal wells must be drilled. This can often be easily done when you're planning on building a home, because the lot can be assessed before the structure is in place. When adding geothermal heat systems for an existing home, the area where geothermal wells can be drilled is limited because of the structure. A geothermal heat system can be retrofitted for an existing home in most cases.

Your lot

The size of your yard is an important factor in deciding what kind of geothermal heating system is the right choice for heating your home. A horizontal loop field for a geothermal heating systems needs a lot of room to work with, for laying the underground loop which moves heat into your home. Some lots aren't large enough for the necessary components which make up a horizontal loop field. A vertical loop field for a geothermal heating systems needs very little room to work with, and could fit on most properties. All thought horizontal loop fields and vertical loop fields for geothermal heating systems have their advantages and disadvantage both are equally energy efficient ways to heat your home.

Your investment

The price of installing a geothermal heating system can be a shock to some homeowners, but most investigating this option are aware of the return on investment. Because of the underground installation mentioned above, it does cost more upfront to install a geothermal heat system than say, a natural gas furnace. Because of their high efficiency, geothermal heating systems allow homeowners to begin recouping their installation expenses immediately. When you aren't stuck paying high utility costs any longer, you'll see that your investment was worth the price. Plus, geothermal heating systems are low-maintenance, which isn't always the case with other types of heating systems.

Solar photovoltaic panels are an efficient way to produce your very own electricity to power your home. Solar energy is cheaper than electricity produced by utility companies, and is environmentally friendly to make and use. If you're considering installing a solar panel system for your home, you may be wondering exactly how they work. Let’s take a look at how a solar photovoltaic panel provides electricity for your use.

The solar panel is made up of photovoltaic cells, which are used to create electricity from sunlight. These photovoltaic cells are made up of a semiconductor material which allows electrical energy to pass through. Silicon is commonly used and phosphorous along with boron are added, which work to create conductivity and starts the electrons flowing.

The solar panel collects the energy through the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits the photovoltaic cells, photons, which are particles of sunlight, are absorbed. This releases an electron. The electrons create an electric current, and they move across the photovoltaic cells when activated by the sun's energy.

The solar photovoltaic panels work by collecting sunlight and converting it into DC electricity. In order to turn the direct current power to alternating current, or AC, your solar photovoltaic panels send the direct current energy to an inverter. The inverter converts DC electricity to the AC electricity you'll need to power devices within your home.

So you see, the solar panels themselves are responsible for creating electrical power by converting energy from the sun. They are only one component of your home's solar power system. However, they are sometimes the most visible, and the most easily recognized component of a solar power system.

Because they only use sunlight to make electricity, when you install solar panels, you must place them in an area which receives adequate sunlight. When deciding on placement, consider pane orientation, the pitch of your roof and the panels, and the area’s shade. Smith Sustainable Design plans your installation so your solar panels will receive the proper amount of sunlight.

Hopefully we've demystified the complicated science behind producing electricity via solar panels. If you're the type who is interested in the science behind things, we'd be happy to discuss it in more detail with you.

Solar hot water systems are an effective way to provide for your home’s hot water needs, using energy produced by the sun. There are different options for system design, used for certain applications. Below are the different types of solar hot water systems and how they are used.

Passive solar water heaters

A passive solar water heating system is the simplest design, and typically the most inexpensive because of their simplicity. While they aren’t as efficient as active solar hot water systems, they are reliable and long-lasting. They also have reduced maintenance needs in comparison to the other system designs available. This is because there are no moving parts used to circulate water within the system. The two types of passive solar water heater systems are batch systems and thermosyphon systems.

A batch system, or integral collector-storage system, works best for warmer climates, where temperatures don’t fall below freezing often. They can provide 20 to 40 gallons of hot water during the daytime or evening peak hours.

Thermosyphon systems also work well for climates which rarely experience freezing temperatures. They can provide for daily hot water usage for households using about 30 to 80 gallons of hot water each day

Active solar water heaters

More complex than passive systems, active solar water heater systems incorporate a solar hot water pump to move fluid inside the system. They can also offer protection from freezing temperatures. The two types of active water heater systems are open loop systems and closed loop systems.

Open loop systems are best for climates with infrequent freezing. They can provide 40 to 80 gallons of hot water for use each day.

Closed loop systems can be used for homes which experience frequent freezing each year. They can also supply a larger volume of hot water, providing 40 to 100 gallons for use each day.

Smith Sustainable Design can help you choose the appropriate system design for your solar hot water heater system. Taking into consideration your household’s hot water needs, and the climate, we’ll design the right system to meet your needs and provide you with energy efficient hot water year-round.

Heat pump systems are an energy efficient way to heat and cool your home. Geothermal heat systems use a special type of heat pump to provide comfortable temperatures for your home. Many people do not realize there are different types of heat pumps available, but only one type will work with a geothermal heat system; ground source heat pumps. The other type of heat pump is an air source heat pump. Ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps operate similarly, but use different sources to heat and cool your home. To understand the differences, and to learn why a ground source heat pump is necessary for geothermal heat systems, let’s take a look at how the two types of heat pump systems operate.

Heating

For our geothermal heat systems, a ground source heat pump takes the energy moving through the earth loop and distributes it indoors. Ground source literally means the source of the energy comes from within the Earth, or the ground. Below ground, there is a stable source of energy which can be used to heat your home or building despite low outdoor temperatures. Ground source heat pumps are located inside the home or building. This is important because our cold New Jersey winters can have an adverse effect on this sensitive equipment.

An air source heat pump uses energy found in outside air to heat your space. The air source heat pump extracts the heat from outdoors and distributes it inside for warmth. You may be asking how this will work when temperatures are cold outside; the sun’s energy is always warming the air, even if it doesn’t seem to feel like it. While there is always energy which can be extracted from the outside air, there may not be enough. Here in New Jersey, we can experience some pretty frigid temperatures during winter months. Air source heat pumps may have trouble providing all the heat you need because of these conditions, which means you’ll have to use a backup heat source to achieve a comfortable temperature.

Cooling

In the hot summer months, ground source heat pumps extract warm air from indoors to cool the space. It pulls the warm indoor air and performs the heat transfer process, using refrigerant as the medium for heat transfer. The heat is absorbed by the lower temperature fluid within the earth loop. The earth loop then circulates the fluid back underground where it deposits this warm energy into cooler-temperature areas within the earth.

Air source heat pumps also extract the warm air from inside your home or business. Instead of sending the heat underground, it simply sends it outdoors.

You see, both heat pumps work to move heat from higher temperature to lower temperature areas; the difference is their energy source. For geothermal heat systems, ground source heat pumps are the way to go, allowing you to access the energy found below ground for heating and cooling your home.

Before you install solar panels, before you begin collecting solar energy to power your home, you'll need to ensure your home site can collect the necessary solar energy to provide power for your needs. A solar site survey should be an important step as you plan for solar power energy.

When evaluating your site for the installation of solar photovoltaic panels, there are two key areas you must consider. One, does your site receive enough sunlight? Two, are there any obstacles you'll need to clear or work around in order to collect the necessary solar energy? Let’s address each of these questions to clue you in as to what you should be looking for.

Does my site receive enough sunlight?

Answering this question will require consideration of your location's weather. The occasional cloudy day isn't a big deal, but regular periods of gloomy weather can pose a challenge. Luckily, most locations in the United States receive the necessary sunlight to use solar energy. Some are better than others, so investigate your location further to get a better idea of your solar resources. An almanac or other weather resource is a good starting point.

Do I have obstacles to work around?

This second question is one you may have to work a little harder to assess. When planning to install solar panels, it's very important to choose an idea location for their placement. Trees, buildings, and other structures can stand in the way of your solar panels collecting the necessary amount of energy.

There are a few ways you can go about identifying possible obstacles. First, you'll need to know the path of the sun across the sky. Remember, the sun’s path changes throughout the year, so keep the paths of different seasons in mind when looking for obstacles. You can use a sun chart for your location, which can make the process easier.

Another option for identifying potential obstacles in your home's path may be to build a model of your home and its surroundings. Whether you decide to build a three dimensional diorama, or just sketch a map of your area, you'll have a useful tool for finding structures, natural or otherwise, which can stand in your way when collecting solar energy for home use.

Smith Sustainable Design is experienced in performing solar site surveys to aide in installation decisions. We perform a thorough analysis of your space to determine the ideal location for your solar system panels.

Solar hot water systems are an energy efficient way to provide hot water for all your home’s needs. Fueled by the sun’s energy, these systems are also environmentally friendly, as they do not burn fossil fuels to heat water, as natural gas water heaters do. Different from the solar electric systems which produce electricity for your home’s devices, a solar thermal system collects the energy from the sun, absorbing the heat it produces to heat water. Solar water heater systems use solar collectors and storage tanks to provide hot water for your home.

There are three different types of solar heat panels for residential solar hot water systems. Flat-plate collectors are weatherproof, insulated boxes which contain the solar absorber. Integral collector storage systems, or batch systems, have one or multiple black tubes housed inside the insulated box. Evacuated-tube solar collectors have rows of transparent glass tubes, with a clear outer tube and a metal absorber. Each work in different ways to produce hot water for your home, and we can determine which type of collector is right for you.

A solar hot water heater system needs well-insulated tanks for storing the hot water it produces. Some systems may utilize one tank which connects to the collectors. In these systems, a backup water heater and solar hot water storage are housed in one tank. Some systems have two tanks. In these systems, the solar water heater preheats the water and moves it into a conventional water heater.

A solar hot water heater system may require a backup heating source to meet household demands or provide when the weather is gloomy. In some cases, a conventional water heater can be included in the solar hot water system package. Other systems may package this equipment with the solar heat panels, or include a tankless demand-type water heater to provide backup hot water.

Solar hot water systems allow you to reduce your dependency on conventional water heaters, lightening your home’s hot water heating load with energy absorbed by the sun’s rays. Cut back on energy bills caused by long showers, multiple laundry loads, even pool heating, by installing solar heat panels and implementing a solar hot water heater system.