What Do You Consider for Designing Solar Water Heating System?

When looking for solar water heaters, you should look no further than Northern Lights Solar Solutions. Their solar water heating systems are pre-engineered for optimal performance and energy efficiency. They take all the guesswork out of the solar system installations by adding pre-configured solar heating design packages proven to work efficiently. When designing solar water heaters, you must have the correct size.

If the system is oversize, it can minimize the system performance while causing the paybacks to reduce. A large solar heating system tends to stagnate and switch off more often than a properly sized solar heater. That means the system will stop working and won't contribute to solar energy on hot sunny days. A professionally designed solar heating should attempt to deliver around 50-65% overall solar contribution.

But you can increase the solar contribution with a secondary heating load like a pool, hot tub, or home heating system. Then, when the primary system reaches the maximum capacity, the solar controller will default to the secondary heating zone and discard the solar heat energy to that zone, thereby minimizingthe chance that the system will overheat and stagnate.

There are so many factors that you need to consider while designing a solar water heater. Some are them are discussed below:

Determine The Location.

You need to determine the optimal location of your solar system as per the southern exposure. Then, you can install it on the ground, roof, or wall; this space will usually help you know the maximum number of collectors.

Every collector requires around 8' 4" of width spacing and 6' 6" vertical spacing. Next, you need to determine the optimal mounting angle. The location's latitude must be plus 30 degrees for heating during winter. For summer heating, the location's latitude must be minus 30 degrees. The system should be installed per the location's latitude if you want average annual heating.

Determine The Size.

You should choose a pre-configured solar heating system (SWH) as per the number of collectors required for the application. For example, you will need the SWH-1 system for two to four persons. An SWH-2 system is a must for four to six persons, whereas an SWH-3 system requires six to eight persons. You can choose your home's solar heating system from a combo, indirect, or pre-heat solar system.

Determine Additional Heating Zone.

You can consider adding an extra secondary solar heating loop like pool heating, home heating, or hot tub. You should upsize the solar water heating system to accommodate the additional demands. For example, a 1200 square-foot home with a radiant floor heating system and four- a persons home would require an SWH-4 system. Then, they will need to choose an SWH system with in-floor heating.

Understand types of solar heating designs.

You must choose from different solar heating system designs available at Northern Lights Solar Solutions. Choose from Supplemental Solar Water Heater with Internal Electric Heating Element for Back Up, a Pre-Heat Solar Water Heating Design with Second Hot Water Tank, and Solar Water Heater with On-Demand Back UP Heater.

Bottom Line –

Do you want to know more details about the designs of solar water heaters? If yes, you should contact Northern Lights Solar Tubs at +1 (800) 317-9054.

Why Do You Switch to Northern Lights Solar Home Heating System?

Solar home heating or solar space heating systems are gaining popularity rapidly in the solar water heating market. They are popular because of their extremely high efficiency and higher operational temperature, as these systems use solar evacuated tube collectors. In addition, solar vacuum tubes work efficiently in low light conditions and even perform at temperatures reaching minus 35 degrees.

However, solar home heating systems are popular in Northern USA, Europe, and Canada. You can integrate the solar thermal system with an existing heating system like a radiator, in-floor heat, or forced air heat system and can expect to save up to 50% of your heating bill. Generally, a heating home consumes a significant portion of your utility bill, and the payback period can be within five years.

So, you should invest in a Northern Lights solar home heating system. The solar-powered home heater uses a specifically engineered solar storage tank. The storage tank provides storage options for solar energy during the daytime and can release the stored energy at night when heat demand is usually higher. The storage tank is the residential hot water tank, so solar energy can provide solar water heating for residential hot water and home heating in one system. The Northern Lights Solar Solutions solar heating system comes with a 4.5 KW heating element present in the middle part of the storage tank. It is additional whether you use it or not.

The heating element ensures you have enough hot water even during the evening. The hybrid system is famous for solar radiant floor heating as the solar home heating system can replace the requirement for a hydronic boiler. It is because a 4.5 KW heater and solar energy will provide enough power for up to 2,000 square feet of heating space. This solar home heating kit comes with a Resol controller, which controls both the solar heating loop and the secondary heating loop. This integrated solar heating package allows you to take advantage of the highest solar heating paybacks.

In addition, the solar home heating system can be combined with a geothermal heating system, another popular way of combining two green energy sources that allow you to benefit from maximum cost savings. The heat exchanger can add this energy to the geothermal loop by using the excess heat from the solar water heater.

Another way to integrate solar home heating is with a solar air heater. It is a much more affordable way of heating space but cannot store heat energy. Instead, the air gets heated through the glass, and a selectively coated material layer helps absorb heat. After that, a solar PV fan system spreads the heat into the house as per the thermostatic controller. It also works better for homes with basements or crawl spaces that want to heat the colder air. If you want to know more about the working principle of solar home heating systems, please contact Northern Lights Solar Tubs at 1-800-759-8990.

Understanding the Product Features of Solar Pool Water Heating System

Most pool owners know the benefits and cost savings of using solar pool heaters. Generally, pools are used for seasonal purposes and are only used during the summer. However, investing in a solar-powered pool heating system can benefit pool owners significantly. Northern Lights solar pool heaters can be integrated to supply heat energy to the pool during summer and provide home and space heating as we; as residential hot water in winter.

That means solar pool heaters can minimize your heating bills throughout the year. These systems are the only alternative for indoor pool owners as they look for a solution for heating their pool during winter. The solar-powered pool heating systems enjoy much longer life expectancy and provide more heat energy throughout the season than any other type of pool heater. The overall ownership cost is relatively less for homeowners as the pool heating system yields maximum savings than fossil fuels and electricity, as well as traditional solar pool heating systems.

Understanding the Product Features

Suppose the solar collectors are warmer than the pool water by four degrees Fahrenheit or more and the pool has below the desired temperature. In that case, the pump will be activated, allowing heat collection from the collectors to the solar pool heat exchanger. The collection of heat energy stops when the solar sensor temperature drops to within 1.5 degrees of the pool temperature or the pool temperature exceed the chosen desired temperature.

Automatic Cooling –

When the collectors are cooler than the pool water by eight degrees Fahrenheit or more, and the pool temperature is above the desired temperature, the pump gets activated and allows cooling through the solar collectors. Heat energy dissipation continues until the collectors emerge within three degrees Fahrenheit of the pool temperature or the pool temperature drops below the desired temperature.

Single Setting for Desired Temperature –

You can use the single dial adjustment with the indicated desired pool temperature to set the Aqua Solar. The dial is calibrated with the temperature from 70 degrees F to 104 degrees F to ensure fast, easy and user-friendly operation. The set temperature indicates the desired pool temperature. By using Aqua Solar, you can know whether the water should be heated or cooled, thereby maximizing the capabilities of the solar system.

Terminal Strip Connections

Terminal strip connections are used for input power and sensor inputs. The controls feature standard three-pin connectors operating both forward and reverse valve actuators.

LED Display

The LED display shows the operational status of the entire system. The additional Valve Output on the Aqua Solar allows the second zone of a pump or a three-way valve.

Re-Circulation Freeze Protection

The field selectable options switches on the Aqua Solar output that directs warmer pool water through the collectors when near-freezing temperatures are noted at the auxiliary sensor. The Aqua Solar allows re-circulation when the auxiliary sensor goes below 34 degrees F and stops circulation when the temperature exceeds 36 degrees F. The operation requires two 10K ohm sensors. If you use the freeze re-circulation, it requires one or more freeze snap switch sensors. Therefore, it is essential to see the instructions before using the freeze re-circulation option.

System Operation and Test Switch –

The switch allows manually overriding Aqua Solar's automatic functioning to verify operation.

Bottom Line –

Do you want to learn more details about the product details of solar pool heaters? Feel free to contact Northern Lights Solar Tubs at +1 (800) 317-9054. +1 (800) 317-9054.

Understanding Different Solar Pool Heat Exchangers

Most pool owners understand the significant advantages of solar heating systems. These systems provide maximum cost savings for heating their pools. Most pools are used for seasonal purposes and, as such, are only used during the summer.

Investing in solar pool heaters can be a tremendous advantage for pool owners. The Northern Lights solar pool heaters can be integrated so that they supply heat to the pool during summer and provide home and space heating and residential hot water in winter.

However, solar pool heat exchangers are the essential features of solar pool heaters. As an integral part of solar pool heating systems, they help transfer heat energy between two liquids effectively. Both liquids, like water and glycol, can have different physical properties. They may be separated because of the various operational pressures. Whatever the reason, the solar pool heat exchanger allows energy transfer without any heat loss.

There are two different types of solar heat exchangers available, i.e., brazed plate heat exchanger and tube in the shell heat exchanger.

Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger

This heat exchanger is used for solar home heating purposes like solar radiant floor heating and solar snow melting.

Tube-in Shell Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is used for solar pool and hot tub heating purposes. Three variables are essential in transferring energy when using a solar heat exchanger.

• The heat transfer area surface separating both liquids
  
• Rate of flow between two heat transfer fluids
  
• Pressure drop around both sides of the heat exchanger
  

The increase in surface area will minimize the difference in temperature between both sides required to drive the heat transfer. The greater will be the power, the heat exchanger can be able to handle a fixed differential temperature.

When the flow rate increases, it is more turbulent, increasing heat transfer. Mostly, it determines the differential temperature from inside to the out ports—the less restrictive the heat exchanger is to flow while lowering the pressure drop. As a result, the lower the wasted energy required to pump fluid through the heat exchanger.

A brazed solar plate heat exchanger has approximately the same pressure drop on every side and provides a large heat transfer area, given the volume of the heat exchanger. The solar pool heat exchanger is specifically designed to handle the high flow and produce a slight pressure drop on the poolside of the heat exchanger.

The physical direction of flow in the heat exchanger is recommended to be in opposite directions. This concept is well-known as Counter Current Flow. This is because the hot and cold fluids run in opposite directions to produce a more uniform differential temperature gradient around the heat transfer area. However, it often results in greater heat transfer than the fluids running in the same or concurrent direction. Therefore, the hot and cold in the solar pool heat exchanger should enter from opposite directions.

Bottom Line –

Do you want to learn more about solar pool heat exchangers used in solar pool heaters? Contact Northern Lights Solar Tubs at +1 (800) 317-9054.

Choosing Active Closed Loop Solar Hot Water Heaters

Are you looking for one of the most affordable ways to add renewable technology to a home or a commercial building? If yes, then incorporating solar hot water heaters is significant.

Typically, a residential solar water heating system minimizes the requirement for conventional water heating by around two-thirds. As a result, the system reduces the cost of electricity or fossil fuel for heating water and the associated environmental impacts.

Solar hot water heaters provide you and your family with eco-friendly, clean energy for heating residential hot water, swimming pools, homes, and industries. Solar energy heats the fluid – water or glycol and transfers the solar heat directly or indirectly to heat water.

The initial cost of these systems can be slightly higher than the conventional gas or electric water heaters, but solar energy is free. In addition, with so many grants and low-interest loans available, a solar water heating system can cost less than a conventional heater upfront.

Solar hot water heaters can be of two types, i.e., active and passive. But the most commonly available are the active systems. They use heat pumps, while the passive solar water heating systems work on gravity or thermosiphon. Northern Lights Solar Solutions provides active closed-loop solar water heaters with pumps and digital controllers designed specifically for the solar industry.

However, solar water heating systems can do much more than just heat your hot water at home. Solar hot water heaters currently feature solar vacuum tubes that can be used for many applications like heating homes, space, commercial purposes, etc.

Solar-powered systems have become the rapidly growing alternative energy source throughout the United States and Canada because of government grants and low-interest loans. You should contact the Northern Lights Solar Solutions team and discuss taking advantage of solar heating systems and saving more dollars.

If you want a recommendation for a highly efficient solar water heating system, you should consider investing in an active closed-loop solar heater. It can be used for residential hot water, space heating, and commercial heating applications. The active indirect circulation or the closed-loop system uses a heat-transfer fluid, i.e., water or diluted antifreeze fluid, to absorb heat. The system has a heat exchanger to indirectly transfer heat energy to the potable water.

The heat exchanger helps transfer heat energy from the heated fluid to the potable water or the other fluid. In addition, some indirect heating systems feature an overheat protection bypass that eliminates the excess heat that can’t be used. The feature prevents overheating solar collectors and glycol fluid when there is a low load and high solar intensity of incoming solar radiation.

Usually, the heat transfer fluid used in these systems is a mixture of glycol and water, and glycol concentration depends on the expected minimum temperature. The glycol used is food-grade Propylene which is non-toxic. Typically, solar water heating systems are helpful for hot water heating and radiator or in-floor home or commercial heating applications. The system is close to the atmosphere but can build up pressure with increasing temperature. The solar hot water heaters incorporate pressure relief valves and solar expansion tanks for ensuring safety and protection.

If you want to learn more about the active closed-loop solar hot water heaters, contact Northern Lights Solar Tubs at +1 800 317 9054.

Why Do You Switch to Compact Solar Water Heaters?

Are you looking for the most cost-effective solar water heating systems available? Perhaps you will invest in a compact or integrated solar water heater. The heating system comes with the same High-Performance TZ58 1800 Sun Rain Solar Collectors in all solar water heating systems available at Northern Lights Solar Solutions.

The compact solar water heater is specifically designed for residential water heating purposes. The system has the storage tank and heat pipe vacuum tubes integrated into a complete unit. The unit is SRCC certified to provide residential hot water for a family of four to five people by offering a heavily insulated 80-gallon stainless steel water tank.

Normally, the compact solar water heater is installed on roofing facing the south and is mounted on the ground with the 45-degree frame system. The system is straightforward to assemble and install. The cold water intake from the house connects to one end, whereas the hot water supply is connected to the other. The solar water heater has 30 tubes containing heat pipes inside the tank.

The energy transferred from the solar evacuated tubes to the heat pipes helps heat water and potable water directly. The hot water goes to the top of the storage tank, where it starts supplying hot water to the home. The compact solar water heater is considered a very efficient system and requires no maintenance.

The system uses a vacuum tube, a heat pipe, and a heat exchanger sealed internally. Hence, you won’t need to worry about the leakage and damage of vacuum tubes. Even if the tube is broken, you need to replace the vacuum tube with the new one, and the system continues working without one tube.

The compact solar water heater won’t require electricity

The compact solar water heater is a pressurized system and doesn’t require pumps. The water moves through the water heating system using the pressure of the municipal supplied water. While opening a hot water faucet, the hot water from the storage tank flows outside, and the cold water flows inside the tank, which will be again heated by the solar evacuated tubes.

The compact solar water heater won’t overheat

The compact solar water heaters feature a built-in air-release valve and the temperature and pressure valve that opens at 90 C or 194 F. When the system gets hot, it will simply vent off the excess amount of heat.

The compact solar water heater is made from stainless steel

The compact solar water heaters available at Northern Lights Solar Solutions have stainless steel internal and external tanks to prevent rusting. In addition, custom logos are available to label your water heater privately.

The compact solar water heater is cost-effective

This system costs only slightly more than an ordinary water tank. The life expectancy of the water heater is around double because no heating element or gas burner will fail. In addition, the water heating system provides you with a 30% federal tax credit and state tax credits.

However, the compact solar water heater doesn’t require a solar installer, as a homeowner or a general contractor can install it. The payback of a typical compact solar water heater is one to three years, and the payback period can be as little as three months with a solar water heating system in Hawaii.

Bottom Line –

Do you want to learn more details about solar water heaters? Feel free to contact Northern Lights Solar Tubs at +1 (800) 317-9054, and we will get back to you with the right answers.

Finding the Solar Pool Heating System for Pool

Are you looking for solar pool heaters to enjoy an extended swimming season? If yes, then you have made a good decision. Read the post and understand the benefits and tips to find the right solar pool heating system.

Let’s discuss the benefits of solar pool heaters.

Maximum Enjoyment –

You’ve installed a pool in your backyard to use at your convenience. Now you can harness the solar energy for heating your pool to extend your swimming season and increase the enjoyment of everyone.

A solar pool heating system keeps your pool warm even during cold months and cool during the hottest time of the year. Hence, you can spend quality time with your family and friends while taking a refreshing dip in your pool.

Eco-Friendly –

Traditional pool heating systems use natural gas or electricity for heating up. But solar pool heaters use the natural energy from the sun. The renewable energy source is eco-friendly and free of pollution. So your solar pool heater won’t produce carbon dioxide, pollution, or consume fossil fuels.

Affordability –

Solar pool heaters are considered affordable solar-powered systems available on the market. The sun is a free energy source that provides enormous renewable energy to operate your pool heater. Compared to traditional gas heating systems, a solar pool heater is incredibly energy efficient and affordable.

Low Maintenance –

Solar pool heating systems are durable and require less maintenance than their counterparts. The standard solar pool heating system works effectively for 15-20 years, double the average useful life of a traditional heating system. Maintain a good chemical balance in your pool and check the filter system regularly to keep your solar heating system working correctly.

Finding the Right Solar Pool Heating System –

Read on the steps to find the solar pool heating kit allowing you to relax in a comfortable, warm pool year-round at lower utility costs in no time.

Consider the pool size.

When you’ve decided to heat a pool using solar energy, the pool water is circulated through a solar collector to be heated by solar radiation. However, your pool heating system will require a collector that is 65%-100% of your pool surface area. Other factors like climate and personal preferences affect your decision.

Consider the climate condition.

Increasing the square footage of your pool area can extend the swimming season and make swimming possible during cooler weather. The choice is yours, and If you want the best results, you should contact the solar system installer, and they’ll help you determine the number of solar evacuated tube collectors that work for you.

Consider working with a reliable solar system manufacturer.

It’s suggested that working with a trustworthy solar system manufacturer is perhaps the most essential step in finding the right pool heating system for your pool. So, you should rely on Northern Lights Solar Tubs for the right solar pool heater.

When you trust us for your pool heating requirements, we prioritize your needs and ensure that you benefit from our professionalism, outstanding service, and extensive years of experience. For more information about our solar-powered systems, please contact us at +1 (800) 317-9054.