The advancements in solar energy have grown at an ever increasing pace. When the term "solar" is used we often think of solar panels generating electricity from the sun’s rays, but as a return on investment, solar thermal has much greater value to most homes and businesses due to its relative simplicity.
Evacuated Thermal Tube technology is far from new; it has been used in many countries around the world for over twenty years to heat water economically. This has become the solar product of choice for cost and environmentally conscientious businesses and consumers.
This process is quite simple in nature. Evacuated thermal tubes are generally about 2” in diameter and about 5’ long. The outside is a clear glass tube which houses a dark coloured glass tube. The space between the two tubes is a vacuum, which acts like a thermos. This vacuum is an excellent insulator, keeping the heat in and allowing the system to boil water, even in minus 30 conditions. A copper pipe inside the glass tube contains a small amount of fluid. The sunshine causes the liquid to boil. The steam rises to the top where a manifold containing food grade antifreeze and water then transfers the heat to your solar hot water tank.
The hot water generated by the hot water tank can then be used the same as any other hot water tank. The system is completely integrated into your hot water system.
Each solar hot water tank has an electrical back-up system for those days where sunshine is less than abundant.
Naturally it would be best if we could completely eliminate the use of electricity, but the reduction in its use is a fantastic first step. Adding solar heating to your hot water system will reduce your energy consumption and reduce the impact on the environment.
Saving money and the environment is the goal IES has for each of its customers. Take a moment to contact us so we can show you how you can continue to grow your green program.