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The sun beams energy at the Earth with greater intensity than a 1000W lamp per square meter. Depending on various atmospheric and geographic factors, much of this free energy can be collected and stored. One way of doing so is to convert solar radiation to hot water for domestic or industrial use.
Consumers often ask if there is enough sunlight in Canada to support solar applications such as water heating. In fact, there is enough solar energy to deliver an average of 2500 kWh of energy per year. This means that a solar water heater can provide enough solar energy to meet about one half of the water heating energy needs for a family of four.
The technology to do so is cost effective for both on and off grid customers, with
a typical system being expected to pay for itself in 5-10 years; less than half its
life expectancy. As with all forms of renewable energy, once the initial
equipment cost is recovered, one can enjoy the free, clean and quiet production
of energy for many years.
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BC. Energy Efficiency For Home Owners, For more information on this click here...> |
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A typical solar water heater in Canada will reduce annual energy costs by 50%, also eliminating up to 2 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (the equivalent pollution of one automobile!)
Solar Thermal systems can be used in conjunction with wood stoves or boilers to deliver year-round renewable domestic hot water or space heating. This is a highly effective solution for off-grid living in northern climates.
Large consumers of hot water can benefit from the economies of scale of a larger solar thermal system. In addition, commercial solar thermal users are eligible for a 25% subsidy through NRCan's Renewable Energy Deployment Initiative (REDI).
The “Flat”-Out Truth, What You Need To Know
Myth: Evacuated tube collectors are more efficient than flat plate collectors.
Fact: Evacuated tube collectors can out perform flat plate collectors and flat plate collectors can out perform evacuated tube collectors,but neither one can be considered “more efficient” than the other. The outcome is dependant on the environmental conditions.
Collector efficiency varies with respect to the differential between the collector inlet temperature and the outside ambient temperature.
At higher differentials, evacuated tubes prove more efficient, whereas at lower differentials the flat plate collector is superior.
We offer a range of solar collectors from leading manufacturers. Our engineer will design a system to fulfill your needs and provide our experienced staff to install it for you. We can supply and install the whole system, including pumps, vents, tank and pipework, giving you the reassurance of our expertise. On the other hand, if you are confident and technically-minded we can simply send you the panel. |
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