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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers from Pacific Solar Smart
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Although Solar Energy has been around for many years, there are many misconceptions
about it's use and installation procedures, here are many of the questions
with our explanation. Hopefully we have answered your doubts, if not
contact us
for more information.
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Q: How does a solar water-heating system work?
A: Every solar water-heating system features a solar collector that faces
the sun to absorb the sun's heat energy. This collector can either heat water
directly or heat a working fluid that's then used to heat the water. In active
solar water-heating systems, a pumping mechanism moves heated water through
the building. In passive solar water-heating systems, the water moves by
natural convection. In almost all cases, solar water-heating systems work
in tandem with conventional gas or electric water-heating systems; the conventional
systems operate as needed to ensure a reliable supply of heated water.
There are many types of solar water heaters. Each has strengths to recommend
it for specific climates and water conditions. Solar system professionals
can help you select the most appropriate system for your area and your needs. |
Q: Are there any disadvantages to using solar energy?
A: The energy in sunlight can be used for many purposes, including heating
water for a building or swimming pool. And using solar energy has many environmental
and life-cycle economic benefits. However, solar energy heating or solar
electric products often have higher first costs than other, similar products
do. This means it will probably cost more initially to purchase and install
a solar system than it will to purchase and install another kind of heating
or electric system. Still, in nearly all cases, you will recover your initial
costs through substantial fuel savings (as shown in lower utility bills)
over the life of the product. Many solar systems last from 15 to 30 years. |
Q: Can a solar water heater replace an electric or gas water heater?
A: Not completely. Conventional electric or gas water heating systems are
still necessary as a supplement to the solar water heating system, largely
because the sun might not shine in a particular area for several days at
a time. However, because solar water heaters are designed provide hot water
directly to the tank of a gas or electric water heater, they reduce the need
for the water heater to run on conventional fuels. And this in turn reduces
your gas or electric bill. Depending on where you live, solar water heaters
can provide up to 80% of your home's annual water-heating needs. |
Q: Can solar water heaters be used in British Columbia or colder climates?
A: Yes. Solar water heating technology is effective regardless of the outside
temperature. In colder climates, more energy is required to heat cold incoming
ground water, so using solar energy in such conditions could dramatically
lower a consumer's utility bills. In addition, colder incoming ground water
helps solar water heaters to operate at higher efficiencies. |
Q: Can solar power be used to heat my home and business?
A: No pre-engineered residential solar space heating systems are readily
available to consumers today. But many solar energy professionals can engineer
a system for you, on request. However, solar space-heating systems are considerably
more expensive than solar water-heating systems. Depending on the size of
the space that needs heating, a solar system could cost anywhere from $3,000
to more than $10,000. Pacific Solar Smart can explain what would be involved
to purchase this type of solar system. You may want to consider increasing
your insulation and using passive solar technologies-such as large, energy-efficient,
south-facing windows-as an alternative. |
Q: What about heating my swimming pool with solar?
A: Solar swimming pool heating is the most common way that people in British
Columbia utilize solar energy today. Solar pool-heating systems increase
water temperature by 10 degrees or more over an unheated pool, and can extend
the swimming season by two to three months. System prices range from $2,500
to more than $5,000, depending on the size of your pool and on other conditions
such as shading and proximity to the ocean. When systems are installed to
replace a conventional gas or electric swimming pool heater, the initial
investment can usually be recovered in approximately three years, sometimes
less. |
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