Why Solar Hot Water Panels Really Do Matter
One word: efficiency.
If you have a modern, tech-centered home, you may be obsessed with it. After all, most modern solutions do just that for us, don't they? ...They make our precious time more efficient.
So, what does that have to do with solar hot water, you may ask?
Well, many people we speak with are concerned about the efficiency of the solar electric panels they install. But did you know that you can triple the efficiency of the best PV panels on the market?
It's true.
Simply choose to add solar hot water to your installation and. ...Bingo! The panels in that section are now 3 times more efficient than they were using PV.
In fact, the very best solar electric panels on the market are now operating at just above 20% efficiency. Solar thermal panel efficiencies, on the other hand, regularly top 65-75%!
This is clearly a staggering improvement when utilizing roof space and the boost it delivers to your solar electric system cannot be overestimated, really.
If you have a modern, tech-centered home, you may be obsessed with it. After all, most modern solutions do just that for us, don't they? ...They make our precious time more efficient.
So, what does that have to do with solar hot water, you may ask?
Well, many people we speak with are concerned about the efficiency of the solar electric panels they install. But did you know that you can triple the efficiency of the best PV panels on the market?
It's true.
Simply choose to add solar hot water to your installation and. ...Bingo! The panels in that section are now 3 times more efficient than they were using PV.
In fact, the very best solar electric panels on the market are now operating at just above 20% efficiency. Solar thermal panel efficiencies, on the other hand, regularly top 65-75%!
This is clearly a staggering improvement when utilizing roof space and the boost it delivers to your solar electric system cannot be overestimated, really.
How Solar Thermal Energy Works
Solar thermal installations can boost the overall efficiency of solar electric systems by using more of the sun's energy to directly heat the water in your home. Otherwise, you waste a great deal of that energy by converting into electricity first.
In the summer months, it is easy to conceptualize how this might work. But what about the the winter? Clearly there isn't enough solar energy to heat all of the water in your home.
Essentially, the small amount of solar energy that makes it through the clouds and rain is captured. This energy is then used to "preheat" the water in your tank. This makes less work for your electricity (or natural gas) to do, saving you money and greening your impact.
Interested in more details?
We have plenty of them! Take a look at our technical hot water page to learn more about the kinds of panels available, and exactly how they all work (coming soon).
In the summer months, it is easy to conceptualize how this might work. But what about the the winter? Clearly there isn't enough solar energy to heat all of the water in your home.
Essentially, the small amount of solar energy that makes it through the clouds and rain is captured. This energy is then used to "preheat" the water in your tank. This makes less work for your electricity (or natural gas) to do, saving you money and greening your impact.
Interested in more details?
We have plenty of them! Take a look at our technical hot water page to learn more about the kinds of panels available, and exactly how they all work (coming soon).
Synchronize Your Design Process
If you get the chance, there is an advantage to working with a company that can design solar thermal and solar electric systems to work well together. Chances are that an increase in total system efficiency is nearly impossible to avoid in many situations.
Also, keep in mind that the actual installation of solar hot water systems requires a completely different set of credentials. A company that can do both solar PV and solar thermal must maintain an incredibly deep understanding of all aspects of the solar contracting process.
In addition to the standard solar electric & contracting requirements that all of us carry in Oregon, these specialized professionals require full plumbing licensure as well. Oregon Plumbing licenses can be identified by the letters "PB" in official contractor searches (this stands for Plumbing Business. For example, our plumbing license number is PB781).
Here at Synchro Solar, we also maintain an optional Solar Thermal License (called an STL). This a specialized designation that requires extensive knowledge of solar energy, in addition to deep knowledge of the plumbing environment. You can see all of our licenses and look up our contracting history at the Oregon.gov website (here at this link).
If you have questions about exploring a solar installation of any kind, with or without a solar thermal component, we would love to hear from you! You can easily reach us by phone or by using the button below to send us an email.
Also, keep in mind that the actual installation of solar hot water systems requires a completely different set of credentials. A company that can do both solar PV and solar thermal must maintain an incredibly deep understanding of all aspects of the solar contracting process.
In addition to the standard solar electric & contracting requirements that all of us carry in Oregon, these specialized professionals require full plumbing licensure as well. Oregon Plumbing licenses can be identified by the letters "PB" in official contractor searches (this stands for Plumbing Business. For example, our plumbing license number is PB781).
Here at Synchro Solar, we also maintain an optional Solar Thermal License (called an STL). This a specialized designation that requires extensive knowledge of solar energy, in addition to deep knowledge of the plumbing environment. You can see all of our licenses and look up our contracting history at the Oregon.gov website (here at this link).
If you have questions about exploring a solar installation of any kind, with or without a solar thermal component, we would love to hear from you! You can easily reach us by phone or by using the button below to send us an email.
(503) 208-4076
Our services are limited to the Portland/Vancouver Metro Area (and surrounding regions) here in Oregon, however.
If you need to contact someone outside of Oregon: We recommend you start with either, 1) a trusted, local professional that maintains a solid customer track-record, 2) a local solar-promoting non-profit or 3) your local utility company.
If you need to contact someone outside of Oregon: We recommend you start with either, 1) a trusted, local professional that maintains a solid customer track-record, 2) a local solar-promoting non-profit or 3) your local utility company.