Solar Incentives
Advantages
ofSolar Thermal
- Reduces the impact of rising electricity, gas and oil prices.
- Plates do not degrade in efficiency.
- Qualifies for federal and state tax credits.
- Provides long-term financial benefits by reducing monthly utility bills.
- Can offset 60-80% of the annual hot water load.
- Plates can last over 40 years.
- Maintenance is minimal.
Solar Thermal
Solar thermal technology harnesses solar energy for thermal energy or heat. This thermal energy is typically used to heat water, but can also be used for space heating. Commercial or industrial solar thermal systems are most cost effective in facilities with water heating systems that are expensive to operate, or in operations such as laundries or kitchens that require large quantities of hot water. A solar thermal system can meet up to 75% of a commercial facility's annual hot water needs and significantly reduce hot water heating bills.
Solar Thermal Systems Consist of:
Solar Collectors
In the simplest solar thermal application, a discrete solar collector gathers solar radiation to heat air or water for domestic, commercial, or industrial use.
Passive Solar Heating
Passive solar heating is the absorption of solar energy in a building which reduces the energy required to warm the habitable areas. This contributes to space heating.
Electricity Generation
Solar thermal energy can be collected on a large scale and used to heat a transfer fluid. This fluid can then power a steam turbine that generates electricity.
Solar Thermal Systems Consist of:
- Flat plate collectors
- Insulated piping
- Circulating pump
- Expansion tank and hot-water storage tank(s)
- Heat exchanger and antifreeze solution
- Controller, valves, gauges
Solar Collectors
In the simplest solar thermal application, a discrete solar collector gathers solar radiation to heat air or water for domestic, commercial, or industrial use.
Passive Solar Heating
Passive solar heating is the absorption of solar energy in a building which reduces the energy required to warm the habitable areas. This contributes to space heating.
Electricity Generation
Solar thermal energy can be collected on a large scale and used to heat a transfer fluid. This fluid can then power a steam turbine that generates electricity.