Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the advantages of using a Thermal Solar System over other alternative energies?
A: One of the biggest advantages of a Thermal Solar system is that it is free and constant. You don't have to worry about where you are going to get your next cord of wood, ton of pellets, and you can bring your children inside so they don't spend all day spinning your wind turbine while waiting for a breeze. The sun will rise every morning.
Thermal Solar is also much more cost effective. A Thermal Solar system will pay for itself within 3-8 years saving several tons of carbon dioxide emissions from being released into the air whereas a photovoltaic system (which uses the sun to produce electricity) might save as much carbon dioxide from being released, but will take 40-50 years to pay for itself.
A Thermal Solar system can be installed almost everywhere and requires no lifestyle changes or major modifications to existing systems in your home unlike other alternative energies.
Q: How long will installation of a Thermal Solar system take?
A: Most systems can be installed in one day.
Q: Will a Thermal Solar system look attractive?
A: A Thermal Solar system will not overtake your house and yard. Most systems can be installed on a roof or in some corner of your yard and only take up a couple dozen square feet of space. Plus, it is a unique phenomena that as your trees stay greener and the pile of greenbacks in your wallet gets thicker, your thermal solar system will become better looking. Our only suggestion is that you don't carry your affection for your system past naming it. Popular names: Sweetie, Darling, and Honey.
Q: What routine maintenance will a Thermal Solar system require?
A: Maintenance can be kept to a minimum with a Thermal Solar system. It is recommended that fittings be checked annually to make sure that they are tight and leak free. Ph levels of the glycol should be checked annually as well. Both of these will not be a problem for the homeowner to perform in 30 min. once a year.
Q: Will my Thermal Solar system require a professional for installation and upkeep?
A: No. The system can be installed by a competent do-it-yourself-er. However, it is recommended that a licensed professional install the system. After installation, upkeep and maintenance will be minimal and can be preformed by the homeowner.
Q: Will investing in a Thermal Solar system now be worthwhile?
A: Absolutely. With the installation of a Thermal Solar System, you can expect to see immediate savings on your power bill of 50-85% per month. As energy prices continue to rise, this percentage of savings will rise right along with them.
Q: Will I need special equipment throughout my home to use a Thermal Solar system?
A: No. A Thermal Solar System can integrate into your current system without any major changes to appliances or lifestyle.
Q: What is the life expectancy of a Thermal Solar system?
A: A Thermal Solar System has, on average, a life expectancy of about 20-30 years. This extended life means large amounts of savings for you in a comfortable home.
Q: Is the Thermal Solar system weather proof?
A: Proper instillation of thermal solar collectors will stand up to the worst that nature has to offer. Each evacuated tube has a weather rating that will withstand pounding hail greater than 1-1/4 inches. The tempered glass will withstand wind, snow, sleet, and the occasional foul ball. Just to make you sleep better in the storm, each tube comes with a 5 year warranty to cover the loss of vacuum.
Q: Will I have to renovate or remodel my home to use a Thermal Solar system?
A: The good answer is "no". Each Thermal Solar System is capable of being "plugged into" your existing system. The easy installation can be done in a day. You can even keep your old system as a back up system for those extended days of darkness or those days when in-laws arrive (what's the difference?) and use up more hot water than you normally consume.
Q: What are the benefits of a Thermal Solar heating system?
A: The benefits of a Thermal Solar system are many. There is the obvious benefit that comes from finances. You will see immediate savings on your power bill of 50-85%. The incredible savings will mean that the entire system will pay for itself in 3-8 years. In the amount of time that a conventional electric furnace will pay for itself, a thermal solar system will have paid for itself 3-5 times over.
For those that are environmentally minded, a thermal solar system has great benefits for helping the environment. A Thermal Solar system does not pollute - at all. In addition to the fiscal savings of a thermal solar system, the system will also avoid 2.5 tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year. That means in one house that uses a thermal solar system for 20 years, over 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions will be avoided.
With all of these benefits, it is no wonder that an installation of a thermal solar system will also raise the value of your home at least by the entire value of your solar system.
Q: How does temperature affect the Thermal Solar system?
A: The good news is that temperature has very little effect on a thermal solar system. Thermal Solar gets all of its energy from light. Solar collectors will work just fine in northern climates where the temperature can drop twenty degrees below zero.
Q: Will Thermal Solar stop working if there is no sun?
A: The optimal working conditions of thermal solar systems are bright, sunny days; however, because of their design evacuated tubes can work in days that are overcast, windy, and cold. As long as there is light the system will continue to work. Just in case of prolonged days of darkness or excessive use, a thermal solar system can integrate smoothly into your existing water heating system using it as backup in case the thermal solar system cannot keep up with demand.
Q: How much does a Thermal Solar system cost?
A: Thermal Solar systems are surprisingly affordable. Our complete systems start for only $4,995.00. You can couple this with many tax credits that both the Federal and state governments offer on solar systems - up to $5,000 in the state of Idaho.
Q: What is Thermal Solar Energy?
A: Thermal Solar Energy is using the sun's energy to create hot water. Unlike photovoltaic energy, which uses the sun to create electricity, no electricity is produced in a thermal solar exchange. However, the amount of hot water that is produced is enough to provide all of the hot water and heating needs of the typical home. This will drastically reduce the amount of electricity needed to keep a home heated and comfortable.
There are basically two types of thermal solar collectors, flat panel collectors and evacuated tubes. When most people think about solar, they picture the flat panel collectors. However, evacuated tubes are proving to be more cost efficient and economical. Evacuated tubes consist of a glass tube that is devoid of air. Within the tube there is another tube that will absorb the heat and heat either a transfer liquid or the water to be used in the home. Many times, there are also metal plates that help to capture the sun's light and focus it to the collector tube. The vacuum conditions within the glass tube mean that there are no molecules to carry the heat from the collector tube to the cooler surface of the outer glass tube where the heat can escape.
