Solar Space Heating and a Hybrid system with Space and Water Heating, by Sunsiaray
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Northern Comfort solar panels, made by Sunsiaray, are the only SRCC Certified Air Collectors in the country eligible for the federal energy tax credit of 2006 and 2007. These collectors have been Certified from 1986 to the present by the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (srcc), which is an independent, non - profit organization that certifies and rates the performance of solar energy equipment. You can check them out at www.solar-rating.org/. |
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Although heating your home with the Northern Comfort panels will save you money, their hybrid combination air and water system is definitely the cat's meow!
Dual mode air systems allow you to take advantage of your array 12 months of the year. The primary mode is set to heat your building, which is your biggest expense, and once that has been satisfied the system starts making hot water. From spring to fall it can provide all your hot water needs, and when you add space heating, it is truly the best of both worlds.
Dual mode systems will not freeze because the heat exchanger is installed in a conditioned space. This prevents the possibility of broken pipes in your attic, and there is no requirement for antifreeze that needs replacing every few years. Because the heat exchanger is in a conditioned space we use potable water, and we eliminate the need for a double walled heat exchanger and glycol, and pass the cost savings on to you. |
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This is a diagram of the air flow in both the Space heating and Water heating modes
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Here is the info on the Northern Comfort panels:
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There are three major types of coatings on absorber plates in an air collector. The first type is black paint and is about 10% efficient. The second type uses semi-selective paint and can achieve up-to 45% efficiency. If this is hand sprayed you will get about 15% to 20% efficiency at best. The third type is a selective surface. This is a highly controlled process and will deliver from 88% to 96% efficiency depending on the type of selective coating. Northern Comfort™ panels are coated with TINOX™, which is Titanium-Oxy-Nitride with a proactive Quartz coating. It is the first environmentally friendly coating that does not pollute the air or water, and is 96% efficient. |
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Some tips:
To give you an idea of what size array your home might need, the following is a general rule of thumb in sizing a residential collector system. One collector will heat between 400 and 600 sq/ft., depending on the home.
Use third party financing (leasing) to reduce your fuel cost. The leaseholder gets to take advantage of the tax credit and depreciation. You maintain a warm building while avoiding rising fuel prices, and everyone wins!
The following pictures will give you an example of a small installation:
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