Comfort Line - Questions and Answers

This quarter our question and answer segment discusses solar energy systems that are available for residential or commercial use.

Is solar energy new to the United States?

It has been available in the U.S. since approximately 1974 following the Arab oil embargo. To date, it has been used primarily in warm, sunny climates like California, Arizona and Florida.

Does it make economic sense in this part of the country?

Up to this point, in most cases, the payback on solar equipment in New Jersey has not been enough to make it economically viable. However, this situation is beginning to change. Higher energy costs and recent tax law changes (see related article) have increased the rate of return on an investment in solar energy equipment.

Where are solar collectors mounted?

They are normally strategically mounted on the roof of a home. However, they can also be mounted on the ground in specially designed solar panel holders.

How are solar panels used?

Solar panels can be used to generate electricity (photovoltaic system). They can also be used to generate domestic hot water, heat a swimming pool or in a hot water radiant heating system. Generating electricity and heating domestic hot water are the most economically viable since they can used 12 months a year.

How do photovoltaic systems work?

Photovoltaic systems convert energy from the sun into electricity. Electricity produced by solar panels is tied into the electrical system in a home or building to supplement the electricity supplied by the local power company. On a sunny day, when electric consumption is low, the excess electricity produced by the solar panels goes back into the electric power grid and is credited to your electric bill.

How do solar hot water making systems work?

A solar hot water generating system consists of four main components: storage tank, solar panels, circulator and a control. The storage tank generally contains two coils, which are used to transfer heat to the domestic hot water. The first coil is attached to the solar panels and the second to a supplemental heat source, such as a boiler. The circulator moves a water/antifreeze mixture from one internal coil in the storage tank to the solar panels on the roof. The solar panels heat the water/antifreeze mixture and return it to a coil in the storage tank to heat the domestic hot water.

At night or on cloudy days, a secondary coil tied into an supplemental energy source might be necessary to produce sufficient domestic hot water. Generally, the solar system can produce 50%-60% of the annual energy demand for domestic hot water. If you would like more information about solar hot water heating systems, give us a call at 973-383-1421.