PlumbingandMechanical Solar Thermal Report Fall 2011 : Page 6

Solar shines in coal country “I’m kind of a maverick,” he says. “If there is a new product or technology, I want to be the first in line to try it. I knew very little about the solar energy industry when Thom approached me, but I’m intrigued by it. I’m trying to learn more about it every day.” The drainback solar thermal system provides 100 percent of the water-heating and space-heating needs for Hoffman’s 2,500-square-foot townhome. Installed in the home is the mini Equinox, which has an unpressurized, atmospheric 80-gallon storage tank made of impact-resistant plastic. The tank is filled only once with tap water (without additives), which is used for heat transfer. Domestic water is heated in the stainless-steel heat exchangers by the storage tank water. Apricus evacuated-tube solar collectors were installed on Hoffman’s home; customers also may choose SolarHot flat-plate collectors to be installed with the Equinox system. Other system equipment includes a Quietside tankless water heater, two 115-volt nonsubmersible Grundfos pumps and a SolaStat GDF programmable controller. For space heating, the Equinox system is connected to two First Co. 3-ton AquaTherm hydronic air handlers — one in the attic and one in the crawlspace. It also is connected to Hoffman’s existing air-conditioning system. As the temperature in the residence falls below the setpoint, the thermostat calls for heat. The pump comes on and water flows from the Equinox tank to the hydronic furnace. The variable-speed, high-efficiency fan within the furnace turns on and provides heat. Significant energy savings: Hoffman kept detailed records for the 12-month period after installation of his solar thermal system. During that period, he recorded an 18 percent reduction in his electricity draw and about a 38.9 percent reduction in his natural gas usage. He does admit those savings also include other energy conservation measures he undertook at the time of the solar installation. The SUN mini Equinox drainback solar thermal system provides 100 percent of the water-heating and space-heating needs for Ron Hoffman’s 2,500-square-foot townhome. “Whenever an installation like this is undertaken, we recommend a thorough energy audit to take care of other energy conservation issues,” he explains. “As a part of this program, I did augment my insulation values throughout my townhome. While a significant portion of the savings is in the new system, I have to recognize that a part of those savings was due to the improvements in the conservation area.” Because of the significant energy savings it provides, Hoffman is proud of his solar thermal energy system. And while those coal lobbyists work in the state legislature to make sure that coal is king, Blake, Hoffman and Partymiller will continue to spread the solar energy message. “Solar is becoming increasingly prevalent but is still a long way from developing critical mass in our Midwest markets,” Partymiller says. STR FREE INFO #: 400 6 Fall 2011 Solar Thermal Report

Apricus Solar Co.
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