Enerworks is
a flat panel solar collector system that absorbs heat from the sun to
heat the domestic hot water (dishes, washing machine, showers) in your
house. The system does not cycle water through the solar collectors,
it cycles through a food grade propylene glycol and distilled water
solution to prevent freezing in colder climates.
The water and glycol solution
absorbs the heat from the sun when it is pumped through copper tubing
inside the solar collector. The water and glycol solution is pumped
through the system using a small AC pump that plugs into a standard
electrical outlet. The pump is controller with temperature sensors that
are located at the solar storage tank and the solar collector. The pump
automatically turns on when the solar collector reaches a higher temperature
than the water entering the system.
Enerworks is a closed loop
system, meaning it never comes in contact with the hot water you use
in your house. The water and glycol solution heats the water through
a heat exchanger that is mounted on the side of a storage tank. The
cold water that usually goes into your hot water tank is diverted to
the solar storage tank. This is where the cold water passes through
the heat exchanger and heats up. The water is then stored in the solar
storage tank until it is needed in the house. Now your hot water tank
draws warm water from the solar storage tank instead of heating cold
water from a well or city source. Below is a diagram showing how the
system works.
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The Enerworks solar collectors can be installed on a roof, outside wall
or even a ground mount. The system will perform better if the panels
are facing South at a 45-60 degree angle. The panels cannot be installed
flat on a flat roof for two reasons. One reason is the overheating protection
device will not work and two the snow will not melt and slide off the
collectors.
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The chart below recommends number of collectors and solar storage
tank size depending on hot water use and how many people live in the
house. Estimated system cost for a one collector system is $6500 taxes
included and installed, a two collector system is $8500 taxes included
and installed. Prices change depending on location of the solar collectors
and labour.
Warranty: Collectors 10 years, non electric
components 5 years, electrical components 2 years.
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