America's Solar Supply House since 1979 2006

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SYSTEMS AND PARTS FOR THE DESIGNER, BUILDER AND DO-IT-YOURSELFER

Solar
Design
Catalog

AAA Solar Supply Inc.

2021 Zearing NW
SOLAR Albuquerque, N.M. 87104 SOLAR
ELECTRICITY Local 243-4900 WATER and
and POOL 1-800-245-0311 SPACE
HEATING FAX 505-243-0885 HEATING
e-mail solarstuff@aaasolar.com
http://www.aaasolar.com
 Solar Design Catalog 2006
Published by AAA Solar Supply Inc,
Copyright 2002, All rights reserved

INDEX
PAGE PAGE
ACTIVE WATER HEATERS 23 LIQUID COLLECTORS - HOT WATER 28
ABOUT OUR COMPANY 62 LIQUID RADIANT FLOOR SYSTEMS 45
AIR COLLECTORS 54 ORDERING AND SHIPPING 63
BASIC SOLAR ENERGY 16 PASSIVE THERMOSYPHON DESIGN 22
BATTERIES 09 PASSIVE SOLAR WATER HEATERS 20
BLOWERS 58 PHOTOVOLTAICS - SOLAR ELECTRICITY 4
CHARGE REGULATORS 09 PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES 8
DIFFERENTIAL CONTROLS 35 PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM SIZING 6
EXPANSION TANKS 422 PUMPS 32
FLUIDS 53 SENSORS 36
GLAZINGS 53 STORAGE TANKS 39
GLOSSARY 61 SUN OVEN - FRIDGE AND COOLERS 15
HEAT EXCHANGERS - LIQUID 43 SWIMMING POOL COLLECTORS 37
INSTALLATION MATERIALS 59 THERMOSTATS 60
PIPE INSULATION 53 VALVES 50
INVERTERS 11
Photovoltaic Power Systems are
much like a checking account
The Source The Storage The Expenses
First Home Bank
PAYCHECK

The electricity that

your system produces
each day is like a
regular paycheck The checks that
Your batteries are like the bank you write are like
where you have your checking the electricity that
account. They store the electricity you use for lights
until it's needed and appliances etc.
CHARGE
REGULATOR
KEEPS
BATTERIES
FROM
OVERCHARGING

PV MODULES
(PAGE 8)

DEEP DEEP
CYCLE CYCLE
BATTERY BATTERY

BATTERIES You know what

FOR ELECTRICAL STORAGE happens when
Featuring (SEE PAGE 9) you spend more
me than you have !
YOU CAN ADD AN INVERTER
TO RUN AC APPLIANCES
Bucky A BASIC 12 VOLT DC (SEE PAGE 14)

DA, SOLAR SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM

BEAVER
 ALTERNATIVE POWER SOURCES

Alternative Energy, a bit of history and why it that it was a generator powered by fossil fuels
is a viable alternative today. or an occasional methane generator. A few
pioneers also used small micro hydro systems
We have now lived with the convenience of where the water resource was plentiful. Many
electricity for over a hundred years. It has people in remote locations simply did without
changed our lives so dramatically that almost and used kerosene lanterns. These sources
everyone now considers it a necessity along were not used as much when cheap power
with food and water. When Edison first lit up became available as the grid expanded to all but
the streets of Buffalo NY, electricity was a the most remote locations in North America.
convenience that only the rich could afford and, Nuclear power plants were built, starting in the
by today’s standards, very dangerous. Utilities 1950’s, and promised even cheaper power. This
were formed to generate electricity and many great promise of virtually unlimited nuclear
cities incorporated them into their existing power proved to be too expensive and
water and sewer divisions. Utilities branched potentially too dangerous.
out with the government backing them as The 1960’s and 70’s started a new era for
regulated monopolies to encourage investments remote power systems. Many people, tired of
and promote the use of this wonderful new living in the declining urban environments,
source of power. wanted to get away from the daily rat race and
new technologies offered a way to do it without
giving up the conveniences they had become
accustomed to. There was also a growing
consciousness about the world environment.
Pollution caused by short sighted planning had
caused environmental catastrophes like making
Lake Erie uninhabitable for fish.
Today, thanks to technological advances, we
have good choices for alternative power.
Advances in solar electricity (photovoltaics)

Centralized power plants with wires spidering

out to homes and businesses became the norm.
We still live with that today. Hydroelectric
plants were the first choice for generating
power since after a dam was built and the
turbines installed, the electricity produced was
cheap. In locations where a river couldn’t be
dammed, coal was the fuel of choice, again and wind turbines have made clean, reliable
because it was so inexpensive. There was and affordable power a reality being used
seldom a good reason for utilities to invest in worldwide. Remote homes, mountain top
cleaner, more efficient technologies since this communication sites, recreational vehicles, sail
affected profits and incurred the shareholders boats, lighting, railroad signals, and water
ire. pumping are a few of the applications in wide
People who lived away from the power lines, use today that utilize solar and wind power.
now called “the grid”, had very few choices for
power generation. Jacobs wind turbines were CALL 800-245-0311 for
used to some extent on remote farms and MONTHLY SPECIALS
ranches dating back to the 1930’s. Other than
3
 PHOTOVOLTAICS
Photovoltaic equipment is also widely known Although the photovoltaic effect was
as P.V. or solar electricity. P.V. is the high tech discovered over a hundred years ago, due to
side of the solar industry. The photovoltaic low outputs and extremely high costs,
industry is still in its relative infancy compared applications for P.V.’s didn’t get going until the
to the solar heating industry. If the efficiencies space program. Satellites in earth orbits or deep
of P.V. panels ever reach the efficiency of space required a source of energy to power
today’s heating collectors, and the costs are their transmitters and other equipment.
kept down, the energy usage on earth will be Photovoltaics, regardless of cost was the only
dramatically changed. viable option available to NASA engineers. The
fruits of the space pioneer’s development are
The basic building block of photovoltaics is the harvested today in applications such as remote
cell. Cells are either round or square and communications, powering homes, pumping
convert sunlight to D.C. electricity. The water, charging R.V. batteries and remote
photons of light cause electrons to flow in the lighting. The effort in bringing down the cost of
cell which is usually made of a doped silicon P.V.’s is opening new markets daily although
crystal. Each cell produces about 1/2 a volt of payback cannot yet be realized if low cost grid
electricity under load. The current produced by power (power lines) is available. Today it is
each cell depends on its size. Most cells smart to consider P.V.’s if power lines are more
manufactured today produce from two to four than 1/4 of a mile away.
amps of current. Cells are normally wired
together to form a module or panel. Modules Any application which requires electricity
are usually wired to produce from 14 1/2 to 17 during the daylight hours only is termed P.V. or
volts. These are called 12 volt modules because Load Direct. Powering pumps for crop
they are used to charge 12 volt batteries. A 12 irrigation or stock watering and pumps or
volt lead acid battery is fully charged at about blowers for solar heaters are some common
13 1/2 volts and the module must produce a load direct applications. Recent innovations
higher voltage than 12 volts to fully charge the include the National Park Service using P.V.
battery. Two or more modules is called an powered blowers with solar air collectors in
back country self-composting toilets. P.V.
direct systems are simple, lower in cost and
virtually maintenance free.
If an application needs power available at night,
CELL MANY CELLS lighting for example, batteries and a charge
WIRED control are necessary to store the electricity.
TOGETHER Charge controls protects batteries from damage
MAKE A MODULE caused by overvoltage. The charge control cuts
the power to the batteries when full charge is
achieved. It is a must on all systems except
ones with very large battery banks and small P.
array. Modules, like the cells that they contain, V. charging capacity. If the battery storage
may also be wired in series, parallel or both. capacity is more than fifty times the P.V. daily
How cells and modules are wired give a output a charge control is not necessary.
designer a wide range of voltage and amperage Batteries used with photovoltaic modules are
outputs. The majority of applications in smaller called deep cycle. Deep cycle batteries are
projects are for 12 to 24 volt outputs with the manufactured to be able to discharge most of
amperage depending on how much power is their stored energy hundreds of times without
required. damage. Shallow cycle (car batteries) are made
to discharge only 10 to 20% of their energy
4
(starting the car) each cycle. Deep discharging but you must estimate your electrical
a shallow cycle battery even twenty to thirty consumption for the system size to be accurate.
times will shorten its life if not ruin it. We See page 19 for a few typical PV systems and
recommend that you use only deep cycle their capabilities.
batteries with P.V. systems: 6 volt golf cart
batteries are a true deep cycle battery with good Conservation plays a big part in photovoltaic
availability. Nickel-Cadmium, mine car systems. The more you can conserve, the more
batteries and gel cells are also acceptable. you will save in system design. Energy efficient
lights and appliances almost always pay for
If alternating current (120V. grid power) themselves, even if they cost more to begin
equipment, lighting or appliances are to be used with.
a device called an inverter is required. Inverters
convert the D.C. electricity from modules or
batteries to A.C. electricity through electronic
wizardry. Inverters are available from 100 watts FLUORESCENT LIGHT
to thousands of watts. Good inverters that waste
a minimum of power cost about 1.00 per watt.
Beware of cheap inverters, some of them can
X INCANDESCENT

A 20 WATT FLUORESCENT LIGHT IS EQUAL

use up to 50 watts of power in the standby
TO AN 75 WATT INCANDESCENT AND LASTS
mode alone. A well made modified sine wave
10 TIMES LONGER
inverter is acceptable in most applications.
Powering remote homes can cost from five Solar home heating systems, water heaters and
hundred to thirty thousand dollars depending on appliances for cooking are covered in the
size and powering requirements. Since the load heating section of the catalog. It is almost
of every house is different, the following can always foolish to use photovoltaic modules for
assist you in engineering a system to fit your these jobs. PV modules cost much more per
needs. square foot and are only about 15% efficient
compared to solar heating collectors which are
SYSTEM SIZING typically about 50% efficient in converting
sunlight to heat. The solar heating section starts
First, we do not design electrical systems by on page 20.
the size of the home or the number of people Refrigerators can be powered by solar
living within. Electrical usage varies a good electricity, but many people use propane
deal and is based on living habits. One refrigerators due to the high cost of super
person can easily use 10 or more times as efficient refrigerators and the long pay back
much electricity as another. time. See page 15 for more about refrigerators.
The following page has a list of the average
We size photovoltaic systems based on your electrical usage of many common appliances.
estimate of your electrical usage. The more Remember, this is an average usage and the
accurate the estimate, the better a system will consumption of electrical appliances can vary
fit your needs. You must know how much over a wide range. You should use the actual
electricity each light, appliance or motor uses appliance wattage whenever possible.
and then estimate how much it will be used
each day (24 hour period). All electrical
CALL 800-245-0311 for
devices are rated in watts, like a 100 watt light
bulb. If a motor or appliance has a nameplate MONTHLY SPECIALS
that only gives volts and amps, the watts can be
calculated by multiplying the rated volts times
the amps. The example sizing worksheet on the
following page should help you size a system.
We will be happy to help you design a system, 5
 Average electrical usage of many common appliances
AC Appliances DC Appliances
Blender - 350 watts Blender - 80 watts
Coffee Maker - 1200 watts Ceiling Fan - 25 watts
Dishwasher - 1200 watts Fan, 8 inch - 15 watts
Evap Cooler small - 240 watts Lights, fluorescent - 8 to 40 watts
Freezer - 450 watts Radio, Tape Player - 35 watts
Hair Dryer - 500 to 1500 watts Refrigerator, high efficiency- 65 watts
Iron - 1000 watts Television, color 10 inch- 60 watts
Lights, fluorescent - 8 to 40 watts Submersible Pump - 150 to 1200 watts
Lights, incandescent - 40 to 150 watts
Microwave - 600 to 1000 watts
PC Computer and monitor - 250 watts
Power Drill - 240 watts
Radio - 10 watts
Refrigerator, 14 cu ft. - 350 watts
Stereo - 40 to 100 watts
Television, 19 inch color- 150 watts Change a few
Toaster - 1100 watts habits and use
Vacuum Cleaner, large - 1250 watts Energy Efficient
Washing Machine - 450 watts Lights and Appliances
and save BIG $$
DC WIRE SIZING ( The sizes are approximately correct )

14 GA 12 GA 10 GA 8 GA 6 GA 4 GA 2 GA 1/0. 2/0 4/0.

AMPS .292 .292 .292 .292 .292 .292 .292 373 .419 528
1 45 70 115 180 290 456 726
2 22.5 35 57.5 90 145 228 360 580 720 1060
4 10 17.5 27.5 45 72.5 114 180 290 360 580
6 7.5 12 17.5 30 47.5 75 120 193 243 380
8 5.5 8.5 11.5 22.5 35.5 57 90 145 180 290
10 4.5 7 9.5 18 28.5 45.5 72.5 115 145 230
15 3 4.5 7 12 19 30 48 76.5 96 150
20 2 3.5 5.5 9 14.5 22.5 36 57.5 72.5 116
25 1.8 2.8 4.5 7 11 18 29 46 58 92
30 1.5 2.4 3.5 6 9.5 15 24 38.5 48.5 77
40 2.8 4.5 7 11.5 18 29 36 56
50 2.3 3.6 5.5 9 14.5 23 29 46
100 2.9 4.6 7.2 11.5 14.5 23
150 4.8 7.7 9.7 15
200 3.6 5.8 7.3 11
This chart is for sizing stranded wire for a 2% voltage drop in 12 volt systems.
Double the lengths for 24 volt systems and quadruple it for 48 volt systems.
Although a 5% voltage drop is acceptable for AC systems, 2% is the standard
for PV systems due to the savings of efficiency.
6
 SIZING A PV SYSTEM
12 VOLT DC LIGHTS AND APPLIANCES
APPLIANCE HOW MANY
HOURS USEDWATTS WATT HOURS
PER DAY PER DAY
FLUORESCENT LIGHTS 2 20 5 200
MICROWAVE OVEN 1 800 1/2 400
13" TV - VCR COMBO 1 100 2 200
TOTAL DC USAGE PER DAY IN WATT HOURS 800
120 VOLT AC LIGHTS AND APPLIANCES
APPLIANCE HOW MANY WATTS HOURS USED WATT HOURS
PER DAY PER DAY
HAIR DRYER 1 1200 1/6 (10 min) 200
STEREO TAPE PLAYER 1 80 2 160
FLUORESCENT LIGHTS 2 40 3 240
TOTAL AC USAGE PER DAY IN WATT HOURS 600
To adjust the loads for system efficiency and operational losses:
Multiply the DC loads by 1.3 to adjust - 800 x 1.3 = 1040 watt hours per day.
Multiply the AC loads by 1.4 to adjust - 600 x 1.4 = 840 watt hours per day.
The AC adjustment is more to account for inverter efficiency.
Adding the DC and AC adjusted loads together gives a total of 1880 watt hours per day.

MODULE SIZING
The next thing to do is pick a module from page 8. Pick a 100 watt module. Look at
the map on page 9 and get the average hours per day of peak production. Let's pick the
middle US with a production number of 4. Multiply 4 times the module rating.
100 x 4 = 400 watt hours per day per 100 watt module. Divide the module production into
the adjusted load. 1880 / 400 = 4.7 - you would need 5 - 100 watt modules for this load in this
location. 5 - 100 watt modules produce a current of about 6 amps each so you will need a
charge regulator of at least 30 amps. 5 (modules) x 6 (amps) = 30 - Get a larger one if you
have any plans for future expansion.
BATTERY SIZING
Batteries are rated in amp hour capacity. Pick a 220 amp hour battery from page 11. Since
it is 220 amp hours (AH) at 6 volts (V) it has a total capacity of 1320 watts (220 AH x 6V).
You must adjust the battery capacity for efficiency and depth of discharge and we use an
adjustment of 70%. Multiply the capacity 1320 x .7 for a total adjusted capacity of 924 watts
of usable storage per battery. Since the total adjusted load is 1880 watt hours a day, you will
need two batteries for each day of storage. You want 5 days of storage so you will require
10 batteries for this system.
INVERTER SIZING
Inverters are sized to the largest AC load you will use at one time. If you plan to use all of the
AC lights and appliances at one time and have enough capacity to run a power tool you will
need an inverter of at least 1000 watts. Since charge controls and inverters are not modular,
like modules and batteries are, it is best to get a larger one than needed if you have any
thought of expanding your system at a later date.
7
 PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES

The Photovolt aic industry has been through some singni ficant growth pains in
t

the past three years. The world wide demand for PV modules has out stripped
the supply, causing a raise in price for the first time in the history of the industry.
The industry has experienced shortages and this may continue indefinitely with
the higher cost of oil and the greater demand in Europe, Asia, Africa and North
America. The costs given below are the current prices as this catalog was
published and the cost could rise or fall with little or no notice. Call 800- 245 -0311
for current prices. We still have some availability of factory seconds and the price
of the blems is lower than the fully warranted modules given below.

10 Watt $ 115.00 EACH

20 Watt $ 195.00 EACH
40 Watt $ 245.00 EACH
80 Watt $ 478.00 EACH
165 Watt $ 987.00 EACH

80 Watt
165 Watt

40 Watt
20 Watt

10
Watt

8
 CHARGE CONTROLS & BATTERIES
CHARGE CONTROLLERS
We carry charge controllers for various size P.V.
systems. They are compact, efficient charge regulators
designed to protect batteries from overcharge damage.
The pulse charging circuit achieves and maintains a full
state of charge without excess gassing of the batteries,
minimizing water loss and maximizing battery life.

FEATURES ETA 9 amp

• 9 to 60 amp charging Regulator
• 100% solid state
• Durable & weatherproof
• Charge indicator light, some models have built-in meters ETA 22 amp
• Low-power consumption Regulator
• Reverse leakage protection (blocking diode)

ETA 12-9 (12 volt, 9 amp) $49.00

ETA 24-9 (24 volt, 9 amp) $62.50
ETA 12/22 (12 volt, 22 amp) $68.00
ETA 12/44 (12 volt, 44 amp) $155.00
Trace C-40
Regulator
TRACE C40 (12 or 24 volt, 40 amp) $159.00
DVM/C40 Displays volts, amps, and cumulative amp hours
for C40 charge control. $109.00

LPM-10 battery status meter - readout is ten l.e.d. lights, green

yellow and red that allow monitoring of battery capacity in ten
percent increments—for any size battery bank
(12 or 24 volt) $59.50

BATTERIES LPM—10
Battery Status
For over 100 years Exide has been building deep cycling Meter
batteries, including the Solar re-chargeable Deep cycle
Batteries that powered NASA’s “Apollo” moon rocket and
lunar landing module. Today that same type of quality is
built into each long lasting lead acid and gel cell battery that
they produce.

MAINTENANCE FREE
GEL CELL DEEP CYCLE
PV-27 90 AH@ 20 Hour Rate 12 Volt
12"L. X 6 13/16 W. X 9 7/16 H. Exide
59 lbs wet $204.00 E-3600
Deep
LEAD ACID DEEP CYCLE Cycle
Battery
E3600 220AH@ 20 Hour Rate 6 Volt
10 3/8 L. X 7 3/16 W. X 11 11/32 H.
61 lbs. wet $89.00

FS-6D 345 AH@ 20 Hour Rate 6 Volt

11 3/4 L. X 7 W. X 16 5/16 H
130 lbs wet $268.00

CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-245-0311

9
 Side of pole, top of pole, roof mount,
ground mount - UniRac has the mount
system for the smallest single panel
system to the largest ground mount

Call 800-245-0311 for assistance

in sizing a mount kit for your PV system
10
 INVERTERS
XANTREX
Larger Series Power Inverters MODELS DESCRIPTION LIST
These XANTREX inverter s are larger and have more fe a- DR1512 1500 watt continuous modified sine wave
tures. Nominally rated at 2 400 watts, it will surge to over 6.0 12 VDC x 120 VA C 60 HZ $ 995
KW. This is an important design feature because many loads DR2412 2400 watt continuous modified sine wave
dema nd considerably more current at start -up than they do 12 VDC x 120 VAC 60 HZ $1295.00
while operating. DR2424 2600 watt continuous modi fied sine wave
Efficiency- Efficiency is important at all power levels f rom 24 VDC X 120 VAC 60 HZ $1295.00
no load idle to full power output. Trace inverters are at least DR3624 3600 watts continuous modified sing wave
90% efficient between 4% and 80% of their rated power. 24 VDC X 120 VAC 60 HZ $1595.00
When no load is being run, the idle power required is
amazingly low - 1/8 to 1/3 watt depending on model. WEIGHT All approximately 42 lbs, depending on options .
Grid Tie: Only the SW series inverters are approved for
grid tie applications, the DR series are for backup Other sizes available- call for pricing.
power and stand alone remote applications.

Xantrex SW Series Inverters

The SW Inverter/Charger is our most popular off -grid
power solution. Available in 24 - and 48 -volt mo dels, it
provides utility -grade output power and offers high surge
capacity to run most household appliances. The SW o f-
fers many programmable features including automatic
generator start and stop as well as automatic load sensing.
Its built -in, fu lly automatic, three -stage battery charger is
designed to bring maximum charge to batteries, while
using minimum generator run t ime and fuel. Xantrex Modified Sine Wave DR Series Inverters

Grid Tie: Using the Xantrex Grid Tie Interface (GTI), the
SW converts energy from multiple renewable energy
sources, such as solar, wind, and microhydro, into AC
power, selling power you don't use back to the utility.
Software/hardware revision 4.2 or higher is required to
connect the SW4024, SW4048, or SW5548 to the GTI.

SW 120 4000 watt 4024/48 (24 or 48 volt) $2620.00

SW 120 5500 watt 5548 48 volt only $3340.00

Xantrex SW Series Plus Inverters

Designed to provide homes with a completely indepen d-
Xantrex SW 120 Sine Wave Series Inverters
ent power supply, SW Plus 2500, 4000 and 5500 I n-
verter/Chargers combine an inverter, battery charger and
dual transfer switch in one package. 120 volt AC power

Available in 24 - and 48 -volt versions, SW Plus offers

continuous power output of 2.5, 4.0 and 5.5 kVA.

SW 120 Plus 2500 watt 4024 $2420.00

SW 120 Plus 2500 watt 4048 $2420.00
SW 120 Plus 4000 watt 4024 $2785.00
SW 120 Plus 4000 watt 4048 $2785.00
SW 120 Plus 5500 watt 5548 $3425.00

Xantrex SW 120 Plus Sine Wave Series Inverters

11
 MODULES AND BATTERIES CAN BE WIRED FOR DIFFERENT VOLTAGES
BACK OF MODULES BACK OF MODULES

-+ -+ -+ -+

FLASHLIGHT
BATTERIES ARE
- + USUALLY IN
SERIES
-
DEEP DEEP DEEP DEEP +
CYCLE CYCLE CYCLE CYCLE

A 12 VOLT SYSTEM A 24 VOLT SYSTEM

WITH MODULES WIRED IN PARALLEL WITH MODULES WIRED IN SERIES
AND BATTERIES IN SERIES AND BATTERIES IN SERIES
AND PARALLEL SERIES WIRING IS NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE
PARALLEL WIRING IS POSITIVE TO POSITIVE OR POSITIVE TO NEGATIVE
AND NEGATIVE TO NEGATIVE (INCREASES VOLTAGE)
(INCREASES AMPERAGE)
to
- - + + to
NOTE: The drawings below are one of many ways to lay out a battery bank. If you copy the 24 volt diagrams with
- +to

your actual battery bank please note that the parallel interconnect cables will need to be longer than the cables listed
on page 20 of this catalog.

12 VOLT BATTERY BANKS

6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT

12 VOLT 12 VOLT 12 VOLT 12 VOLT

220 AH 440 AH 660 AH 880 AH

6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT

6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT

6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT

24 VOLT
24 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT
660 AH
220 AH 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT

24 VOLT BATTERY BANKS

24 VOLT 6 VOLT 6 VOLT
6 VOLT 6 VOLT
440 AH

12
 ALL DC SYSTEM
CHARGE
CONTROL

FUSED
DISCONNECT
DEEP
FLUORESCENT CYCLE
LIGHT ( DC )

PV TV,VCR ONLY 12 VOLT

MODULE RADIO DC LIGHTS &
APPLIANCES

PV ALL AC SYSTEM
MODULE
CHARGE
CONTROL

INVERTER DEEP
CONVERTS CYCLE
DC TO AC

BREAKER
PANEL
TV, VCR
RADIO FLUORESCENT
LIGHT ( AC )

13
 ENCLOSURES & CABLES
Battery and inverter enclosure for up to 8 220
AH batteries and Trace DR series inverters.
Lockable insulated battery compartment and
vented inverter compartment. Enclosures are 20
gauge steel, with a mount for a 3” pole. Custom
sizes available, these enclosures can all be pre-
wired to code requirements at an additional
cost. 24” W x 48” L x 26” H, Weight 80 lbs.
Basic enclosure - $ 680

Heavy Duty battery cables and sets:

All measurements are eyelet to eylet.
1/0 - 7” battery interconnect cable - $8.50
2/0 - 7” battery interconnect cable - $8.50
1/0 - 11” battery interconnect cable - $8.50
2/0 - 11” battery interconnect cable - $8.50
Inverter Cable sets - 3 cables (62”,44” & 20”)
for connecting inverters to batteries with a
provisions for a fuse and/or disconnect
1/0 - inverter cable set - $65.00
2/0 - inverter cable set - $80.00
4/0 - inverter cable set - $105.00

Custom sizes, made to order, all use heavy duty

battery cable and connection lugs.
1/0 - 1st foot - $11.00
each additional foot - $4.00 Battery stringers ( a single cable for connecting
2/0 - 1st foot - $13.00 many batteries in series or parallel ) and
each additional foot - $5.00 custom cables for large battery banks are
4/0 - 1st foot - $15.00 available in numerous configurations.
each additional foot - $6.00 Call for a quote..

REFRIGERATORS
Refrigerators use a lot more power than most people A 12 cu. ft. super efficient refrigerator freezer uses about
think. Powering refrigerators with solar or wind 45 amp hours a day of electricity at 12 volts DC. The unit
equipment can be very expensive. Most times it is foolish costs about $2200 and it takes 6-50 watt modules and 6
to use an inefficient refrigerator with PV modules. The batteries to run it The total cost is about $ 6000.
modules and batteries it takes to power the old
refrigerator will cost more than buying a new super A 10 cu. ft. regular refrigerator freezer uses about 120
efficient DC refrigerator and the modules and batteries to amp hours a day minimum, and costs about $700. It will
run it. A few examples for cost comparison purposes take about 16-50 watt modules and 16 batteries to run it.
only: ( Exact sizing of refrigerators is based upon Total cost about $ 8400.
location and the exact refrigerator used. )
A very small 12 volt DC 2 cu. ft. refrigerator uses about A 10 cu. ft. propane refrigerator freezer uses about 150
7 amp hours of electricity a day. This will take about 1 gallons of propane a year and costs about $1150. At an
50 watt module and 2 batteries to power it. The average cost of $3 a gallon for propane, the total cost is
refrigerator costs about $1250 and the equipment is about $7950 over a ten year period.
another $800 for a total of $2050

14
SUN DANZER SUPER EFFICIENT
REFRIGERATORS AND
FREEZERS
Features for All SunDanzer Models:
• Energy-Efficient
• Automatic operation
• Thick polyurethane insulation
• Lockable lid
• Interior light
• Corrosion resistant coated steel exterior Runs on as little as
• Patented low-frost system a 85 watt module
• Easy to clean interior
At 70 degrees, the refrigerators use 77 to 90
watt hours a day and the freezers use 272 to
360. SunDanzer units feature 4.33" (110 mm)
of polyurethane insulation and coated steel
by one of the world's leading appliance manu-
cabinets. The brushless DC motor compressor
facturers.
operates on 12 or 24 VDC. A patented low-
frost system reduces frost build-up for low
Refrigerators
maintenance.
Model 165, 5.8 cu. ft. $ 1100.00
SunDanzer chest-style refrigerators and freez-
Model 165, 8 cu. Ft $ 1250.00
ers are easy to clean using the drain hole at the
bottom of the unit. With thick insulation and a
Freezers
refrigeration system optimized for solar, Sun-
Model 165, 5.8 cu. Ft .$ 1100.00
Danzer refrigerators and freezers provide out-
Model 165, 8 cu. Ft $1250.00
standing economical and reliable operation.
SunDanzer cabinets are commercially produced
Model 165 120 lbs, Model 225 140 lbs.

SOUTHWEST SOLAR STAINLESS

STEEL SOLAR CHILL
EVAPORATIVE COOLERS
Available in 12 or 24 volts, these evaporative
coolers are super efficient. We have a small one
cooling a 500 sq. ft. office and it does a great
job running on an 80 watt module without a
battery. If evaporative coolers work in your cli-
mate, this can keep you cool.

12 Volt models
800 CFM, 35 Watts, 12” Fan uses 2.7 gph
maximum water 45 to 65 watt module recom-
mended $ 875.00

1300 CFM 44 Watts, 16” Fan uses 4.3 gph 60

to 90 watt module recommended $ 965.00 Larger sizes and 24 volt models are available,
call for a quote on units up to 5000 CFM
2200 CFM 53 to 73 Watts, 20” Fan uses 7.3
gph 85 to 130 watt module recommended
$ 1135.00
15
SUN OVEN
BURNS-MILWAUKEE
GLOBAL MODEL

Cooks entirely by the power of the sun!

Portable, one piece, can be carried anywhere!
COMPONENTS:
Fiberglass case, tempered glass door, silicone
rubber gaskets and Reflexo specular-finish
reflectors.
TEMPERATURE RANGE: 360º TO 400ºF
WEIGHT: 21 lbs.
OVEN DIMENSIONS:
19" x 19", average depth, 11"
PRICE: $295.00

SOLAR ENERGY - IT DOESN’T COST - IT PAYS

Nearly all forms of energy we use today to years.
power commonplace vehicles and appliances Although solar space heating and hot water
are stored solar energy. Oil, gas, coal, wood systems have a higher initial cost than
and hydroelectric power simply wouldn’t be conventional gas, oil or electric systems, they
here without the sun. If you give any thought at are the only systems that will pay you back.
all to our future on this planet, squandering The dividend of energy savings has the added
valuable resources like oil, gas and coal is value of being untaxed. When the economics
downright foolish. In addition to polluting our and environmental plus of solar equipment are
air and water these sources of energy are totaled, the value of directly using the sun’s
irreplaceable for the next few hundred million energy becomes clear.

SOLAR HEATING
A SIMPLE SOLUTION THAT CAN WORK FOR YOU
Take a black sheet of metal and put it in the Solar collectors work best in direct sunlight. A
sun. It becomes warm, at least warmer than any well made solar collector produces about half
light colored object around it. Now put the the heat in light cloudy weather as it does in
sheet of metal in an insulated box with a sheet full sunlight. So much solar energy is blocked
of glass facing the sun. The piece of metal will by the dark rain clouds that solar collectors
get hot, about 200°F. Tilt the box so the glass is produce virtually nothing under these weather
directly facing the sun and the black sheet of conditions.
metal will get even hotter, 250°+F. If you now All solar collectors, outside of the tropics,
flow air or water over the black metal, you have produce fifty to one hundred percent more heat
a solar collector. The water or air is called a in summer than in winter. The summer sun is
heat transfer fluid. Many gases and liquids can much hotter because its high position in the sky
be used as a heat transfer fluid. They are at noon is closer to perpendicular to the earth’s
necessary to move the solar produced heat from surface. The earth’s atmosphere blocks a large
the collector to a building, tank or pool which part of solar energy and the summer sun goes
you desire to heat. All other aspects of solar through less of the atmosphere. The sun is at its
heating and hot water are merely refinements of lowest point in the noon sky on the shortest day
this simple design. of the year, December 21st, or the winter

16
solstice. Because of the extra atmosphere Collectors should face as true south as possible
blocking the sunlight, solar collectors produce towards the solar window. A variation of up to
less heat. The colder outside temperatures also 30° east or west of true south is acceptable. If
affect the collector production through heat lost the collector(s) are faced more than 30° off true
through the collector back, front and sides. south more collectors will be required. If a
Because of the above factors, we recommend that choice of east or west is available it is usually
solar space and water heaters be tilted at an angle best to orient the collectors to the west. The
equal to your location’s latitude plus 15° to outside temperatures are almost always warmer
optimize their production of heat in the winter. in the afternoon. Prevailing local weather
Swimming pool collectors for outside pools patterns should also be considered when
used in the spring, summer, and fall should be mounting the collector. For instance, if you are
tilted at an angle equal to latitude minus 15° to in an area where mornings are normally clear
optimize the seasonal sun. The sun is most and afternoons are cloudy, it would be best to
intense at noon every day when it is highest in face the collector in a more easterly
the sky. The four to five hours in late morning direction. A properly orientated solar collector
and early afternoon are called the “Solar can increase system payback up to fifty percent
Window”. This is when more than 80% of the quicker than a haphazardly installed system.
total collectable energy falls on a solar collector.

SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS INTRODUCTION

Solar Heating systems come in many different tems. Liquid collectors and the systems start on
types as you will find in the following pages. page 28.
The collectors come as integrated units in some
cases as with a batch solar water heater. Passive Air collectors are used mostly for space heating
solar water heaters start on page 20. The rest of systems although they can be adapted to heat
the systems require assembling components to- domestic hot water. They are usually the most
gether on the jobsite. efficient type of system for space heating with
the possible exception of radiant floor assist
Liquid Collector systems are used for both do- systems using liquid collectors. A sample of a
mestic hot water and space heating. When used radiant floor assist system is on page 46 and air
for space heating it can be in passive thermosy- collector systems start on page 54.
phon systems or numerous types of active sys-

LIQUID COLLECTOR SYSTEMS AIR COLLECTOR SYSTEMS ARE

PASSIVE AND ACTIVE FOR HOT NORMALLY MORE EFFICIENT
WATER AND SPACE HEAT FOR SPACE HEATING

117
 Orientation is the direction
that the collectors face

30 30
Dark colored objects get
hot in the sun because they
absorb more energy
SOUTH

BACK OF
SOLAR COLLECTORS

TRUE SOUTH IS WHERE

THE SUN IS AT NOON

Put a black object under a sheet of glass COLLECTOR TILT

in an insulated box and it gets really hot. ANGLE SHOULD
Many people with dark colored car interiors
notice this on a sunny day. MAXIMIZE WINTER
It's called the greenhouse effect OUTPUT IN MOST
This is how sun ovens are made and
they can get to 350 degrees.
CASES

60
WINTER
SUN IS
LOW IN
LOCATION IS THE SKY
45 N. LATITUDE

Put "em up right

WALL MOUNT
and they'll
work a whole lot
BETTER ! ROOF MOUNT =
90 LATITUDE PLUS
15 DEGREES
+ OR - 10 DEGREES

18
NORTH NEW
WEST ENGLAND
20 E. 20 W.
15 E.
10 E. 5 E. 0 10 W. 15 W.
5 W.

MIDWEST
ATLANTIC
MOUNTAIN

SUNBELT
SOUTHEAST

SUNBELT
DIFFERENCE FROM MAGNETIC SOUTH TO TRUE SOUTH 0

RULES OF THUMB
FOR ROUGH APPROXIMATIONS ONLY
COLLECTOR AREA TO STORAGE VOLUME
for WATER HEATING in THE SUNBELT

SQUARE 800 to 1000 SQUARE FOOT

FOOT
OF = BTU / DAY ON OF SOLAR
WATER
=
SOLAR A SUNNY DAY
HEATING
COLLECTOR
COLLECTOR
TWO GALLONS OF WATER
SQUARE 600 to 800 SOU TH EAST & MO UNTAIN STATES - 1 SQ. FT. = 1.5 GA L
FOOT BTU / DAY ON
OF = A PARTIALLY
MID W EST & ATL AN TIC STATES - 1 SQ. FT.= 1.25 G AL .
SOLAR
CLOUDY DAY
COLLECTOR NEW ENGL AN D & N ORTH W EST - 1 SQ. FT. = 1 G AL .

SQUARE SQUARE FOOT

FOOT 400 to 600 OF SOLAR
OF = BTU / DAY ON SWIMMING =
SOLAR 2 SQ. FT. OF POOL
COLLECTOR
A CLOUDY DAY POOL SURFACE AREA
COLLECTOR

19
 PASSIVE SOLAR WATER
HEATER PIPING DIAGRAM

BATCH WATER
HEATER

BALL
GATE VALVE VALVES
MAIN SHUTOFF OPEN
COLD WATER
INTO HOME

DRAIN FOR
BATCH
HEATER
HOT WATER
TO ALL
BALL VALVE
FAUCETS
CLOSED

THIS BABY
WORKS ON THE
TEMPERATURE HOUSE WATER
PRESSURE PRESSURE AND
RELIEF HAS NO
T&P VALVE MOVING PARTS
NO ROCKET
SCIENCE HERE !

BACKUP SOLAR
WATER HEATED
HEATER WATER
KEEPS
THE
GAS OR
ELECTRIC
THERMOSTAT
OFF

20
 PASSIVE SOLAR WATER HEATERS
Passive solar water heaters contain no SUNBATHER ICS™
mechanical moving parts. Passive water heaters
come in four types: Batch or breadbox heaters, BATCH WATER HEATER
thermosyphon heaters, freon type heaters and 40 GALLON BATCH HEATER
the new “geyser” water heater. Our service
department has experienced numerous TANK: Glass Lined
problems with Freon type systems and we do INSULATION: 2" Polyisocyanurate, Foil
not recommend their installation. The “geyser” Faced.
type system is a new product and since our CONSTRUCTION: Welded steel frame with
approach in this catalog is to only offer designs brown baked enamel aluminum skin.
which have at least 10 years of widespread GLAZING: Two layers of textured, low iron
installation history, we will refrain from tempered glass.
commenting on this system, other than to say PLUMBING: Two 3/4" M.I.P. fittings.
the idea appears to have merit. DIMENSIONS: 36" X 78" X 26" Deep
DRY WEIGHT: 150 lbs.
BATCH OR BREADBOX SOLAR WATER FULL WEIGHT: 450 lbs.
HEATERS FIVE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Batch water heaters are the simplest of all solar
water heaters. These are also known as integral 40 Gallon $ 1598.00
tank and collector heaters. Batch water heaters
*Crating charges ($75.00) and motor freight charges on
use tanks between 30 and 80 gallons. The tank all liquid and air collectors are additional.
is placed within a weatherproof, insulated
enclosure with one side having a transparent or
translucent glazing(s), normally two layers of
glass. The side of the tank facing the glazing is
painted black to absorb the solar energy which
is conducted directly to the water in the tank.

Batch solar water heaters work great in the

tropics. Due to winter nighttime heat losses we
do not recommend them in climates above
approximately 35° N. latitude. The only thing
on one side of the collector between the hot
tank and the cold outside air is 2 layers of glass.
In climates harsher than this, throughout the
winter months the heater tends to lose at night
most of the daytime energy gained. Batch water
heaters are simple, reliable, easy to install and
are typically low cost. They can provide fifty to
ninety percent of hot water needs depending on
usage and climate. The piping to and from the
heater is the weak link in the chain. It should be
well insulated and heat tape should be installed
in harsh climates.

CALL 800-245-0311 for

MONTHLY SPECIALS

21
 PASSIVE THERMOSYPHON SOLAR WATER HEATERS

Thermosyphon solar water heaters use the

natural convection of liquids to collect the solar
energy. Liquids expand upon a rise in
temperature, therefore, the heated liquid is TANK MUST BE AT
lighter than the same cold liquid. With the LEAST 18" ABOVE
COLD COLLECTOR TO
proper design and installation techniques, it is WATER PREVENT REVERSE
possible to achieve efficient flow rates through IN FLOW AT NIGHT
the system without using a pump.
Thermosyphon systems must be configured HOT WATER
with the storage tank above the collectors to
work effectively.
HOT WATER
FROM
A direct thermosyphon system uses tap water as COLLECTORS
the medium of heat transfer. The collectors and
tank are of the same type used in active solar
systems. When the sun heated water in the
collector starts moving due to natural
convection, it is piped to the top of the storage
tank. The colder water in the bottom of the tank
flows to the bottom inlet of the collector. The
system does not require a control and will not
cycle backwards at night if the tank is at least STORAGE
18" above the collector. The use of a passive TANK
check valve in the system will prevent reverse
thermosyphoning if the tank’s hot water inlet is
above the collector outlet and the tank’s cold
water outlet is above the collectors cold water
inlet. This allows the tank to be just slightly
LIQUID SOLAR
(1/2") above the collector and increases the COLLECTOR
installation possibilities. These systems cannot
be installed outdoors in freezing climates. In
freezing climates a thermosyphon system can
also be configured as a glycol loop system by
employing a tank and heat exchanger. In this
system, the glycol solution (50% propylene
glycol and water) is the transfer medium
between the collector and the tank through the
heat exchanger. As the collector glycol solution COLD
is heated, it moves by natural convection to the DIRECT
WATER
top of the heat exchanger, transferring the THERMOSYPHON
energy to the water in the storage tank. The
colder glycol solution at the bottom of the heat SOLAR HEATER
exchanger, which is heavier, flows to the
bottom inlet of the collector. The same
equipment placement rules of direct CALL 800-245-0311 for
thermosyphon systems apply (tank above the MONTHLY SPECIALS
collector). Thermosyphon systems are very
reliable with no operating costs.
 ACTIVE SOLAR WATER HEATERS

Domestic water heating is usually the second knowledge, all glass glazed liquid collectors
highest energy cost for families in North made today use copper waterways. A liquid
America. Although solar water heaters can solar collector under no flow or stagnation
supply 100% of these needs, in most cases the conditions can attain temperatures of 250 to
quickest payback is realized from sizing the 300°F. Plastics other than silicone or teflon are
system to displace 50 to 90% of the load. not suitable materials for liquid collectors.
b. The absorber plate is made of copper,
A. THE EQUIPMENT aluminum, or steel and bonded to the
The equipment for an active solar water heater waterways. The plate surface is approximately
consists of a solar collector(s), a hot water equal to the glazing surface and is painted or
storage tank(s), and a pump. In addition a heat anodized with a black paint or selective
exchanger and expansion tank are required in coating. A selective (black nickel or black
freezing winter climates and an electrical chrome) surface on the absorber increases the
generation device is needed if regular A.C. grid collector output by limiting reradiated heat
connected power is not available. Piping, (emittence) from the absorber. The method
insulation, valves and fittings are considered used to bond the plate to the absorber is an
installation materials and are normally available important consideration. The better the
at hardware stores and home centers. bonding, the higher the output. Simply wiring
or clamping the tubes to the plate will produce
A good liquid solar collector should have a discouraging results.
minimum life expectancy of 20 to 30 years. c. Glazings on collectors today are
Most of the collectors built since about 1980 almost exclusively low iron tempered glass.
are manufactured with materials that should The iron content of regular window glass stops
give thirty to fifty year lifespans with a small about 17% of the light passing through it. Low
amount of periodic maintenance. iron glass limits this loss to about 10% and
increases the output of the collector
All good liquid collectors have copper water proportionally. Because solar collectors are
ways (piping & tubing), tempered glass glazing normally tilted and subjected to the outside
and an insulated metal enclosure. elements, tempered glass is needed if the
collector is to survive the first hail storm.
a. Copper water tubes and headers in Tempered glass (also used in patio and shower
the collector are a must if water or any water doors) resists breakage much better than regular
solution is to be used as the heat transfer liquid. annealed window glass.
Aluminum and steel tubes have been used in d. The sides and back of the solar
the past with silicone or oil transfer fluids but collector which do not face the sun should be
these metals are not suitable for long life in a insulated to prevent heat loss and covered in a
liquid collector if water is used. To our weather tight enclosure. Enclosures in the
23
past have been constructed of wood, collectors. We have phased out the
fiberglass, plastic, aluminum or steel. installation of other types of freeze
Virtually all enclosures for collectors protection systems over the past few years.
manufactured today are made of aluminum If you are interested in a draindown,
due to its outstanding weatherability. drainback or recirculation system, we can
Insulation used is either fiberglass or provide you with information and system
polyisocyanurate, both of which can diagrams. We also stock repair parts for
withstand temperatures in excess of 400°F. these systems.
Styrofoam by comparison is unsuitable
because it starts degrading at about 170°F,
well below collector stagnation
temperatures.

B. SIZING
People in the United States use an THREE TYPES OF SOLAR WATER HEATING COLLECTORS
average of ten to twenty gallons of LOW TEMP.
hot water per day per person. Solar UP TO 110 DEGREES F.
UNGLAZED FLAT PLATE
water heaters are normally sized to
cycle on a daily basis in the winter
months, therefore the storage tank POOLS AND SPAS
size approximates daily usage. A
family of 3 to 4 will use forty to
eighty gallons per day. Once an
estimate of usage and tank size is
determined the amount of solar
collectors is calculated as follows: MEDIUM TEMP.
UP TO 180 DEGREES F.
The rule of thumb in the sunbelt is GLAZED AND INSULATED
1 sq. ft. of collector per 2 gallons of FLAT PLATE
water. The sizing below is not
DOMESTIC HOT WATER HOT WATER SPACE HEAT
exact. Consideration should be RESIDENTIAL
given to the fact that due to a COMMERCIAL
number of variables (usage, climate
and system installation) the sizing
can be adjusted with a resulting
difference in percent of the total
water heating load displaced. HIGH TEMP;
UP TO 500 DEGREES f.+
CONCENTRATORS - TRACK THE SUN
C. THE SYSTEMS
INDUSTRIAL PROCESS HEAT
We recommend that only two types VERY LARGE DOMESTIC
of active solar water heating HOT WATER SYSTEMS
ELECTRICAL PRODUCTION
systems be considered. A direct
pump system is used in climates
like Hawaii, Mexico and the
Caribbean where freezing
temperatures have never been
recorded. If there is the slightest danger of
freezing (Florida, California, Arizona and CALL 800-245-0311 for
the rest of North America) the best solution MONTHLY SPECIALS
is a system that uses a non-freezing liquid
as the heat transfer fluid through the
24
DIRECT PUMP untreated water unsuitable as a heat transfer
A direct pump system circulates tap water fluid in solar collectors. Ethylene Glycol,
through the solar collector(s). These systems Propylene Glycol, Silicone Fluid and a variety
were first developed in the late 19th century of oils have been used successfully in the past
and were in wide use up to the 1920’s in as heat transfer fluids. The lower specific heat
Southern California and Florida. The systems (ability to hold heat) of silicone and bray oil
are called open loop and are very simple, and their limited availability and high price
efficient and reliable. A single low head (3' to discourage wide usage today. Ethylene Glycol,
12') pump circulates the storage tank water better known as car antifreeze, is a good choice
through the solar collector. The water is piped except for its toxicity. We prefer a fifty percent
from the bottom or coldest part of the tank to solution of non toxic propylene glycol and
the pump, then to the collector and back to the water as a heat transfer fluid in freezing
top of the tank. climates.

In alternating current (A.C. or house current) A glycol system contains two entirely separate
systems the pump is controlled by a differential piping systems which are called loops. The two
control. The control constantly monitors the piping systems, or loops, are connected through
tank temperature and the collector temperature a device called a heat exchanger. A simple
and turns the pump on when the collector is economical heat exchanger can be constructed
hotter than the tank water. When the collector is of a 1/2" copper pipe inside a 3/4" copper pipe.
no longer hotter than the tank the control shuts
the pump off providing complete automatic
operation.

Direct current (D.C., usually provided by DIRECT PUMP SOLAR WATER HEATER FOR
Photovoltaic systems) normally does not need NON-FREEZING CLIMATES
a control if the pump, P.V. module and
SENSOR CLAMPED TO OUTLET PIPE
collector are properly sized. If there is enough CLOSE TO COLLECTOR AND INSULATED

sunlight for the P.V. module to run the pump COLLECTORS

then the collector should be hot enough to heat
the tank water. When the sun goes down and
the collector cools, the P.V. panel stops
generating electricity to the pump.

Periodic maintenance is required if hard water

with high mineral content is circulated through
the collectors. If this is a possibility,
provisions should be made upon installation to
be able to circulate a mild acidic solution COLD WATER IN
PUMP
HOT WATER OUT
(vinegar or intech 52) through the collector
every three to five years to remove the mineral
CONTROL
build up.

GLYCOL SYSTEMS
The majority of people in North America and
the world live in climates where freezing STORAGE
temperatures are at least a possibility. Solar TANK SENSOR
collectors are normally installed outside and
SENSOR CLAMPED TO DRAIN OR TANK
copper tubes are subject to bursting when AND INSULATED, SENSOR WIRE - 20 GAUGE
OR LARGER
water freezes and expands. This alone makes

25
If the hot glycol solution is made to flow address two things, the condition of the glycol
through the larger tube and cold water through and the hardness of the domestic water. Glycol
the smaller, the heat will be exchanged and the solutions can turn acidic after a few years of
water heated. This is called a single wall heat use. The solution should be checked with
exchanger. Single wall heat exchangers are Litmus paper or a P.H. meter every three to five
prohibited by the national plumbing code since years. Acidic glycol solutions should be
breaching one pipe could possibly contaminate drained, purged with water and refilled with a
the domestic water loop if the glycol loop new solution. Acidic solutions are usually
contained a toxic fluid. All glycol systems caused by overheating the glycol loop above
should be designed so that two pipe walls must 225°F. If the solar system is not used for an
fail in order for the glycol loop fluid to mix extended period of time, the collector loop
with the potable (drinkable) water system. should be drained and the fluid stored or the
Although double wall heat exchangers are more collector glazing should be covered. If hard
complex and expensive, they should always be water with high mineral content is circulated
used in these systems. through the DHW loop, the tubes in the heat
exchanger will eventually clog. This should be
A low head pump (3' to 12') is used to circulate checked every three to five years depending on
the glycol solution. The water in the DHW water hardness and corrected with a light acidic
(Domestic Hot Water) loop can be circulated solution (vinegar or intech 52) circulated
through the heat exchanger with another low through the tubes until the deposits are gone. A
head pump or configured to thermosyphon. heat exchanger that can be taken apart can be
Thermosyphoning uses the physics that hotter cleaned with a wire brush. A correctly designed
liquids are lighter and will naturally rise. If the solar water heater of this type can produce hot
heat exchanger inlet connection can be water in virtually any climate for decades.
placed and connected under or near the bottom
of the storage tank, and the outlet piped to the
GLYCOL (ANTIFREEZE )
top of the tank, the water will thermosyphon SOLAR WATER HEATER
PV PUMPED
through the heat exchanger. The water will only
flow if it is being heated by the glycol loop.
THE HEAT EXCHANGER
SHOULD THERMOSYPHON
When any liquid is heated it expands TO PREVENT HEAT LOSS
FROM PHOTOVOLTAIC

physically. In open loop systems this expansion

OUTPUT WHEN THERE IS
LITTLE OR NO THERMAL GAIN

is not a problem since the extra pressure is

absorbed through the entire piping system in PHOTOVOLTAIC
MODULE
the house, well system or city water system.
The glycol loop is closed and an expansion tank
of the proper size is required to prevent
excessive pressure in the loop.
LIQUID SOLAR
COLLECTOR
EXPANSION
A differential control is needed if two pumps TANK GLYCOL MIX LOOP

are used in the glycol system. If the system can DC

PUMP
be installed with a thermosyphon DHW loop a COLD WATER IN
simple snap disc switch or light sensing switch
will normally be workable. If P.V., D.C. power
MIX
HOT WATER
HOT

is used with a D.C. pump(s) and the COLD

components are sized correctly a control is HEAT

usually not necessary. EXCHANGER
DOUBLE
WALL

Periodic maintenance of glycol systems must

STORAGE TANK

26
 PRESSURE
GLYCOL (ANTIFREEZE ) RELIEF
VALVE
SOLAR WATER HEATER
10 K
CAPPED SENSOR

LIQUID SOLAR
COLLECTOR

CAPPED
GLYCOL MIX LOOP
EXPANSION
TANK GLYCOL
PUMP

MIXING MAIN
MIX
HOT WATER VALVE SHUT OFF
HOT

COLD WATER IN

DRAIN/FILL
AND CHECK STORAGE
VALVES TANK DIFFERENTIAL
CONTROL
HEAT
EXCHANGER
QUAD ROD DHW
PUMP
MOST REGULAR ELECTRIC
HOT WATER HEATERS CAN
BE USED AS A STORAGE
TANK BY REMOVING THE 10 K
EXISTING DRAIN AND SENSOR
INSTALLING A TEE AND A DRAIN
BOILER DRAIN FOR THE DRAIN
VALVE

27
 NEW LIQUID COLLECTORS
SUN EARTH EMPIRE
For maximum cost efficiency and reliability you won’t find a better collector than those manufactured by SunEarth™.
Each collector is carefully crafted under strict quality control management. Careful design and assembly ensure that your
collector will be aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. EMPIRE™ series collectors are designed to meet all major
government and local codes.

SPECIFICATIONS
Glazing: Low iron tempered glass, 1/8" or 5/32" thick
Insulation: 1", Foil Faced, Poly-isocyanurate board insulation (R-12). 1", Foil Faced, Poly-isocyanurate board in side walls
and under headers (R-12).
Frame Wall and Batten: 6063-T5 Aluminum extrusion.
Absorber Plate: Copper sheet .008, roll formed to accept 1/2" O.D. type “M” copper riser tubes. Manifolds are 1 1/8" type
“M” copper with risers silver brazed into pre-formed tee’s on 4.5" centers. Bonding of tubes to plate is continuous solder
bond .Absorber Coating: Black Chrome on nickel.
Warranty: 10 year limited

PRICE: 3'X8' $ 851.00* 4'X8' $ 1037.00* 4'X10' $ 1247.00*

DryWeight: 80 Lbs. 106 Lbs. 141 Lbs.
*Crating charges ($100.00) and motor freight on all liquid and air collectors are additional.

MOUNTING KIT- $56.00 for 19” legs up to $72.00 for 48” legs—many sizes available
Includes feet, nuts & bolts and leg stock.
FLUSH MOUNT KIT - $34.00 STANDOFF MOUNT KIT - $37.00

USED LIQUID COLLECTORS

Used liquid collectors that are maintained and pressure tested can offer the efficiency of new liquid collectors at reduced prices.
All are low iron tempered glass with copper waterways in an insulated enclosure.
Starting price:
3' X 6' $ 200.00* 3' X 8' $ 250.00* 4' X 8' $ 325.00* 4' X 10' $ 400.00*
150 Lbs. 175 Lbs. 200 Lbs. 250 Lbs.
USED COLLECTOR INVENTORY CHANGES OFTEN CALL FOR CURRENT AVAILABILITY
28
 SOLAR DOMESTIC WATER HEATING SYSTEMS
21st CENTURY ENERGY

COLLECTOR ROOF MOUNTING

COLLECTOR ENCLOSURE
CLAMPS
GLASS
RISER
TUBES
T OR
L EC

INSULATION
C OL

T
R JOIS ABSORBER
TE RO
RAF
U SS, HEADER
F TR
R OO TUBES

LAG BOLTS ARE USED TO SECURE

THE MOUNTING FEET TO THE
ROOF AND THE LAGS SHOULD
PENETRATE THE STRUCTURAL
MEMBERS OF THE ROOF - NOT
JUST THE ROOF DECKING

SPECIFICATIONS
.024 Aluminum Enclosure
.019 Aluminum Absorber
1/2" “M” Copper Risers
3/4" “M” Copper Headers
R-8 Isocyanurate insulation
R-6 Sides
Low Iron Tempered Glass
200 PSI Max Pressure

4' X 8' X 4" deep 125lbs

$ 1030.00*

5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

*Crating charges ($100.00) and motor freight

charges on all liquid and air collectors are
additional.

29
 Collector
Packaged Solar Hot Water Systems Sensor
Coin Vent (to contol)

Sun Earth Empire Collector(s)

Absorber Plate Type
Location Collectors Paint Chrome
Southwest, Florida 1ea. 4' x 10' $ 3208.00 $ 3376.00
Midwest, Southeast, Mountain 2ea. 3' x 8' $ 3629.00 $ 3831.00
North, North Costal 2ea. 4' x 8' $ 3939.00 $ 4203.00

80 Gallon Sun Earth Solar Water Heater

120 volt AC Antifreeze System

Thermometers
Cold water in

Grundfos Typical Plumbing

PUMP 15-42 F
Hot Water to
Backup heater Hot Water to
Pressure Relief all home taps

Gl - 30
Control

Pressure Gauge

Backup
Expansion Water
Tank Heater
(not
included
in solar
Boiler Drain Valve system)
Check Valve
Rheem 80 gallon
Boiler Drain Valve solar storage tank
with wraparound 120'
Tank Sensor heat exchanger
(to control)
30
 Packaged Solar Hot Water Systems
Coin Vent

Sun Earth Empire Collector(s)

Absorber Plate Type
20 Watt Location Collectors Paint Chrome
12 Volt DC Southwest, Florida 1ea. 4' x 10' $ 3485.00 $ 3653.00
PV Module Midwest, Southeast, Mountain 2ea. 3' x 8' $ 3906.00 $ 4108.00
North, North Costal 2ea. 4' x 8' $ 4216.00 $ 4480.00

80 Gallon Sun Earth Solar Water Heater

12 volt DC Antifreeze System

Thermometers
Cold water in
March 809 BR
12 volt pump
Typical Plumbing

Hot Water to
Backup heater Hot Water to
Pressure Relief all home taps

Pressure Gauge

Backup
Expansion Water
Tank Heater
(not
included
in solar
Boiler Drain Valve system)
Check Valve
Rheem 80 gallon
Boiler Drain Valve solar storage tank
with wraparound 120'
heat exchanger

31
 PUMPS
Pumps used in solar heating systems are called system, loss of collector fluid pressure can also
hot water circulator pumps. Many pumps are prevent flow in the collector loop. The pump is
not designed for more than 120°F and will fail generally not sized to overcome the static head
prematurely if used in heating systems. Solar or pressure due to the difference in height
heating pumps are sized to the application between the top and bottom of the collector
based upon head and flow rate. The head of a loop. It is usually sized to maintain the desired
pump is the power it has to overcome both the flow against the dynamic head or pressure due
vertical height that the liquid must be pumped to the resistance to flow in the pipes, fittings,
and the friction of the liquid against pipe walls. and valves. If the fluid pressure to overcome
Frictional head loss is not significant except in the static head is lost, then the pump may not be
very large piping systems. Hot water circulators able to maintain flow against the combined
are designed with a wide range of head and are static and dynamic head of the system.
classified as low head (3' to 10'), medium head
(10' to 20') and high head (more than 20'). Low
and medium head pumps are normally used for
closed loop (glycol and DHW) systems. High
head pumps are used for drainback systems and
large baseboard or radiant floor heating
systems.

Pumps for domestic hot water or other open

loop systems should have bronze or stainless
steel housings to prevent scale from building
up. Pumps for closed loop systems may have
iron housings although a bronze or stainless
steel housing will normally last longer.

Pumps and Flow Rate

If the system controls are working correctly, an
inoperative pump may be due to a stuck
impeller, a burned-out motor, or a broken shaft.
These types of problems may be expected over
the lifetime of any component subjected to the
temperature and cycling stresses of a solar
system pump. Even though a solar pump is
operating and is being controlled correctly,
there still may be problems with the actual flow
rate in the collector loop. If the pump has been
sized to just barely overcome the pressure head
of the collector loop, an unexpected added
resistance can stop all flow through the
collector. For example, air in the fluid may,
over a period of time, collect in a section of
piping, especially if it cannot escape through a
vent to the atmosphere. This "air lock" can
prevent any flow if the pump does not have the
capacity to compress the air completely and
force it through the system. In an indirect
32
TACO 120 VOLT AC PUMPS
Model 006-BC4 $ 165.00
1/40 HP motor is impedance protected. Bronze
body with 1/2" sweat fittings. Delivers flows to
12 GPM; head to 10'. Designed for domestic
hot water systems and circulation of open fresh
water and potable water systems.
Model 006B4 $ 165.00
This pump is the same as 006-BC4 but has
3/4"sweat fittings.
Model 006BC4-1 $ 165.00
This pumps is the same as 006-BC4 but has 1”
threaded fittings.
Model 008-F $ 160.00
Cast iron flanged body. Flows to 14 GPM and
head to 16'. Designed for use in closed loop
solar systems and hydronic applications where
higher head is necessary.
Model 008-B $ 319.00
This pump has the same GPM and head as the
008F pump but is a bronze body. Designed for
use in open loop solar systems, DHW water
circulation.
Model 009-F $ 255.00
Cast iron flanged body. 27 foot head at shut off;
1/20 HP motor. Designed to fit drainback
systems that require a low flow, high head
pump.
Model 009-B $ 319.00
Model 0011F $ 275.00
Cast iron flanged body. 30 foot head at shut
off, 28 gpm maximum flow. Designed to fit
heat exchangers systems and large radiant
heating systems.
TACO REPLACEMENT CARTRIDGES
006-BC4 $ 127.00
006-B4 $ 127.00
006-BC4-1 $ 127.00
008-F $ 109.00
008-B $ 142.00
009-F $ 173.00
009-B $ 206.00
0011-F $ 226.00

CALL 800-245-0311 for

MONTHLY SPECIALS

ASK ABOUT NEW, USED AND REBUILT EQUIPMENT 33

GRUNDFOS 120 VOLT AC PUMPS
Model UP15-42F $ 115.00
Cast iron, single speed centrifugal pump.
Designed for domestic and light commercial
closed loop water system applications. Can also
pump 50% glycol solutions. 1/25 HP; pushes to
15 foot head.
Model UP15-18SU $ 188.00
Stainless steel, 1/25 HP; pushes to 7 foot head.
Designed for domestic hot water system
applications. Grundfos AC Pumps
Model UP26-96F $ 255.00
Cast iron, 1/12 HP; pushes to 31 foot head.
Designed for collector loop on drainback type
solar systems.
PUMP MOUNTING FLANGE SETS
Set of 2 - 3/4" pipe thread bronze flanges for all
flange (F) pumps. Also 1” threads available
Iron $18.50 Bronze $34.50
Bronze and Iron Flanges
DC CIRCULATOR PUMPS FOR PV

EL SID PV PUMP $ 243.00

17 volt, 3.5 ft. head, 3.3 GPM a 10 or 20 watt
PV module - 3 lbs.
SID 20 PV PUMP $ 334.00
17 volt, 6,5 ft. head, 5 GPM will run a 30 or
40 watt PV module - 5 lbs.
Both pumps available for 12 VDC Battery, El Sid DC Pumps
specify which use with order

MARCH 12 VOLT CIRCULATORS

Magnetic drive DC hot water circulator pumps
for a wide range of applications, suitable for PV
direct power and battery systems. Motor brush
life min. 20,000 hrs. 1/2” inlet and outlet the
pumps can withstand 500 degrees F. and 1000
PSI internal pressure. Extremely reliable
MODEL 809-BR-12DC $ 220.00
12 VDC, 1950 rpm, 18 watts Max flow 5.5
GPM - Max Head 7.1 ft. March DC Pumps
MODEL 809-HS -BR-12DC $ 228.00
12 VDC, 3600 rpm, 48 watts Max flow 7.5
GPM - Max Head 15.5 ft.

CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-245-0311

34
 DIFFERENTIAL CONTROLS

Differential controls are used in virtually all active systems that use liquid collectors except
photovoltaic powered designs. A differential controller uses an electronic comparator circuit which
constantly measurers the output of two thermistors which are called sensors. The sensors change their
resistance upon a change in temperature and the controller turns equipment ( normally pumps and
blowers) on and off depending on the difference in temperature between the two sensors. This type of
control maximizes the efficiency of hot water systems by always transferring energy from the
collectors whenever even slight gains are available. Controllers normally turn pumps on when the
collector(s) is between 5 and 20 degrees F. above the storage cold water. When the collector
temperature falls to between 5 and 10 degrees above the tank cold water temperature the pump turns
off. Systems with heat exchangers normally have differentials of about 15 to 20 "on" and 5 to 10 "off ".
Direct pump systems have lower differentials since there is no loss through a heat exchanger.

Controllers made today also have a storage high limit of 160 to 180 degrees which is field setable.
Many controls also allow for a thermostat to be connected and also have options for digital readouts of
collector and storage temperatures.

Swimming pool differentials have very low turn on and turn off differentials and high limits. Typically
a 3 to 5 degree turn on and 1 to 2 degree turn off.

SENSOR RESISTANCE AT DEGREES F. SIMPLE CONTROLS FOR SOLAR DOMESTIC

A MULTI-METER IS REQUIRED. HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Resistance in K (1000) Ohms

NOTE: Resistance declines as temperature PUMP
rises - all new controls use 10 K sensors
120 VOLTS BLACK
WHITE N PUMP
TEMP 10K 3K TEMP 10K 3K
27 39.8 11.9 107 5.0 1.5 BLACK L1 N
32 32.6 9.8 112 4.5 1.4 WHITE
37 28.3 8.5 117 4.0 1.2 DIFFERENTIAL
42 24.7 7.4 122 3.6 1.1 CONTROL
47 21.5 6.5 127 3.2 1.0
52 18.9 5.7 132 2.9 0.9
57 16.5 5.0 137 2.6 0.8
62 14.5 4.4 142 2.4 0.7
67 12.8 3.8 147 2.2 0.6
72 11.3 3.4 152 2.0 0.6 TO
SENSORS COLLECTOR
77 10.0 3.0 157 1.8 0.5
82 8.8 2.7 162 1.6 — TO STORAGE
87 7.9 2.4 167 1.5 0.4
92 7.0 2.1 172 1.4 — ON 8 TO 24 DEGREES F.
97 6.3 1.9 177 1.2 — OFF 4 DEGREES F.
102 5.6 1.7 182 1.1 0.3

35
 CONTROLS
INDEPENDENT ENERGY
GOLDLINE GL-30 $125.00
The Goldline GL -30 differential control is designed to
provide maximum operating effic iency and flexibility. It
is capable of handling most differential temperature
control functions for space or water heating. The GL-30
output is designed to operate a circulator or fan when
sensing an appropriate temperature differential.
Adjustable differ ential, from 8° to 24°F, allows the GL -
30 to be tailored to specific needs of the system.
Storage high limit, adjustable from 11 0° to 230°F,
protects most solar storage systems. Recirculation
capable and numerous other options available. Relay
rated at 10 amps output.
FIVE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

SENSORS
SB-10 or SAS10k Strap on 10k $12.42
SB-3 Strap on 3k $28.90
SW-10 10k We ll Sensor $12.35
GC-2 or FS-5 draindown sensors $31.92

SUN EARTH w DIGTAL READOUT

TR 0301 U $159.00
This Sun Earth differen tial control has two sensors
included. The differential is set at 4 degrees and cannot
be adjusted. The control has many options including F
and C readouts and a fixed high limit (lower tank sensor)
of 140 degrees F(60 C). The control also has a holiday
function that will dissipate the heat in an overheated tank
at night when there is no DHW load.

SUN EARTH EXTRA SENSORS FOR A

THIRD DIGITAL READOUT 16.00

NOTE— THESE ARE NOT 10 K SENSORS

HERE’S SOME INFO YOU MIGHT

FIND USEFUL IN DEALING WITH AREA OF A CIRCLE = 3.14 X RADIUS (R) X R
TANKS AND PIPING CIRCUMFERENCE OF A CIRCLE = 6.28 X R
I ALREADY KNOW ALL THIS 231 CUBIC INCHES PER GALLON
STUFF ‘CAUSE I’M A 7.481 GALLONS PER CUBI C FOOT
DAM BUILDER 745.7 WATTS PER HORSE POWER
1.02 GALLONS PER 100' OF ½" PIPE
2.29 GALLONS PER 100' OF ¾" PIPE
4.08 GALLONS PER 100' OF 1" PIPE
WATER WEIGHTS 62 LBS. PER FT.³
OR ABOUT 8 LBS. PER GALLON
GALLON OF WATER WEIGHS 8 POUNDS

If you are looking for a controller or sensor that is not listed please contact us.

36
 SWIMMING POOL SYSTEMS
Swimming pool collectors are designed for FAFCO 4' x 8' 2" HEADER $ 270.00
outdoor pools. In most of the country outdoor FAFCO 4' x 10' 2" HEADER $ 302.00
pools are used six to nine months of the year. Pool FAFCO 4' x 12' 2" HEADER $ 346.00
collectors are normally made of polypropylene, a TEN YEAR WARRANTY.
high temperature plastic that can consistently
INSTALLATION KIT $ 18.00
operate in the 200°F range. The collectors are
FAFCO 2" INSTALL KIT $ 38.00
black in color and should normally keep a pool in One installation kit is required per collector. Contains the
the 80°F range throughout the pool season. The parts needed to fasten a single panel to a supporting
same pump that filters the pool is used to circulate surface and make connections from one panel to another.
pool water through the collectors. A quick rule of Hold down strapping is not included.
thumb for pool design sizing is one square foot of
collector surface area to every two square feet of HOLD DOWN STRAPPING
pool surface area. This can give you a good idea of 54' $ 34.00
how large a pool system is required. You will need 107' $ 64.00
more collector surface area if your pool is left
SYSTEM KIT $ 105.00
uncovered, especially in the spring and fall. The One kit per system. Contains additional hold down
pool collectors should face within 30° of true south hardware and connecting components necessary to join
and are tilted at an angle of latitude minus 15° system to existing feed and return lines. Includes 2"
from horizontal. Virtually all of the pool systems check valve.
we install today use a simple mechanical timer to
control the pump. You simply filter and heat the ADD-A-ROW KIT $56.00
Use when more than one row of panels will be installed.
pool during daylight hours. Outdoor pool systems Use one kit for each row after the first.
probably have one of the quickest returns on your
investment of any solar energy equipment. In most OPTIONAL ISOLATION KIT $55.00
cases it is simply foolish not to consider heating an Includes a 2" PVC union ball valve and a 2" PVC check
outdoor swimming pool with solar energy. valve to permit manual isolation of the system from the
existing filtration system. Use one kit per system.

SWIMMING POOL COLLECTORS

POOL COLLECTORS AND ACCESSORIES HM-4000B 346.00
SOLAR POOL HEAT CONTROLLER AND FLO-VERTER
For solar pool heat control utilizing existing pool
These pool collectors are the only ones that you filtration pump. The controller directs the valve to allow
can purchase that have been successfully or not allow water flow through the solar collectors
heating pools for over two decades. They have depending upon whether the water can be warmed by the
sun. The valve handle allows manual setting of flow
been engineered as a completely integrated
direction. The HM-4000B solar controller is enclosed in
system to exacting specifications and quality a plastic weatherproof enclosure. The Flo-Verter® is a 12
control to provide you with extended trouble VAC motorized 2" slip CPVC valve. The direction of
free performance. The collector contains flow is visually monitored by the flow direction
superior components, including stainless steel indicator. Input to the controller can be either 120 or 240
volts and the output of the controller is 12 VAC, 20
hardware for greater strength. Made in the U.S.
watts. A dial adjustment allows the pool owner to limit
A. and constructed of specially formulated the high temperature that the pool can reach by stopping
polymer compounds. water flow through the collector when the pool reaches
the set temperature. A maximum setting of 104° is
provided, as a safety feature. Two selectable differentials
of ON at 9°F and OFF at 6°F or ON at 6°F and OFF at 3°
F assure circulation through the collector whenever heat
4' x 8' COLLECTOR $ 313.00 can be picked up.
4' x 10' COLLECTOR $ 338.00
4' x 12' COLLECTOR $ 350.00 CALL 800-245-0311 for
LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY OR MONTHLY SPECIALS
TWELVE YEAR FULL WARRANTY.
SWIMMING POOL SYSTEMS -
Most swimming pool systems we install are controlled by a timer. Since most pools already have a
timer for filtering, the time need only be set for daytime hours and pool water diverted to the solar
collectors.
Pools up to 320 sq. ft. Pools up to 640 sq. ft.
4 - 4' x 10' Solar Industries collectors 8 - 4' x 10' Solar Industries collectors
54' Strapping 107' Strapping
4 Installation kits 8 Installation kits
3 ball valves 3 Ball Valves
System kit System kit
System total- $ 1478.00 System total- $ 2796.00

Pools up to 480 sq. ft. Pools up to 800 sq. ft.

6 - 4' x 10' Solar Industries collectors 10 - 4' x 10' Solar Industries collectors
54' Strapping 107' Strapping
6 Installation kits 10 Installation kits
3 Ball Valves 3 Ball Valves
System Kit System kit
System total- $ 2124.00 System total- $ 3432.00

Pool collectors are tilted slightly to drain automatically. The pool pump flows water through the pool
collectors and the water is heated by the sun. The heated water is then returned to the pool. It’s really
that simple. Valves are normally installed to bypass the collectors when needed for regular pool
maintenance.

SOLAR POOL HEATING COLLECTORS

BALL VALVE BALL VALVE CHECK

OPEN CLOSED VALVE

COLD FROM POOL WARM TO POOL

POOL PUMP
38
 STORAGE TANKS

The majority of solar heating applications In a two tank system, one tank provides storage
require some type of tank. Storage tanks are for solar heated water. It is plumbed directly to
classified as pressurized or unpressurized. the solar collector or heat exchanger and does
Pressurized tanks are a commonplace item in not contain a back-up heating element. This
the world, as all gas and electric conventional tank is plumbed to a second tank which
water heaters are pressurized. If a tank must contains a heating element or gas burner that
store water which is connected directly to a can be used when no solar energy is available.
well or municipal water system it has to be built Except for large residential or commercial type
to withstand the pressures of the system (up to installations, the most popular tanks are glass
250 PSI). Pressurized tanks are readily lined or stone lined. These tanks have an outer
available in 6 to 120 gallons and are shell of steel that must be protected from
constructed of steel and have a glass lining to galvanic corrosion. Some tanks use a
prevent rusting. galvanized coating. In order to provide a longer
Unpressurized tanks are used to store large lasting coating, glass and stone linings were
amounts of water in space heating systems. developed.
These tanks are built in sizes ranging from 200 Since the glass lining of a tank sometimes has
gallons to 10,000 gallons and larger. These gaps and may be damaged during shipping and
tanks are made from stainless steel, fiberglass handling, an aluminum or magnesium anode
or high temperature plastic. Heat to be stored is rod is installed in the tank. These rods are used
transferred from liquid collectors into the tank to protect exposed tank metal from corrosion.
with a coiled heat exchanger. A 60 to 100' coil If two different metals are in contact with each
of 1/2" to 1" copper tubing makes a good heat other and water, the less "noble" of the two
exchanger. Another coil of tubing, typically
1/2" can be connected to the domestic water
heater to heat that water also. TWO TANKS ARE MORE EFFICIENT
In many cases it is more cost-effective to use MORE STORAGE
AND
two or more "standard" tanks rather than one BACKUP FOR TIMES
large "custom" one. Many manufacturers used OF HIGH USAGE OR LIQUID SOLAR
COLLECTOR
to offer tanks with internal coils, but they are CLOUDY W EATHER

hard to find today.

Solar water heaters generally have either one or
two storage tanks. Most systems have only one
tank, which normally contains only an upper
heating element. The element serves as a back-
up heater when solar energy is not available or COLD
when hot water demand exceeds the solar W ATER IN HOT WATER
heated water supply. (Some tanks contain both
upper and lower heating elements.) HOT W ATER
In a one tank system, water is forced from the ANODE ROD FROM THE
SOLAR
lower portion of the storage tank to the IS USUALLY
ON THE HOT STORAGE
collector or heat exchanger where it is heated WATER TANK KEEPS
(usually a 5-15 degree F temperature increase) OUTLET THE GAS OR
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC
and is returned to the top of the tank. A dip tube CORROSION ELEMENT
at the top or upper side of the tank forces the OF THE TANK FROM
COMING ON
heated water to return below the heating
element, ensuring proper hot water STORAGE WATER
stratification. TANK HEATER

39
 metals will corrode first. Once the first metal is
completely eaten away, the second metal will SIX YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
begin to corrode. 40 GALLON $ 389.00
The anode rod is sometimes called a "sacrificial WEIGHT: 150 lbs.
anode," because it is sacrificed to protect the steel 50 GALLON $ 429.00
WEIGHT: 170 lbs.
of the tank. If the anode is never allowed to
65 GALLON $ 550.00
completely dissolve, it will continue to protect the WEIGHT: 200 lbs.
tank. This rod attracts corrosion and thereby 80 GALLON $ 1128.00
"sacrifices" itself. To continuously protect the WEIGHT: 300 lbs.
tank walls from galvanic corrosion in the presence 120 GALLON $820.00
of hard or highly conductive water, the rod should WEIGHT: 400 lbs.
be replaced periodically. A stone lined tank does 80 GAL. RHEEM SOLAR TANK $ 602.00
not require an anode rod since the thick stone layer WITH OUT HEAT EXCHANGER
provides complete coverage and is not easily 80 GAL. RHEEM SOLAR TANK $ 1160.00
broken. WITH HEAT EXCHANGER
120 GAL. RHEEM SOLAR TANK $ 968.00
WITH OUT HEAT EXCHANGER
RHEEM
Specially designed to be compatible with direct
solar heating systems. Rigid, polyurethane foam
insulation keeps heat in the tank. Meets or exceeds
the most demanding energy efficiency standards
without an extra insulation blanket. An electric
element assists the system only when the solar
energy cannot maintain the desired temperature or
during periods of peak demand. Cold water inlet,
hot water outlet and anode rod are at top of the
tank for easy access and installation. Automatic
temperature control thermostat keeps stored water
at desired temperature. Solar storage tanks have 4
ports on the top of the tank, two for the solar and
two for the DHW side of the system.

DESERT SUN
FIBERGLASS TANKS
Finished with a white gel coating. Designed to
withstand temperatures up to 230°F. All tanks
come with two fittings, a 2" drain and 1" vent.
5year limited warranty

450 GALLON
BOLT-TOGETHER $ 1371.00
4' diam. x 52", approx. 105 lbs.

750 GALLON $ 1715.00

5' diam. x 7'1", approx. 155 Lbs. horizontal.

OPTIONAL 20" MANWAY $ 130.00

ADDITIONAL FITTINGS $ 38.00
40
 SENSOR

Drainback solar water heating

DRAINBACK SOLAR
systems are not as fail safe as WATER HEATER
the glycol systems given earlier
but do provide a fairly high degree
of freeze protection. The collector(s)
are filled with water only when the ( ALL COLLECTORS
high head pump is energized. AND PIPING MUST
A second smaller pump is used BE SLOPED TO DRAIN )
on domestic hot water systems to
circulate water through the heat
LIQUID SOLAR
exchanger in the drainback tank.
COLLECTOR
A standard differential control turns
both pumps on and off at the same
time.
Drainback systems are easier to
install than antifreeze systems and COLD WATER IN
have fewer components. One should
watch out for the slope of the
collectors. They must slope a MIX
HOT WATER
minimum of 1/4" per foot back to HOT

the cold pipe inlet. If the heated COLD

STORAGE
water return pipe is plumbed in TANK
above the water level of the PUMP
drainback tank, air will travel up
the pipe and break the vacuum
CONTROL
and allow complete drainage of
the collectors.
Drainback designs are adaptable
to both large and small systems.
The system in the drawing is PUMP
SENSOR
typical for domestic water use. DRAINBACK TANK
The systems can also be configured
as radiant floor assist systems similar
to the drawing on page 48. These
systems can have multiple uses by
using different heat exchangers in Smitty putting the finishing
a single large storage tank. touches on a single Long Pro
We recommend these systems for c ollector (p. 29) drainb ack
mild to moderate climates. While the system for hot water for our
freeze protection is substantial, water shop
that stays in the collectors is subject
to freezing and can damage an entire
collector array.
Drainback systems are hard to power
with PV module direct electricity since
suitable high head DC pumps which are
often needed are tough to find.

41
SUNPAK DRAINBACK TANK
12 gallon drainback tank with internal 3/4"
copper heat exchanger.
34" high x 11" diameter, pressure tested at 50
PSI.
5 year warranty
Weight: 55 lbs.
Diagram at right $895.00

Features: 12 gauge steel interior tank

construction, stainless steel collector fittings,
24 feet of 1/2’ internal copper tube heat
exchanger, fully insulated, exterior PVC
jacket

EXPANSION TANKS
Expansion tanks are required on systems cylindrical tank with the inlet and outlet
which are closed and recirculate the same below the lowest liquid level expected. Most
fluid over and over. The most common use of expansion tanks used today in smaller systems
expansion tanks is heating systems using hot have a pressurized bladder to allow for
water boilers. Solar heating systems using expansion. These tanks are readily available
glycol/oil loops for freeze protection are also in common sizes and are very easy to
require an expansion tank. The expansion tank incorporate into domestic hot water solar
uses an air cushion to allow for the natural systems.
expansion of liquids as they rise in
temperature. Large space heating systems that use synthetic
oil as a heat transfer fluid normally are
Expansion tanks can be as simple as a designed with a cylinder tank since bladder
tanks with viton or hydrin bladders are very
EXTROL hard to find.
EXPANSION TANKS
As liquids heat up in closed loop systems, they
expand. Expansion tanks are required on glycol
loop systems to provide for this expansion. FLUID PRESSURES AT VARIOUS
#15 TANK $55.00 VOLUMES
#30 TANK $64.00 FOR EXTROL EXPANSION TANKS
TANK SIZE SYSTEM VOLUME (GALS.)
# 15 4.7
2 # 15 9.4
# 30 12.5
#15 + #30 17.2
2 # 30 25
# 90 44.5
# 30 + # 90 56
2 # 90 88
# 90 132
42
 HEAT EXCHANGERS
Heat exchangers are made to transfer heat copper tubes bonded to aluminum fins. The
energy from a source (solar collectors) to a liquid flows through the tubes and the air flows
delivery or storage system (tank). Heat over the fins. A common air to liquid exchanger
exchangers are classified as liquid to liquid, air is a car radiator which uses cool air flowing
to liquid or air to air. Heat exchangers can be over the fins to cool water which in turn cools
designed for cooling or heating, although in the the engine. Solar systems normally use hot
solar industry they are used primarily for water (solar heated) flowing through the tubes
heating. to heat cooler air circulating over the fins.
Liquid to liquid heat exchangers can be as Although no air to liquid exchangers are listed
simple as a coil of tubing submerged in a tank in the catalog we do inventory a few sizes and
of water. This is called a single wall heat can special order any size necessary.
exchanger since only one wall of the tubing
separates the two liquids. A double wall heat 21st Century Energy Double Wall Heat
exchanger must be used if the heat is being Exchanger - All copper with brazed
transferred from a non-potable liquid (glycol) connections
to a potable (drinking water) system. These Quad Rod
exchangers are designed so the fluids can never 3' Long $ 454.00
be mixed. 4' Long $ 550.00
Air to liquid heat exchangers are normally 5' Long $ 646.00

Glycol Air Domestic Hot Water Ports

Relief

Glycol Ports

Quad Rod Double Wall Heat Exchanger Specifications

SIZE GLYCOL PORTS DHW PORTS WEIGHT CAPACITY

3 FOOT 3/4” sweat 43.25” 3/4” sweat 43.25” 12 LBS. 2 - 4’ x 8’

Center to center Center to center collectors
4 FOOT 3/4” sweat 43.25” 3/4” sweat 43.25” 15 LBS. 2 - 4’ x 10’
Center to center Center to center collectors
5 FOOT 3/4” sweat 43.25” 3/4” sweat 43.25” 18 LBS. 3 - 4’ x 8’
Center to center Center to center collectors

Carlson Stainless Steel Single Wall Heat Exchangers

Carlson stainless steel heat exchangers are used range of design possibilities. When coupled
in applications where the protection of a double with the corrosion resistance of stainless steel,
wall is not required. Hot tubs, pools, radiant Carlson exchangers are a good choice for
floor systems are just a few of the applications almost any application that does not require
that Carlson exchangers are used for. Operating double wall construction. There are 4 sizes to
temperatures up to 500 F and system pressures choose from. Each size is the amount of heat
up to 150 PSI give these exchangers a wide exchange surface area in square feet.

43
 HE 2.0 - 16 1/4” L, 4” H, 1 3/16” D, Weight 10
2.0 3.5 5.0 10.0
lbs.- $ 418.00
HE 3.5 - 16 1/4” L, 4” H, 1 1/2” D, Weight 13
lbs.- $ 611.00
HE 5.0 - 16 1/4” L, 4” H, 1 7/8” D, Weight 15
lbs.- $ 763.00
HE 10.0 - 19 1/2” L, 4” H, 3 3/4” D, Weight 29
lbs.- $ 1651.00

Below is a sample performance curve of the HE 3.5 exchanger at various flow rates and delta T’s. Complete performance
curves can be downloaded from the Product literature section of our web site at www.aaasolar.com

Two typical drawings using Quad Rod and Carlson heat exchangers for different applications

44
 Integrating Radiant Floor Heating Systems with Solar Energy
All Solar Radiant Floor Systems are custom designed, there is no “cookie cutter” system of
this type because all homes are different and the way the solar energy is used varies with the
lifestyle of the homeowners.

How it works Seasonal Load Imbalance

Radiant floor heating systems have a history What do you do with all that heat in the
going back to the Roman Empire. The Romans, summer? The first and obvious thing is to not
(the rich ones) had their servants build fires have an unbalanced load. Use the solar energy
under the floor of their homes and the smoke to heat a swimming pool or large hot tub in the
was directed under the entire floor, thereby summer. If there is no summer load, we need to
heating the home. The first modern systems modify the system design to balance the energy
used hot water and circulated it through tubing produced with the winter heating load
that was embedded in concrete floors or placed imbalance.
under wood floors. These systems used copper 1. The easiest solution is to cover some of the
tubing to circulate the water and this was solar collectors in the summer time. If this is
expensive. Today most radiant floor systems acceptable, the problem is solved. There are
use a variety of plastic tubing or synthetic simply fewer collectors making heat in the
rubber products to circulate the hot water. summer. If this is not acceptable there are other
A well designed radiant floor system ways to deal with the seasonal imbalance.
distributes heat evenly over the entire floor area 2. The next easiest solution that works most of
where you want and need it the most. If the the time, in most climates is to mount the
piping that carries the water in a radiant floor collectors 90 degrees to the horizontal, facing
system is encased below a 4" slab of concrete, south, of course. A south facing wall is a good
chances are you can heat the home with a solar idea if it is unshaded. This vertical mounting
heating system without a large bulk storage allows the collectors to “see” the low winter
tank. You can realize a significant reduction in sun, yet have much less surface area exposed to
conventional energy costs. A rise of 10°F in a the high summer sun. This solution will always
concrete slab is the rough equivalent of a 40° work if a suitable overhang is placed above the
rise in a 400 gallon tank. Most radiant floor solar collectors to shade them in the summer.
heating systems have a “lag time” of from three This type of design is the classic passive home
to twelve hours due to the slab soaking up the heating design which also must deal with
heat prior to it being felt in the house. This lag seasonal load imbalance.
time works very well with solar energy, as the
3. If the home design will not permit vertical
heat collected at noon may not be “felt” until
mounting, a drainback tank can be incorporated
after dark in the winter. A glycol antifreeze
into the system to drain the glycol solution out
solution is circulated through the solar
of the collectors when they are not operating.
collectors to collect the sun’s energy. A
This will make the system more complex and
properly sized heat exchanger and a three way
add to the initial cost, but it is a solution that
motorized valve with the proper controls are all
makes the cosmetic appearance of the
that is required to integrate the solar collectors
collectors more flexible.
with the radiant floor. A second smaller double
Designing solar energy systems to assist in a
wall heat exchanger may be added to heat the
radiant floor heating system usually takes from
domestic hot water as given in the attached
two to four hours if we have all the information
diagram. The systems can be simple and cost
necessary. While we must charge for this
effective, however there is one large concern
design assistance, the design fee is reasonable.
that needs to be addressed. There is often a
Call us for additional details.
“seasonal load imbalance” in the energy
produced by the solar system and the heating
load of the home.

45
 SIMPLE RADIANT FLOOR GLYCOL SYSTEM
USES FLOOR MASS HEAT STORAGE
PIPING DIAGRAM

LIQUID SOLAR COLLECTORS

GLYCOL CARLSON STAINLESS

PUMP PLATE EXCHANGER 3 PORT
MOTORIZED VALVE
COLD WATER

TO
HOUSE

HOT
WATER
BOILER

RADIANT RADIANT
FLOOR FLOOR
FROM ALL TO ALL
ZONES ZONES

WATER
HEATER

SOLAR STORAGE
TANK with
HEAT EXCHANGER
CONTROLS
GL-30 GL-30
FLOOR
DIFFERENTIAL DHW TANK DIFFERENTIAL A RELAY MAY
RETURN
BOTTOM BE INSTALLED TO
ISOLATE THE
GLYCOL DHW PUMP OUTPUTS
CONTROL CONTROL

COLLECTOR COLLECTOR

NOTE: THIS DIAGRAM ASSUMES THAT THE

COLLECTORS WILL BE MOUNTED VERTICALLY OR
SOME OF THE COLLECTORS WILL BE COVERED IN
THE SUMMER TO ADJUST FOR SEASONAL LOAD IMBALANCE
46
 SIMPLE RADIANT FLOOR DRAINBACK SYSTEM
USES FLOOR MASS HEAT STORAGE
PIPING DIAGRAM

LIQUID SOLAR COLLECTORS

ARE SLOPED FOR DRAINAGE
DRAINBACK
TANK 20 GALLONS
HIGH
HEAD
PUMP CARLSON STAINLESS
PLATE EXCHANGER

3 PORT COLD WATER

MOTORIZED
VALVE
TO
HOT HOUSE
WATER
BOILER

RADIANT
FLOOR RADIANT
FROM ALL FLOOR
ZONES TO ALL
ZONES
WATER
HEATER

SOLAR STORAGE
CONTROLS TANK with
HEAT EXCHANGER
GL-30 GL-30
FLOOR
DIFFERENTIAL DHW TANK DIFFERENTIAL
RETURN
BOTTOM A RELAY MAY
DRAIN DHW BE INSTALLED TO
ISOLATE THE
BACK CONTROL PUMP OUTPUTS
CONTROL
COLLECTOR COLLECTOR

NOTE: THIS DIAGRAM ASSUMES THAT THE

COLLECTORS WILL BE MOUNTED VERTICALLY OR
SOME OF THE COLLECTORS WILL BE COVERED IN
THE SUMMER TO ADJUST FOR SEASONAL LOAD IMBALANCE
47
 RADIANT FLOOR DRAINBACK SYSTEM
PIPING DIAGRAM

LIQUID SOLAR COLLECTORS ARE

SLOPED FOR DRAINBACK

DHW
TANK
DHW PUMP

HIGH
HEAD 3 PORT
PUMP MOTORIZED VALVE

HEAT EXCHANGERS HOT

WATER
SOLAR BOILER
STORAGE
TANK
RADIANT
NOTE: THIS DIAGRAM ASSUMES THAT THE
COLLECTORS WILL BE MOUNTED VERTICALLY OR
FLOOR
SOME OF THE COLLECTORS WILL BE COVERED IN TO ALL
THE SUMMER TO ADJUST FOR SEASONAL LOAD IMBALANCE
ZONES

CONTROLS
GL-30 GL-30 GL-30
FLOOR
DIFFERENTIAL DIFFERENTIAL DHW TANK DIFFERENTIAL
TANK BOTTOM RETURN
RADIANT BOTTOM
DRAIN FLOOR DHW
BACK CONTROL CONTROL
CONTROL
COLLECTOR TANK TOP TANK TOP

48
 RADIANT FLOOR GLYCOL SYSTEM
PIPING DIAGRAM

LIQUID SOLAR COLLECTORS

DHW
TANK
DHW PUMP

GLYCOL
PUMP
3 PORT
MOTORIZED VALVE

HEAT EXCHANGERS HOT

WATER
SOLAR BOILER
STORAGE
TANK
RADIANT
NOTE: THIS DIAGRAM ASSUMES THAT THE
COLLECTORS WILL BE MOUNTED VERTICALLY OR
FLOOR
SOME OF THE COLLECTORS WILL BE COVERED IN TO ALL
THE SUMMER TO ADJUST FOR SEASONAL LOAD IMBALANCE
ZONES

CONTROLS
GL-30 GL-30 GL-30
FLOOR
DIFFERENTIAL DIFFERENTIAL DHW TANK DIFFERENTIAL
TANK BOTTOM RETURN
RADIANT BOTTOM
GLYCOL FLOOR DHW
CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL
COLLECTOR TANK TOP TANK TOP

CALL 800-245-0311 for

MONTHLY SPECIALS
49
 VALVES
A solar heating system can contain numerous direction. They are used in solar water heating
types of valves which perform a variety of systems to prevent heat loss at night by reverse
functions. These include some or all of the thermosyphoning. The best choice for this
following: application is a spring-loaded check valve.
Make sure the seat and seals are compatible
Temperature / Pressure relief valves with the fluid being used. Swing type check
Pressure relief valves valves can also be used if they are mounted in a
Check valves vertical position.
Fill/drain valves (for solar fluids)
Air vents Drain Valves
Control valves (for draindown systems)
Vacuum breakers Some provision for filling and draining the
Three way diverting valves liquids from all the system loops should be
Tempering valves made. In water loops, a simple boiler drain at
Shutoff valves all low points is used. The storage tanks,
particularly those in DHW systems, must be
The casing materials, construction, seals and drainable for service and maintenance. In loops
gaskets of system components must be filled with solar fluid, the fill/drain assembly
compatible with the solar fluid being used and may be all that is required for complete system
the highest potential temperatures and pressures draining. If the piping must be routed in such a
for the system. way that local low points are created, each low
point should be equipped with a drain.
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
Boiler drains are probably acceptable for this
Temperature and pressure relief valves are purpose, except in oil systems where their seals
probably the most common safety valve in the and packings may not be compatible with the
world. They are a requirement on every water synthetic oil. Refrigeration valves can be a
heater installed in the United States. Sometimes solution to this compatibility problem.
called T & P valves by plumbers, the valves are
opened by either excessive temperature or Air Vents
pressure. Normally T & P valves "blowoff" at
125 PSI or 210 degrees F. The valves can Automatic air vents should not be used in
always be identified by the 1/8 " diameter stem closed loop glycol/oil systems. These vents are
which extends from the bottom of the valve to made for boiler systems running at 12 to 15 psi.
read water temperature. Very few, if any, automatic air vents are
capable of withstanding the pressures,
Pressure Relief Valves temperatures, and solar fluids they are exposed
to in solar applications. Manual coin type air
Pressure relief valves can look a lot like a T & vents should be used in solar water heating
P valve, with one exception. Pressure reliefs do systems. The air vent should be constructed of
not have the stem extending out of the bottom metal. Plastic air vents are not recommended
of the valve. Pressure reliefs are used on closed because failure is common.
loop glycol/oil loops as a safety valve. Since
glycol/oil loops might exceed temperatures of
210 degrees F. without harm to the system, a T Collector Loop Control Valves for Draindown
& P valve could blowoff when not needed. Systems
Check Valves
Draindown valves were in wide use in the early
50 Check valves allow fluid flow in only one 1980's. At this time these systems had not failed
at the excessive rates of years to come. are not normally a problem. Manual three-way
Draindown valves of the past consisted of a valves are sometimes used to isolate or bypass
motorized valve or solenoid valve which the storage or back-up heaters in DHW
drained the solar collectors when freezing systems. Because slight amounts of leakage are
temperatures were near. Today only one type of typical, they cannot be used as shutoff valves
valve is available as new equipment. The for service purposes. However, as an isolation
Heliotrope General valve is discussed in greater or bypass valve, they are more convenient than
depth in this section. a pair of two-way valves.

Vacuum Breakers Tempering Valves

A vacuum breaker remains closed as long as Tempering valves are an additional safety
the system it is piped into has pressure. feature that most solar water heating systems
Vacuum breakers are normally placed near the should have installed. The valves primary
top of the system. A drainback or draindown function is to mix cold water to the solar heated
system will retain water in the collectors, much hot water preventing the possibility of scald
like a straw with your finger on top of it, unless injuries should the water in storage be
air is introduced into the system. As these types excessively hot.
of systems start to drain, a vacuum is created at
the top of the system from the weight of the Shutoff Valves
water in the collector and piping. The vacuum
breaker opens and introduces air into the Shutoff valves are used to isolate other system
system, thereby allowing the collectors to drain. components to allow service without requiring
the complete draining of the system. For
Three-Way Diverting Valves shutoff purposes, gate valves or ball valves
should be used. Globe valves, because of their
Some space heating applications, particularly high resistance to flow, should never be used in
those involving hydronic back-up, use any part of the system. Tanks, heat exchangers,
motorized three way valves for automatic the cold water supply, and banks of collectors
control of the distribution of solar heat. The are typical equipment that shutoff valves are
valve must be rated for the water pressure and installed on. Pumps can be isolated as well,
temperatures expected in the system, but these using either separate valves or isolation flanges.

CHECK VALVES OPERATE

WITH A SWINGING GATE
REQUIRED ON OR A SPRING GATE AND
BOILERS AND ALLOW FLOW IN ONE
GLYCOL LOOPS DIRECTION ONLY
BOILER DRAIN VALVES PRESSURE RELIEF
ARE USED FOR DRAIN OR
FILL APPLICATIONS
TEMPERATURE/PRESSURE VALVES GATE VALVES AND
AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES LOOK BALL VALVES ALLOW
SIMILAR - A STEM COMING OUT OF FLUID FLOW TO BE
THE BOTTOM DENOTES A T & P VALVE TURNED OFF AND ON
BOTH ARE REQUIRED SAFETY DEVICES
GATE VALVE
VACUUME BREAKERS ALLOW
AIR TO ASSIST DRAINDOWN
AND SOME DRAINBACK SYSTEMS BALL VALVE
TO DRAIN PROPERLY

51
 VALVES
DOLE FREEZE PROTECTION BLEED
VALVE
The Eaton FP-35 and FP-45 Freeze Protection Valves utilize a
reliable self contained Dole Power Element which is sensitive
to temperature and operates without any electrical power or
sensors. Typically in solar applications, the valve port opens
on descending temperatures allowing the near freezing water in
the solar panel to be discharged and replaced with warmer
supply water. When the warmer water reaches the FP-35 or
FP-45, the valve port closes and water discharge stops. This
cycle will repeat as often as necessary to help prevent freezing.
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
$67.00

RV50 75# PRESSURE RELIEF $14.50

ADJUSTABLE PRESSURE RELIEF

Range 50 to 175 P.S.I., 1/2” $23.50

HONEYWELL MOTORIZED VALVES

2 PORT ¾" $128.00
3 PORT ¾" $156.00

GATE VALVES
½" SWEAT $4.00
¾" SWEAT $5.00

DRAIN VALVES
½" $4.00
¾" $4.80

2 WAY BALL VALVES

½" SWEAT $4.50
¾" SWEAT $6.00

3 WAY BALL VALVES

½" SWEAT $18.50
¾" SWEAT $18.50

CHECK VALVES
½" FIP $7.50
¾" FIP $9.50

MIXING VALVE $55.00

¾" Sweat connection. 110º to 170ºF

¾" TEMPERATURE PRESSURE VALVES

$7.00
1/4" or 1/8" AIR RELIEFS
We carry Amtrol and Watts Float-type Vent assures fast
venting, positive shut-off, venting through the complete
pressure range (0-45 psi) and no spitting or staining from
leaks. $7.50

VACUUM BREAKER $25.80

52
 HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS
HIGH TEMPERATURE TUBING
Propylene Glycol $24.90/gal
PIPE INSULATION
1/2" wall, high temp. priced per six foot length
Halstead - Rubatex - black, tubular
5/8" I.D.-6 ft. $5.00
7/8" I.D.-6 ft. $6.00
1 1/8" I.D.-6 ft. $7.75

Custom Absorber Plates

Our custom absorber plates are built with copper

1/2” type M tubing riser tubes, brazed to headers
that will fit whatever system you have. The copper
headers and risers are brazed and the tubing is then
bonded to .019 factory baked on black aluminum.
The plates are typically used as replacements for
systems that use water in the collector loop and
have somehow frozen. They also have many other
uses, such as hot water heating in greenhouses, Low iron tempered glass is used in all well made collectors. The
heavy duty pool collectors etc. In order for us to glass has much less iron content than regular window glass and
build plates that fit existing collectors, we need the usually improves collector performance by about ten per cent.
following information. $7.00 per square foot The glass only comes in specific sizes.

LOW IRON TEMPERED GLASS

Width at the headers
AFG SOLITE (approx. 90% transmissivity)
34" x 76" $115.00
34" x 96" $134.00
46" x 96" $182.00
Width of the plate 46" x 120" $234.00
Custom tempered glass (not low iron)
Length measured $13.00/sq. ft.
Crating charge on all glass $75.00/shipment
center to center of
the headers
GLAZING MATERIAL
40 MIL FILON 48" wide; fiberglass reinforced
Diameter of the polyester suitable for outer glazing of collectors.
$10.56/Ln. ft.
header tubes
$430.00/50 ft.roll
10 MIL LEXAN 48" wide; polycarbonate suitable for
inner glazing. $4.20/Ln. ft.
$368.00/100 ft.roll

CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-245-0311 53

 AIR COLLECTOR SYSTEMS
Solar air collectors are similar in operation to and blows the heated air back to the hot air
liquid collectors with one major exception. Air outlet. Optimum performance is achieved with
is circulated through the collector and is the a squirrel cage blower of approximately 200 to
medium of heat transfer. Since air will not 400 cubic feet per minute of air flow. Smaller
freeze under any normal circumstances on the blowers can be used and performance is slightly
planet, all of the techniques and equipment effected, but they must be of a squirrel cage
needed to protect liquid systems can be configuration.
ignored. Air collectors are being used
successfully today for such diverse applications The system is controlled by a simple, reliable
as composting toilets, heating water and bi-metal switch in the collector which turns the
benzene removal from the earth. Their main blower on at 110° and off at 90°. This gives
functions are for solar space heating of homes automatic operation with each sun cycle. An
and buildings. interior thermostat or manual switch wired in
series with the bi-metal switch allows the
The Collectors occupant to “call for heat” or shut the system
When we started installing solar air systems in off when heat is not required. The system is
the late 1970’s, most collectors were of completed with the addition of a backdraft
questionable construction, with efficiencies of damper in the duct system to prevent nighttime
40 to 50%. By 1985, efficiencies had risen to cooling from thermosyphoning.
60 to 70% and collectors were built with life
spans up to fifty years. All high quality air Air Movement
collectors today have three things in common: Hot air rises and cold air falls. This concept of
an enclosure made of aluminum or steel, air movement, called natural convection, is
insulation on the back and sides and low iron, important in any space heating project no
tempered glass glazing on the front. Collectors matter what fuel is used. Wood stoves are
normally have a single glazing with a dead air superior to fireplaces in heating mainly because
space between the glass and the absorber plate. the stove causes a convection current of air
Absorber plates are made of aluminum, steel or throughout the room or building. Most
copper. The plate is coated on the side facing fireplaces only radiate heat into the immediate
the sun with black paint or a selective surface area. Although this concept is ignored in
process. Selective surfaces (black chrome) designing many modern fossil fueled heating
increase efficiency by limiting reradiated systems, it is an integral part of all successful
energy back through the glazing. Air collector solar heating installations. If a solar heating
absorber plates should be dimpled or system works with natural convection, hot air
corrugated to create air turbulence that helps rising and cold air falling, then the result in
“wash” the heat from the plate. comfort level can exceed expectations.

Blowers and Controls The Installation

When installed properly a 4 foot x 8 foot air Almost everyone today only lives in half their
collector can provide 25 to 50% of the energy house - the bottom half. We need heat the most
needed to heat a 400 to 800 square foot space when the weather is cold and we are sedentary
depending on climate and building (sitting or lying down). In any building with
construction. This makes air collector systems little air movement the air tends to stagnate or
ideal for zone type heating systems. We stratify. Air temperature rises approximately 1°
normally use a separate blower, control and F. per foot. The ceiling of an A-frame house
ducting system for every 32 to 64 square feet of can be 20 to 25° hotter than the floor. Any good
collector area. The blower pulls air from the space heating system is designed around the
cold air inlet of the space through the collector fact that we live near the floor and the heat is at
54
the ceiling. Energy Storage
The cold air inlet to the heating system is the The main niche for air collectors in the solar
key to efficiency and comfort. To heat any given industry is supplying 25 to 50% of required
space, the cold air must be removed and energy for space heating. Additional storage is
circulated through the heater; therefore, the inlet not required in most cases. A normal, well
must be ducted so it is on or near the floor. If the insulated house has enough interior mass alone
inlet is placed on the ceiling, the heater will tend to store enough heat for three to four hours after
to recirculate the hot air and leave the floor cold. sundown, if the temperature is raised 10°F. (i.e.,
The hot air supply may be placed at the ceiling 68° starting, 78° ending). More massive
or on the floor with little difference in construction, such as adobe or brick, can store
performance. If placed on the floor, the hot air even more thermal energy. Due to their
rises to the ceiling within a short distance. Since complexity, large rock and water storage
collectors are normally installed on the roof of systems are rarely cost-effective. They often
the building being heated, it is best to place the require extraordinary maintenance.
hot air outlet in the ceiling to shorten the duct
run. A system installed in this manner de- The best features of air collector systems are
stratifies, or mixes, the air in a building like a simplicity and reliability. The collectors are
ceiling fan, in addition to supplying solar heat. relatively simple devices. A well-made blower
can be expected to have a 10 to 20 year life span
Orientation if properly maintained, and the controls are
The orientation of air collectors for heating in extremely reliable. Since air will not freeze, no
the winter is the same as given on page 18. The heat exchanger is required. By using packaged
collector should face within 30° of true south insulated flex duct, the installation can be
and tilt at an angle of latitude plus 15°. accomplished by anyone with a little mechanical
ability. All this adds up to a quick payback on
the cost of the equipment and gives you years of
warmth with safe clean solar heated air.

WATER HEATING WITH AIR COLLECTORS

Air collectors may be used to heat domestic hot water using an air to liquid heat exchanger which is
much like a car radiator. A small blower flows air through the collector and passes it over the fins of
the heat exchanger and returns the now cooled air to the collector. A 1/100th horsepower pump draws
water from the bottom of the storage tank and flows it through the copper tubing in the heat exchanger
and back to the top of the tank. The heat from the solar heated air is transferred to the water. Although
air collectors are not quite as efficient as liquid collectors in heating water, the systems are simpler and
require less maintenance than glycol water heaters. An air collector solar water heater uses the same
type of differential control as a liquid system, but the differential is usually higher to account for the
lower heat capacity of air. The system must have a backdraft damper to prevent freezing the heat
exchanger tubing in cold weather. See the diagram on pager 57.

CALL 800-245-0311 for

MONTHLY SPECIALS

55
 ROOF MOUNT AIR COLLECTORS
SUN AIRE

APPLICATIONS: Space heating and

domestic water heating.
GLAZING: Textured, low iron tempered glass.
ABSORBER SURFACE: Factory baked on
enamel 95% absorptivity.
INSULATION: R-8 on back and sides with
isocyanurate duct board.
CASE MATERIAL: Aluminum with Bronze
anodized finish.
FIVE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY:

4' X 8' (100 lbs.) $800.00*

Size: 46 ¾" x 93 ½" x 3 ½" Deep
3' X 12.5' (145 lbs.) $988.00*
Size: 34 ¾" x 154" x 3 ½" Deep

PACKAGED AIR COLLECTOR

SYSTEMS SPACE HEATING SYSTEMS

1ea. 4' x 8' Sun Aire Collector COLLECTOR MOUNTING KITS

Dayton 362 CFM Blower Includes the necessary steel risers, clamps, roof
Backdraft Damper attachments and hardware to mount a solar
Line Voltage Thermostat collector securely to any type of roof. Kits are
Snap Disc Controller (110° - 90°F) custom sized to roof pitch and installation
SYSTEM TOTAL $1104.00* location.
WEIGHT: 140 lbs. 4' X 8' MOUNT KIT $38.00
1ea. 3' x 12.5' Sun Aire Collectors
Dayton 488 CFM Blower 3' X 12.5' MOUNT KIT $46.00
Backdraft Damper
Line Voltage Thermostat
Snap Disc Controller (110° - 90°F) INSTALLATION KIT FOR AIR SYSTEMS
50' of 6" insulated flex duct
SYSTEM TOTAL $1291.00*
2 Roof jacks
WEIGHT: 185 lbs.
Cold air boot
Hot air boot
Complete Kits include everything above plus
Register
installation kit (right column) and mounts
Grill
5' of galvanized weatherproofing
4 x 8 Complete Kit - $1318.00*
2- Galvanized elbows
3 x 12.5 Complete Kit - $1514.00*
TOTAL INSTALL KIT $178.00
*Crating charges ($100.00) and motor
freight charges on all liquid and air
collectors are additional.

56 CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-245-0311

 AIR COLLECTORS AND SYSTEMS
ALUMINUM ANGLE TRIM
LOW IRON TEMPERED GLASS
DEAD AIR SPACE
FACTORY COATED
ALUMINUM ABSORBER

ALUMINUM OUTER
ENCLOSURE
1" - R-8 ISOCYANURATE
AIR FLOW PATH INSULATION

A BACK PASS AIR COLLECTOR

Sun Aire Sun Aire

Collector Collector
Mounts Mounts

Blower Blower

Hot Air
Solar
Thermostat
PUMP Control
System

STORAGE
TANK
Cold Air
WATER HEATING HOME HEATING
AIR CIRCULATES IN A CLOSED LOOP COOL AIR IS DRAWN FROM THE HOME,
THROUGH A RADIATOR TYPE HEAT THROUGH THE COLD AIR RETURN TO
EXCHANGER WHILE COLD WATER IS THROUGH THE COLLECTOR AND
PUMPED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE A SMALL BLOWER DELIVERS THE SUN
TANK AFTER BEING HEATED IN THE HEATED AIR BACK TO THE HOME
HEAT EXCHANGER

Air is drawn in at the bottom 6" round opening in the

HOT back of the collector and flows behind the sun heated
absorber, turbulated by the plate and internal baffles,
the heated air (normally heated 30 to 60 degrees)
flows out the top 6" round opening.
COLD Multiple collectors can be manifolded together for
larger space or water heating requirements

57
 BLOWERS
Blowers are designed to have enough power to
circulate air through air ducts. Blowers used
in both conventional and solar heating
systems are called centrifugal and resemble a
treadmill in a squirrel cage. Although ducting
systems are used in many solar heating
systems, the blowers main purpose is to
circulate air through the collector. Small
highly efficient, permanent split capacitor
motors are used on these blowers. Systems
powered by photovoltaics normally use a 12
volt D.C. blower.

Fans with propeller type blades can only

circulate air through a minimum of duct work.
They are used in solar heating for “through
the wall” applications where solar collectors
are mounted on a southern wall instead of the
roof. Using a fan to circulate air through more
than a few feet of duct will produce
discouraging results.

DAYTON - PERMANENT SPLIT

CAPACITOR BLOWERS
Provides economical air delivery. Driven by Dayton
motors rated for continuous duty with all position
mount sleeve bearings. Motors recognized by UL.
382 CFM $207.50
488 CFM $229.00
176 CFM 12V D.C. $83.00

BACKDRAFT DAMPER FOR ROOF MOUNT

COLLECTOR
Attaches to blower, slides into flex-duct.
Opens when system is on, closes to keep warm
house air from escaping through duct.
6" $24.00
8" $37.50

SNAP DISC $23.50

A single pole, single throw thermally actuated
switch that turns on (closes) at 110°F and turns
off (opens) at 90°F. Snap discs are used to
control air systems for space heating. Normally
wired in series with a line voltage thermostat,
the snap disc comes with high temperature
leads for safe installation in the collector.

CALL 800-245-0311 for

MONTHLY SPECIALS

58 ASK ABOUT NEW, USED AND REBUILT EQUIPMENT

 MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS

INSULATED FLEXIBLE AIR DUCT

Flex duct is constructed of a high temperature (250º) CPE liner
bonded to a spring steel wire helix, insulated with fiberglass and
jacketed with a polyethelene vapor barrier. It has been used on
thousands of air collector type systems and is packaged in
compressed boxes approx. 4' long. 25' when extended.
6" $34.58
8" $38.00

ADJUSTABLE ROOF JACKS

Used for water-tight roof penetrations, for piping and ducting. FLEXDUCT
7" (for 6" flex duct) $19.34
9" (for 8" flex duct) $25.24

GALVANIZED WEATHERPROOFING
Used to weatherproof flex duct when exposed to outside
environment. (5' straight lengths snap together; adjustable ells
for change in direction.)
8" (for 6" flex duct) 5' LENGTH $ 12.56
8" ADJUSTABLE 90ºELL $ 4.62
10" (for 8"flex duct) 5' LENGTH $ 14.12
10" ADJUSTABLE 90ºELL $ 6.76

GALVANIZED BOOTS
Boots are used for transition from flex duct to registers or wall
openings.
6" ROUND X 6" X 10" $ 11.70
6" ROUND X 4" X 10" $ 8.20
8" ROUND X 4" X 14" $ 14.00

REGISTERS AND GRILLES

10" X 6" ADJ. REGISTER (for hot air) $ 8.00
8" X 8" GRILL (for cold air) $ 6.00

BACK DRAFT DAMPER 6” $ 24.00

COLLECTOR MOUNTING KITS

Includes the necessary steel risers, clamps, roof attachments and
hardware to mount a solar collector securely to any type of roof.
Kits are custom sized to roof pitch and installation location.
3' X 8' , 4' X 8' $ 38.00
4' X 10', 4' X 12' $ 46.00

CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-245-0311

59
 THERMOSTATS
Line voltage, heat only thermostats are used on
air collector space heating systems. They may
be set by the user to regulate indoor
temperatures and turning the thermostat all the
way down effectively shuts the system off
when not in use. Cooling line voltage
thermostats are used to control blowers that
distribute excess heat from sunrooms.

HEAT-COOL THERMOSTAT $27.90

HEAT ONLY THERMOSTAT $48.52

LOW VOLTAGE
24 volt thermostats are used to regulate indoor
temperatures and are mainly integrated into
liquid collector space heating options. For these
applications they are normally wired in series
with either an aquastat or differential controller.

24 VOLT THERMOSTAT $40.00

AQUASTATS
Aquastats utilize a remote bulb filled with freon
to sense water temperatures in solar storage
tanks. When the water is hot enough (80° to
100°F), the aquastat will turn on a pump to
deliver the hot water to its desired location.
When the tank temperature falls below the
selected temperature the pump shuts off.

AQUASTAT (-30° to 100°F) $89.00

THERMOMETERS AND GAUGES

PASCO THERMOMETER
30° to 250°F; includes 1/2" M.I.P. brass well
(thermometer is removable from well).
$16.00

PRESSURE GAUGES
2" dial; 1/4" M.I.P. bottom connection; 0 to 100
P.S.I. $9.50

CALL 800-245-0311 for

MONTHLY SPECIALS

60
 GLOSSARY
ABSORBER -- The absorber is that part of the solar F. and the mean temperature - the higher the heating
collector which receives the incident radiant energy degree days at any location, the colder the winter.
and transforms it into heat energy. DIFFERENTIAL CONTROLLER -- Control
ABSORPTIVE COATING -- Covers the absorber which measures the difference between the collector
plate and improves its ability to absorb energy without and the tank temperatures.
reflecting it away. DIFFUSE RADIATION -- Solar radiation received
ACTIVE SOLAR SYSTEM -- A system that traps after its direction has been changed by reflection and
the sun’s energy and utilizes a mechanical subsystem scattering in the atmosphere.
to move that energy to its point of intended use for DIRECT BEAM RADIATION -- Solar radiation
water heating, space heating and possibly space which is not scattered by dust or water droplets. It is
cooling. capable of being focused and casts shadows.
AQUASTAT -- Thermostat which measures liquid DIRECT PUMP -- Solar domestic hot water system
temperatures. that uses existing water pressure to fill the collectors.
BATCH -- Black tank that serves as both collector DOUBLE GLAZED -- Covered by two panes of
and storage tank. Can be enclosed, with one side glass or other transparent material.
glazed. DOUBLE WALL SEPARATION -- Heat
BATTERY -- A chemical storage device for DC exchangers utilizing non-potable heat transfer fluids
electricity. Batteries in solar electric systems are separated from the potable water system by use of two
normally of the lead acid type, similar to car batteries walls between the fluids.
but made for deep cycling. DRAIN-DOWN SYSTEM -- A liquid solar
BOS -- In photovoltaic systems - balance of system collection system in which the collector fluid drains
refers to all other unspecified devices and materials down when the collector system pump is not
needed to complete a solar electric system operating.
BREADBOX -- Black tank enclosed in an insulated DRAINBACK SYSTEM -- Liquid system that only
box that is glazed on one side. Tank serves as both fills the collector when the temperature differential is
collector and storage tank. appropriate. The water that is circulated through the
BRITISH THERMAL UNIT (BTU) -- The amount collectors is stored in a reservoir.
of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound EXPANSION TANK -- Takes up the overflow
(one pint) of water, one degree Fahrenheit. created when the heat transfer fluid expands.
CENTRIFUGAL PUMP -- A type of pump which FLAT PLATE COLLECTOR -- Converts the sun’s
has blades that rotate and whirls the fluid around so radiation into heat on a flat surface within a simple
that it acquires sufficient momentum to discharge box. Does not use reflecting surfaces or lens
from the pump body. The fluid is thrown outward by arrangements to concentrate the sun’s energy.
centrifugal force. GLYCOL -- (Propylene Glycol) An antifreeze, heat
CHARGE CONTROL -- Also called a charge transfer fluid that is circulated through liquid type
regulator, it keeps batteries in a solar electric system collectors.
from over charging. HEAD -- For pumping considerations, the vertical
CLOSED LOOP SYSTEM -- System of which no rise to the highest point in the system. Does not
part is vented to the atmosphere or fed with fresh include the horizontal run to that point. Head losses
liquid. The system liquid is recirculated. are important for determining flow rates and pump
COIL-IN-TANK HEAT EXCHANGER -- A coil in sizes.
a water tank. Most commonly used on solar water HEADERS -- Main passages through which the heat
heating systems. transfer medium enters into or exits from the
COLLECTOR LOOP -- The part of the solar system collector. Also called manifolds.
that has solar collectors. The collector loop may be HEAT EXCHANGER -- A device that is used to
piped and include other components. transfer heat between fluids and gasses through an
COLLECTOR TILT -- The angle between the intervening metal surface.
horizontal plane and the solar collector plane. HEAT TRANSFER MEDIUM -- Air or liquid that
COUNTERFLOW HEAT EXCHANGER -- A self- is heated and used to transmit energy to its point of
contained heat exchanger in which the two substances use.
flow in opposite directions. INDIRECT SYSTEM -- A solar heating or cooling
DEEP CYCLE BATTERY -- See Battery system in which the solar heat is collected outside the
DEGREE DAY -- The difference between 65 degrees building and transferred inside using

61
ducts or piping, and usually, fans or pumps. electrical resistance according to temperature. Used
INVERTERS -- An electrical device that converts in the control system to generate input data on
DC electricity to AC electricity to use normal collector and storage tank temperatures.
household appliances. Modified sine wave inverters SOLAR COLLECTORS -- A solar collector is a
are good for stand alone systems - pure sine wave device designed to absorb incident solar radiation
inverters are required for electricity as pure as the and to transfer the energy to a fluid passing through
electrical utility grid. it.
LIQUID COLLECTOR -- A collector that uses a SOLAR RADIATION -- The sun’s energy that
liquid as the heat transfer medium. comes to earth in the form of direct, diffuse and
MEAN DAY TEMPERATURE -- Average of the reflected rays.
minimum and maximum daily temperatures used to SOLAR STORAGE -- A water tank or rock bed
determine the number of degree days. that absorbs collected solar energy and holds it until
OPEN LOOP SYSTEM -- Some part of the needed.
system is vented to the atmosphere, or the system THERMOSTAT -- Temperature sensing device
contains fresh or changeable water. which is used to switch mechanical equipment on
PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING -- Solar heating of and off.
a building accomplished by architectural design THERMOSYPHON -- Passive solar systems that
without the aid of mechanical equipment. rely on the natural convection of liquids to collect
PHOTOVOLTAICS -- Solar panels used to energy. Designed with the tank above the collection
convert solar energy into electricity also known as surface.
solar electric panels. TRANSFER FLUID, HEAT -- The heat transfer
POTABLE -- Drinkable. fluid is the medium, such as air, water or other
PUMP STAGING -- A method of placing two or fluid, which passes through the solar collector and
more pumps together to increase flow or overcome carries the absorbed thermal energy away from the
head losses. Series-staged pumps are placed in the collector.
same line and increase the head. Parallel-staged UNGLAZED COLLECTOR -- A collector with
pumps are placed in two separate lines, feeding a no transparent cover plate.
common line and increase the flow rate.
RISERS -- Flow passages (pipes or channels) that
distribute heat transfer fluid across the absorber
panel in a collector.
SENSOR -- Sensing device that changes its

ABOUT AAA SOLAR & ORDERING

Twenty-eight years ago we started installing solar sulfur each year out of the atmosphere we breathe.
systems in Albuquerque. We have now installed The thousands of tons of carbon dioxide our heating
over ten thousand solar heating and photovoltaic systems displace is like planting a large forest.
systems throughout the United States. Thank You
to all of our customers who have made our AAA SOLAR SUPPLY is open Monday through
endeavor a success. Your support and gracious Friday from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. (Mountain Time)
referrals have been the major factor in our growth. excluding holidays. We accept orders by fax, mail,
e-mail or phone. If your order is by mail, to insure
We manufacture Air Collectors, Liquid Collectors, that all information is correct please call our “800”
Heat Exchangers, Batch Water Heaters, Battery number to get shipping charges. Also please send
Enclosures and Heavy Duty Electrical Cables. We your name, address, phone number and order to
have factory direct relationships with most of the address on front of catalog. We also accept orders
other manufacturers represented in our catalog via our web site, which is located on front page. If
your order is by phone please feel free to use our
The recommendations of thousands of our “800” number. Please understand that the “800”
customers over the past two and a half decades is number is for ordering . The people that answer
an asset that cannot be duplicated. All of us at AAA this line are not technicians and will be unable to
Solar are proud of the thousands of solar systems answer technical questions. All prices given in this
we have sold, installed or serviced. As a result, they catalog are subject to change without notice.
are displacing tens of tons of oxides of nitrogen and

62
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE It is not possible for us to accept responsibility for
If you are unable to find a product or need technical freight delays, damage or loss, since we cannot
assistance, our technical staff can assist you with an control their operations. Proper procedure for
equal replacement or offer advise on the most damaged freight is initiated by the consignee
economical design alteration which will work. (receiver). We are happy to assist you in the
Please direct technical inquiries to (505) 243-4900- unlikely event of freight damage or loss to the
we will be happy to help. extent that regulations allow.

THE INTERNET METHODS OF PAYMENT

We have now been on the Internet for four years. If All orders are payable in U.S. dollars. References
you have access to a web browser, the URL for the below are to U.S. dollars.
catalog is as follows:
http://www.aaasolar.com We accept personal and company checks*, money
In addition to the catalog we have a listing of our orders, bank checks, wire transfers, Visa,
current used and rebuilt inventory of solar collectors MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and
and other goodies which we acquire from inventory Diners Club.
buyouts, auctions and consignments. The catalog is *There is a $25.00 fee on all return checks.
downloadable in HTML format and updated much
C.O.D. Shipments. We can, and do, ship UPS C.O.
more frequently than this printed version. We are
D. everyday. The handling charge currently is
also communicating with people worldwide through
$6.50 per shipment. We do not normally ship
various internet newsgroups and can be reached
anything by motor freight on a C.O.D. basis. In
through e-mail at the following addresses:
addition to a $30 to $50 C.O.D. charge from motor
freight carriers, no discounts are allowed if
solarstuff@aaasolar.com merchandise is to be shipped on a C.O.D. basis. For
this reason, we require that equipment that must be
SHIPPING AND HANDLING shipped motor freight be paid for in advance (See
We normally ship UPS Ground Service on all items Above). There is no additional cost for freight
under 70 pounds in the continental United States, collect and this is the normal arrangement
Canada* and Mexico*, unless directed otherwise. (merchandise paid in advance, freight paid upon
If we are able to break a shipment into less than 70 delivery).
pound boxes, we will normally do so, in order to
use UPS which we feel is most cost effective. We WARRANTIES
can also ship UPS Blue Label (2nd. day air) and All warranties are given in writing by the
Red Label (Overnight) at an additional charge. manufacturer. Warranty situations are between you
Items weighing over 70 pounds or items of unusual and the manufacturer. AAA SOLAR SUPPLY also
length, width or girth must be shipped common offers warranties on selected used and rebuilt
carrier (motor freight). Due to our volume of equipment. It is very important that you keep both
shipping, we receive large discounts on motor the warranty and invoice as most warranties are
freight tariffs to most locations (point direct) in the “clocked” from the date of purchase. Any other
United States. warranties expressed or implied are not valid.
*All International orders will be charged a
RESTOCKING
minimum of $25.00 handling fee.
You may return any and all equipment purchased
within 30 days for a refund. All goods returned for
CALL 800-245-0311 for refund must be in new condition and in the original
MONTHLY SPECIALS packaging . A 20% restocking charge will be
assessed.
FREIGHT DELAYS, DAMAGE OR LOSS

1-800-245-0311

63
A Solar Energy International solar water heating workshop at Guemes Island, Washington
AAA SOLAR SERVICE AND SUPPLY, INC.
2021 ZEARING AVE. N.W.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. 87104
(505) 243-4900