1. Why don't SunWaterMV systems tie into the grid?

As an Alternative Energy Specialist, it is my job to know Energy Alternatives and to provide the best technology, now and for the foreseeable future. That is why I list a cost comparison of various renewables.  When I am sure something better is coming along, I will be ready to switch to it!   The SunWaterMV Mission is to provide the most effective technology available.

Electricians might only offer Photovoltaics or Wind, that might tie into the grid.
 
Heating & Air Conditioners might only offer Geothermal, or Flat Plates.


2. What is NABCEP and why is it important?

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is a non-profit that exists to provide standards, protect the public, raise professionalism, improve the state of the art, and provide professional support.

While a licensed Master Plumber is required to connect your solar thermal storage system to your domestic water system in many cases, that is a small fraction of the specialized knowledge required.  EVT Solar thermal is a relatively new technology, and plumbers already have a wide range of expertise in which they must be proficient. In many cases a Certified Solar Thermal professional should be your first choice for your installation.


3. How fast do Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water (EVT SHW) systems pay themselves off?

Faster than anything else in most cases. In 2001 EVT SHW became commercially available.  Your system could have paid itself off in fuel or electricity savings by now, and you could be enjoying free hot water and heat energy forever. What could you do with the savings?  Maybe you could invest in your next alternative energy need, like a Heat Pump or Photovoltaics.   The reverse is less likely.


4. How can I afford a Solar Thermal EVT system?

It is easier than you might think. Many SunWaterMV clients have zero-interest loans and have no up front costs.  Zero interest loans are essentially an additional incentive and easier to qualify.  The loan can be structured with the payments equal to the fuel savings, after the Federal and State incentives are counted, so it is retired about the same time the system pays itself off.  Folding it into a construction loan works too.


5. What about stories of other technologies with faster paybacks?

Exceptions can happen. Deals are sometimes found on photovoltaic panels and wind, etc., and special circumstances may occasionally make different alternatives more economical, but the longevity issues remain.


6. Why should I consider EVT Solar now instead of something else?

It is similar to a home mortgage.   Everyone knows that the first financial goal for new households is the home mortgage, and that you get it as soon as you can manage it.  Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water is in a class all by itself because it is usually has the fastest payback, and then provides free energy with almost zero maintenance for 25 years or more.  You can leverage the savings against the tyranny of utility costs.

And there has never been a better time to install Solar Thermal.  Plumbing is the largest cost, and labor & interest rates are at historic lows.  Apricus has been constantly improving their product by making it better and less expensive.


7. Isn't lots of insulation an alternative as effective as installing an Evacuated Tube System?

No.  Although proper insulation, sealing leaks and other reasonable measures can help you make the most of your Solar Energy, neither insulation nor any other measure can compete with EVT Solar Thermal at this Latitude for pure economic advantage in a conventional home.


8. What do I have to do with the system when it freezes outside, or when we are away and it is Sunny?

Nothing! SunWaterMV systems are "Set and Forget."



9. Can I use a SunWaterMV System instead of "winterizing," and avoid possible leaks in the Spring?

Yes!  EVT Systems use free sunlight to keep your home from freezing in winter, and then makes hot water at no cost in Summer.


10. What kind of maintenance of SunWaterMV Systems are required?

Simple!   In Spring and Fall, Check the Hi-Temp Antifreeze (NOT propylene glycol!) for neutral pH, and inspect the system for damage.

If a tube is damaged, the system does not have to shut down. The loss of winter performance per broken tube on an AP-30 is about 2%, and replacement can be when convenient. Each tube costs $10.

No expensive battery banks to replace, or turbine service.


11. What if I'm not ready to give up my existing, or "primary" heating systems?

It is not necessary.  During sequential rainy days your "primary" system may be needed. Your EVT will "hybridize" your systems to make the fuel they use go much farther, just like a Prius.  If an EVT system is large enough, it can run with the boiler off, regardless of weather.   Most systems save around half of previous fuel usage.


12. Can I simply replace my old failed heating system with an EVT system?

Not usually.  You will need some kind of backup for inclement weather, unless you choose a large EVT system.  However, you may have an opportunity to make your "primary" system a heat pump, which can save energy and money compared to a conventional heating system, while giving you the added benefit of air conditioning. 



13. How good are Apricus Collectors?

Nothing Better!    Even on cloudy or hazy days they can often be seen to operate at over half of their highest temperatures.   Only on the darkest rainy days do they not climb well above ambient. (See SRCC.org)


14. How likely is a Tube failure?

One in 10,000 since 2001. Apricus Quality Control reports on the in-service Tube failure rates as an ISO 9001 company. (See Apricus.com)



15. What is better, "Flat Plate" or "Evacuated Tube" ?

Evacuated Tubes work better on the Cape & Islands.   We live above Latitude 35.   Flat plates lose around 90% as much heat as they gain when it is cold.   There are around 5 hours of sun in winter and 16 in the summer.  Either type of system will probably be designed to reject a little extra heat in summer in order to capture as much heat as possible in winter.

See Solar Thermal Editor Chuck Marken's excellent and balanced article on the difference between Evacuated Tubes and Flat Plate collectors in "Home Power" #138.   The salient point is the last sentence: "Insulation is supreme at higher temperature differences..." The "Insulation" referred to in the Evacuated Tube is - in effect - a vacuum bottle.    The high "temperature difference" is between the cold air outside and the warm temperature inside the collector.
 
I have satisfied customers who can verify how well EVTs work. See www.solar-estimate.org.


16. Aren't "Flat Plates" cheaper?

For most people, the long-term answer is "no."   Most equal Flat Plates can only provide about a fifth of the energy in winter when you need it.   You won't need it in summer, when they have a 5% - 20% efficiency advantage.   A couple of hundred dollars more for an Evacuted Tube Collector can mean hundreds of dollars in savings every year.


17. What "Category" applies on the SRCC certification chart for the Apricus AP-30 at this Latitude?

Category D & E apply.   A typical AP-30 collector outlet temperature can easily be 160°F or more, when it is 20°F here.   The difference is 140°F.   That is where EVT's have the clear advantage.  (See SRCC.org Ratings)    Anyone who claims it should be category C or B may be trying to lower the bar to make a different product seem as effective.

The AP-30 captures 21 times more energy on a cloudy day at 20°F than the best equal Flat Plate Collector found on the SRCC site. The Viessmann 200-F SV2 and SH2, shows a "y intercept" 15% higher than an Apricus AP-30 in summer conditions, when you don't need it.


18. How long will Apricus EVT systems last?

30 years might be possible. The first Apricus systems, installed in 2001, have had no significant failures.

Borosilicate glass is used in underwater, runway and traffic lights.
The vacuum joint is melted glass.
Soldered copper can last essentially forever with Hi-Temp antifreeze.
Standard circulator pumps are used. When was the last time you heard of one failing?
The weakest link is always the tank. Keeping your water at neutral pH and within a narrow range of hardness can go a long way to keeping your tank in service.

Will there be something better by then? Maybe. Will this be worth keeping up anyway? Probably! (See Apricus.com)

If Thermal-Electric conversion (TE) materializes in 2013 as announced, you will be able to draw electrical power from your hot water tank at twice the efficiency of conventional photovoltaic panels, without the expense and longevity issues.


19. I have radiant heat now. Will EVT work?
 
Yes. Radiant is the best application after simple Domestic Hot Water. Very little additional equipment must be added to the basic EVT system, and the temperatures required are well within the limits of storage tanks in the United States.


20. Why are the Tubes that odd color?

Borosilicate glass is smooth and reflects a tiny amount of the color of the sky. Otherwise, they would be completely black, because the Absorber converts almost all of the light to heat. On a clear day EVT Tubes look dark deep blue.
 

21. Can I use PEX instead of copper?
 
Nope. PEX is only good to about 300°F. An EVT system can get ripping hot, and must even be installed with high temperature solder!


22. How long is the Apricus Warranty?

15 years. See Apricus.com



23. What does "Apricus" mean?

Founder Mick Humphries chose it because it is Latin for "reverence for the sun."