Generation Solar Renewable Energy Systems



	Solar pool heater.

How does it work?

Learn the basics about domestic water heating systems and pool heating systems.

What will I need?

How many collectors? How much roof space? Figure out the answer to these and other important questions when you read about our domestic water heating and pool heating kits.

Feature article

Solar thermal: reliable, clean

IT'S THE DAWNING OF A NEW DAY and, while the sun breaks the horizon, the thermometer outside reads "-15 degrees Celsius". As is common on the coldest days in winter, it is bright and sunny. Your solar hot water collectors are beginning their daily ritual of warming up so that they can begin to transfer heat into the house; heat for your shower, your laundry, your dishwasher.

This is the reality for those who have already invested in solar hot water systems, and are benefitting from the reliable, clean, and silent power of the sun. Whereas natural gas, propane, and oil are being depleted faster than they are being replaced, the sun will be around for the next million years or so, and the day that it doesn't come up, all the gasoline in the world won't be much consolation! And solar energy systems are pollution free, whereas the burning of fossil fuels shoots off just about every greenhouse gas into our atmosphere that you can imagine.

Solar water heating is used not only for domestic applications, but wherever there is a need for hot water. This includes laundries, car washes, the dairy industry, group homes, and hospitals.

Solar water heating typically feeds into your conventional heating system. Cold water from either your well or municipality is heated by the free energy of the sun, and then moves on to your conventional water heater - electric, oil, gas, propane, or wood fired - for any additional heating that may be required. Most modern solar hot water systems use pumps which are also solar powered - by a small photovoltaic (or PV) panel - so that the system only activates when the sun is up, and so that no grid power is necessary.

Out of the bathroom window you notice that the sun is setting once more, and you smile satisfyingly as you draw a hot bath. You think to yourself: the sun will pick up the tab for this one.

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