2 long questions from a Newbie... regarding solar hot water space heating

Ronald Hiemann
1 Posts
Sep 5, 2008 12:30 pm
2 long questions from a Newbie... regarding solar hot water space heating

1) I have started an attempt to educate myself about solar water space heating, which I would like to install to supplement heat to the existing hydronic in-floor heating system, using a heating oil fed boiler. I bought the book "Solar Water Heating" by Bob Ramlow and it is a good read. I am trying to figure out, if this can be a DIY job. I am relatively handy with tools as I have built my own house. I am also thinking about getting a professional installation quote but seem to be unable finding an installer in the Newburyport, MA \ North Shore area. Does anybody have any recommendations?

2) I kind of jumped in backwards because I first searched for drainback system information and ended-up talking to a company by the name of "King Solar, LLC" in West Linn, OR. -There also is a "King Solar Products, Inc." in Portland, OR - Apparently, both companies are owned by the same people. King Solar's web site is mediocre and confusing. King Solar Products' site is slick.

They told me they are manufacturers and quoted me a good price (in the name of the LLC and requested that I pay by check) for a solar hot water drainback system but I would have to arrange for the shipping. From Florida from an address, which turns out to be AET (Alternate Energy Technologies).

So what does this make King Solar? A reseller of AET equipment? Or what?

Does anybody have any feedback on this company?

Any feedback on either subject will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ronald
 
 
Ken Hall
351 Posts
Sep 5, 2008 01:37 pm
Re: 2 long questions from a Newbie... regarding solar hot water space heating

I have no personal experiance with the company. But here is their BBB listing.
http://alaskaoregonwesternwashington.bbb.org/WWWRoot/Report.aspx?site=114&bbb=1296&firm=22087910

The cheapest price is not always the best price.  You want to deal with a company that you can put your faith in. A company that will help you with problems. And in the case of selling other manufacturers equipment, will help you deal with the Mfg, when your complaints are valid.

 
 
Tom M
462 Posts
Sep 5, 2008 01:47 pm
Re: 2 long questions from a Newbie... regarding solar hot water space heating

Ronald, AET panels are pretty much the standard supplier for hot water panels here east of the Mississippi, for now. They sell them here at the AltE store also. Tying in solar hot water in combination with radiant heat can be a little tricky unless you plan out your system ahead of time and install it in such a way so you can take advantage of both systems. You should also consider using it for your domestic hot water as well.
 I work out of Lowell and service the north shore area as well. You can find me at solarinnovations.net in Lowell. Just do search and send me an email from there and perhaps I can help you in your endeavor.

Tom 
 
 
David Zelkowski
3 Posts
Sep 9, 2008 10:00 pm
Re: 2 long questions from a Newbie... regarding solar hot water space heating

I am looking into doing somethings similar.�  Right now I have a drainback hot water system that works great.�  I bought Heliodyne panels even though I'm in Michigan.

I would not recommend AET's products at all.�  They have been horrible at delivering their components.�  I ordered my drainback system from them in March 25th of this year and I still don't have everything and it is now September. After waiting three months I ordered and would recommend Energy Labs drainback kit http://www.energylabsinc.com/.�  The AET stuff I received looks like something you would make in your garage compared to the Energy Labs unit.�  I also got it in one week not six months. Call Bo at www.americansolarspecialists.com.�  He can get you started and has great some great tips.�  King Solar referred me to him when I was inquiring about their systems.
« Last Edit: Sep 9, 2008 10:08 pm by David Zelkowski »
 
 
Tom M
462 Posts
Sep 10, 2008 09:11 am
Re: 2 long questions from a Newbie... regarding solar hot water space heating

David, I just checked the link you suggested for hot water components. It seems they sell Crystal Clear collectors with their kits. These are AET collectors. They sell them here at the Alte store also. All the other components they sell are readily available at any plumbing supply. The $5000 price he gives for all these components is close to my base price for a complete installation. His price doesn't include shipping, piping and installation. So comparitively speaking, it looks like you still paid too much for a system through these middlemen. 
 
 
Amy Beaudet
22 Posts
Sep 11, 2008 06:25 pm
Re: 2 long questions from a Newbie... regarding solar hot water space heating

David,

We do sell both the AET and Heliodyne systems at AltE, they are both high quality products.  I am the solar thermal specialist here at the AltE Store, feel free to give me a call to talk over ideas for your design.  Although space heating is just above the expertise of us here at the store, I'm happy to share what information I have learned from both Bob Ramlow and our customers.

AET is currently running about a 5 week lead time, Heliodyne is at about 4 weeks. 

Amy

amy @ altestore.com
« Last Edit: Apr 14, 2015 05:25 pm by Amy Beaudet »
 
 
Bo Whittle
1 Posts
Sep 24, 2008 10:23 am
Re: 2 long questions from a Newbie... regarding solar hot water space heating

Thank you David for the cudos on our ability to supply you with your Drainback Tank in a timely fashion. We strive for just that!! And as for the guy who says you paid to much for your Tank, maybe he mis-understood your post, you purchased a Drain Back Tank, not a full system from us. I think before another businessman tries to toot his own horn , they should get some facts!! All of our system components are availale locally, except for our SRCC Rated Panels , and solar storage Tanks, which I have come to find out, alot of business's push non-rated panels often. Most customers do not have the knowledge of of which parts are used for any given system, so we assemble the necessary components in our systems for ease and convenience. The management and employees at American Solar Specialists find it offencive that , someone who has never had any dealings with us, can talk down bad about someone in the same field, who has no conception of who we are!!!!
 
 

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