Add-Ons

AET 3/4" Coolie Cap & Flashing set (1 pr.)

5 GPM Flow Meter

AET 35-250F Thermometer

Alternate Energy Technologies LLC
Open Loop Solar Hot water Systems
Powered by PV Module & DC Circulation Pump
DPV-80-52

Standard AE Copper Absorber

Warning! These systems circulate household water directly through the solar collector and are not recommended for cold climates. These systems do not include a heat exchanger, any freeze resistant heat transfer fluid, or freeze protection of any other kind. In areas where freeze ups are unlikely, but possible, a dribble valve (FP-45) can be installed for minimal extra cost, to provide some freeze protection by slowly allowing the water to drain from the collectors as they approach freezing.

Otherwise, the collectors, pumps, storage tanks, and other components are of the same high quality as the rest of AET's solar water heating systems. At the heart of these systems are the AE Collectors with their solid copper absorber plates. Efficient solar energy absorbers begin with high thermal conductivity between the fin and tube.

Forge weld crossection x-ray

The AET welding process actually makes the tube one with the fin and creates a joint at least two times wider than the thickness of the copper fin, resulting in a clean. uninterrupted heat path unlike any other.

AET absorbers have no soldered or crimped seam joints to weaken or fail. The forge welding actually strengthens the joint area, unlike other welding processes, such as ultrasonics, which causes a weakening of the fin around the joint area.

AET uses the world's finest solar selective coating on their absorbers. The revolutionary Black Majic coating was developed by AET as a collaborative effort working with Coating Industry Professionals from broad based backgrounds. Black Majic is environmentally benign and boasts an emissivity of approximately 0.10 and absorptivity of approximately 0.95 !!!

This premium absorber is encased in a solid extruded aluminum frame and covered by a sheet of durable, low iron, tempered glass. The collector plate is insulated from the aluminum frame by a layer of foil faced poly-isocyanurate foam on the sides and back. The foam, in turn, is protected in the rear by a layer of embossed aluminum. Finally the entire unit is gasketed all the way around by a high temperature silicone sealant.

These Direct PV or open loop PV systems include a 10 or 20 Watt Shell polycrystalline photovoltaic panel, depending on the size of the system. Unlike other systems, there is no Differential Temperature Controller (DTC) to control the pump. The solar panels are connected directly to a 12 or 24 Volt DC circulation pump. These PV systems will continue to produce hot water in the event of temporary grid failure and can be used in off grid applications.

Sizing Your System

Sizing a solar water heater involves determining the total collector area and the storage volume required to provide 100% of your household's hot water during the summer.

Solar storage tanks are usually 50-, 60-, 80-, or 120-gallon capacity. A small (50 to 60 gallon) system is sufficient for 1 to 3 people, a medium (80-gallon) system is adequate for a 3- or 4-person household, and a large (120-gallon) system is appropriate for 4 to 6 people.

A rule of thumb for sizing collectors: allow about 20 square feet of collector area for each of the first two family members and 8 square feet for each additional family member if you live in the Sun Belt. Allow 12 to 14 additional square feet per person if you live in the northern United States.

A ratio of at least 1.5 gallons of storage capacity to 1 square foot of collector area prevents the system from overheating when the demand for hot water is low. In very warm, sunny climates, experts suggest that the ratio should be at least 2 gallons of storage to 1 square foot of collector area. For example, a family of four in a northern climate would need 20 square feet of collector area for the first person, 20 for the second person, 12 to 14 for the third person, and 12 to 14 for the fourth person. This equals 64 to 68 square feet, multiplied by 1.5 gallons of storage capacity, which equals 96 to 102 gallons of storage. Because you might not be able to find a 96-gallon tank, you may want to get a 120-gallon tank to be sure to meet your hot water needs.

Note: These systems are complete except for the piping and electrical cabling that connect the various components to eachother. You may also need a more elaborate mounting system than the simple flush mounting components that come with each system. The collectors come with a limited 10 year Warranty and tanks come with a limited 6 year Warranty.

Plumbing Diagram

Mounting Hardware