Amy Beaudet's posts

Travis!  Thank you so much for the update, I love it, it looks great.  I like the look of them horizontal (that's how I did mine too).  You know when you are really going to love them?  This fall.  When it's too early to turn on the heat, but still chilly out. I've been known to even keep the house windows open to get fresh air, while not having to worry about wasting heat, 'cause it's free.

Amy

Tom,

Andy's my brother-in-law, we've discussed his dilemma alot.  There is an old SHW recommendation document that MA had adopted, stating that a double wall HX is required, unless only water is used (IE for a drainback).  The thinking is, just because you're not foolish enough to use toxic antifreeze, what's to prevent the next person from doing it.  I have seen the doc before online, but haven't been able to find it lately.  His inspector was insisting he will not approve the system with a single wall, and you well know the AHJ has the final word.

We ended up getting a tank with the wrap-around HX for the double wall protection.

It's a great tank, I'm disappointed we aren't being allowed to use it.     

Condensation is normal in the morning.  It should clear up during the day. 

If it is excessive, you might want to see if the 5" holes in the back are well sealed and put silicon caulking around the knockouts on the side.  Even if they are not knocked out to connect 2 together, since they are pre-punched, some moisture may be getting in there. 

Hope that helps.

Amy
Solar Thermal Queen
AltE Store

Dave, thanks for getting us started. I'll continue on from where you were, using the same assumptions, Kyocera 135 and Morningstar SS-20.  I'm going to give broad figures, there are always variables that I can't get into here.

You'll want a breaker or fuse between the module and the charge controller.  Either using the math or the spec sheet. isc X 1.56 to give us 8.73 X 1.56 = 13.6amps, round up to the nearest available of 15A.  Or use the Max Series Fuse listed in the specs of, drumroll, 15A.

Coming out of the charge controller into the battery, you want another one.  If it is the 20A charge controller, 20A x 1.25 = 25A.  Not sure if they make one at 25A, may need to round up to 30A.

Now the second system, that's tricky without knowing what the model module is.  Let's keep it simple with Evergreen 210W 12V modules.  Since you are using the 12V inverter, I am assuming the modules are in parallel to keep at 12V, so you would have a combiner box with a 20A breaker on each output of the module (11.23Isc x 1.56).  The output of the breakers would be combined.  http://www.altestore.com/store/Enclosures-Electrical-Safety/Electrical-Enclosures/Combiner-Pass-Through-Boxes/Midnite-Solar-MNPV3-Combiner-Box/p4567/

Assuming Morningstar TriStar 45A PWM charge controller, 45A x 1.25 = 56.25A, round up to 60A breaker.

Between the inverter and the battery, 300W can work as low as 10V, 300W / 10V = 30A potential x 1.25 = 37.5A, round up to 40A.

Now I was making a lot of assumptions, why don't you give us a call here and we can go through it with facts.

Amy
AltE Store
Solar Thermal Queen
877-878-4060

Hi guys, great conversation going on here.�  This is a common dilemma we deal with here at the AltE Store.

The problem with using the Morningstar 15A MPPT charge controller is that the 15A is max output.�  So if you've got 24V 8A in, and 12V out, that's going to double the output current to 16A out.�  That's too much.�  Also, the max wattage for a 12V battery bank is 200W, so the 215W is too high.�  So alas, that charge controller is just a little too small for this use.

You could use the Solar Boost 3024iL for $338.�  The Auxiliary Output serves as 20 Amp Load Controller.�  http://www.altestore.com/store/Charge-Controllers/Solar-Charge-Controllers/MPPT-Solar-Charge-Controllers/Blue-Sky-Solar-Charge-Controllers-MPPT/Solar-Boost-3024iL-Solar-Charge-Controller-No-Display/p6784/

Give me a call and we can work out some details.

Amy
Solar Thermal Queen
AltE Store

Travis,�  I can help you out.�  Every install is a bit unique, due to different surfaces, so it's hard for the installation manual to cover everything.

1) Depending on the siding, you may need to shim under the rails to make sure they are square to the SolarSheat.�  The foam gasket that goes around the holes is pretty flexible, but if it is on a non-flat surface, you may need to use spray foam to get a good seal, or as you suggested, cut more of the siding around the gasket to be up against a flat surface.�  Again, use spray foam as needed to make sure there are no leaks.

You can remove all of the siding under the SolarSheats and frame it in, here's a great picture of a sweet install of a SH1000 on its side, framed into the siding, http://yoursolarhome.com/solarsheat.com/solarsheat/pdf_solarsheat/SolarSheat1000G_Specs.pdf

2) Hard to say what size hardware based on what material it is screwing into.�  For my house, screwing into 2x4s, I used lag bolts, probably about 2" long, 1/4" diameter (sorry, it was a couple of years ago, I don't remember exactly).

3) Because they have no idea where the studs will be to drill into, they can't pre-drill the holes in the mounting bracket.�  You'll need to drill the holes where they line up for you.�  Generally 4 holes, evenly spaced.

4) You can install it on its side (I did).�  You should use silicon caulking to seal around the knock out holes on the side to prevent water from seeping in.�  Even though they are not knocked out, since it is pre-cut, water could seep if not sealed.�  Rule of thumb to avoid shading, install 1 1/2 times below the overhang.�  So if the overhang comes out 1 foot, install it 1 1/2 feet below that.

5) Yes, the SH1000 has the knockout to connect to another one with a gasket set.�  We do have an AC version of the SH1000G, which doesn't have the PV panel, it is powered by plugging in the fan.�  You can get that one as your second and just use the PV fan on the first one (so you are not paying for the 2nd PV panel).�  They don't have plans to make a SH1000 without a fan, last I checked.

Give me a call if you have any other questions.

Amy Beaudet
Solar Thermal Queen
AltE Store

Sorry I'm late to this discussion.  AltE Store has a PV powered DTC, the IMC Eagle 2 for PV, http://www.altestore.com/store/Solar-Water-Heaters/Differential-Temperature-Controllers/IMC-Eagle-2-DTC-for-PV-Direct/p7167/.  You connect the DTC to the PV, and it will turn on the pumps when the sun is up AND the differential is met on the DTC.

Amy Beaudet
Solar Thermal Queen
AltE Store

Bob,

Quite often the deciding factor on what solar panel to use is the physical size you have available.�  You need to have the voltage of the panels add up to 48V to match the battery bank, so you could do four 12V panels wired in series (plus to minus, plus to minus, etc).�  Kyocera makes great panels that can be used for this.�  So divide the space you have available on the canopy into 4, and see what will physically fit.�  For example, the Kyocera 50W is just over 25" by 25", so if you have around 52" x 52" available, you could use 4 of them for 200W.�  http://www.altestore.com/store/Solar-Panels/1-to-50-Watt-Solar-Panels/Kyocera-KC50T-50W-12V-Solar-Panel-with-J-Box/p723/�  Once you determine the panels you will use, you can decide which 48V charge controller to use.�  For example, you could use the Morningstar ProStar, http://www.altestore.com/store/Charge-Controllers/Solar-Charge-Controllers/PWM-Type-Solar-Charge-Controllers/Morningstar-Charge-Controllers-PWM/Morningstar-Prostar-PS-15M-48V-15A48V-Charge-Cntrlr/p786/.� 

Once you know how much space you have, give us a call at the AltE Store and we can help you sort through your options.� 

Amy

Solar Thermal Queen
AltE Store

Do I ever have ideas!!!�  I am doing this in my house in MA, but it is a little more involved than what you are describing.�  Check out my gallery at http://www.altestore.com/gallery/Amy-Beaudet-gallery/v/9358727169/amys_water/.

Summary: I have a 760 sq ft house with full southerly exposure in the front.�  I ground mounted four 4'x8' collectors, they could have been roof mounted, but I had a perfect spot in the yard, and this leaves my roof free for some PV next.�  I have a 120 gallon storage tank with a heat exchanger to save up all of that heat that I'm collecting during the day, and when the tank is at least 80 degrees F, and the thermostat in the room calls for heat, 2 pumps turn on and circulate it through another heat exchanger into a wall mounted fan coil heater.�  On a sunny day like yesterday, I was able to keep the house over 66 degrees with just the solar (even with a couple of windows open while I was painting the walls, did I mention what a beautiful day it was yesterday?)�  Since I had it cranked, I did run out of heat for the night, so my backup heater did have to come on, but when I am careful with the heat, I can keep the house pretty steady around 62 all day and night.�  I'll be adding line graphs to my gallery tracking it all later this week.

Check out Turbonics at http://www.turbonicsinc.com/ or Myson at http://www.mysoninc.com/store.asp?pid=16794.�  They make fan convection heaters that run on low temps, around 120F, which is perfect for solar.�  Depending on your local codes, you may be able to run the storage water directly, rather than through a heat exchanger, simplifying it from how I did it.�  But my system can be used in the future to run through radiant floors as well.�  Regular radiators are generally designed to work at 180 degrees, so are very difficult to connect to solar.

The solar side of my system is similar to this kit, http://www.altestore.com/store/Solar-Water-Heaters/Climate-freezes-Closed-Loop-Systems/Closed-Loop-Systems-for-5-People/Closed-Loop-AC-Powered-w-Tank/AET-120-Gal-Tank-96-SqFt-Collectors/p4555/.

You can contact me at the AltE Store to discuss your specifics.

Amy
Solar Thermal Queen
AltE Store
amy� @� altestore.com

I've got four used Novan collectors installed at my house.  I just got a new storage tank with heat exchanger and it's working like a champ.  You can find the tanks on our site at http://www.altestore.com/store/Solar-Water-Heaters/Hot-Water-Storage-Tanks/Tanks-WITH-Heat-Exchangers/Rheem-Solaraide-HE-80G-Tank-w-Heat-Exchanger/p7895/.  We've got a 120 and an 80 gallon.  Any licensed plumber can do the replacement, it's just four connections.

Amy Beaudet
Solar Thermal Queen
AltE Store

Mark,

The Laing D5 pumps are very popular these days for powering solar water heating via PV.  They are under $200US.  You can see them at http://store.altestore.com/Solar-Water-Pumps/Circulating-Pumps/Laing-D5720B-PV-Circulating-Pump-sweated/p6065/.

Amy
AltE Store
making renewable do-able

George,

You should not need both sensors to work correctly.  I suggest you call Heliodyne and ask their tech support to help you troubleshoot the device.  1.888.878.8750

Please let me know what you find out, I'm about to install the exact same device on my system later this month.

Amy
AltE Store
amy @ altestore.com

Daniel, here's a stat on the MassSave website I just found that may be interesting to you. 

"More than 1.5 million homes and businesses in the United States have invested in solar water heating systems, and surveys indicate that more than 94% of these customers consider the systems a good investment."

You happen to live in the city that makes excellent solar water heaters, AET.  According to the NABCEP web site, there is a certified installer in your city as well, http://www.nabcep.org/installer-locator?state=FL.

There is very little maintenance required on a solar water heating system, mostly once in a while make sure it's making hot water by checking the meter.  If your roof is close to needing a replacement, even within a number of years, do it first!  The collectors will last for decades, and while it is possible to remove them to replace the roof, it makes more sense to do the roof first.

Amy Beaudet
AltE Store

The load controller is a low voltage disconnect (LVD).  If you connect your load to it instead of straight to the battery, it will turn off the power to the load when the battery gets too low and back on when it is charged up enough.  I'm not sure which charge controller you have, but in the manual for the BS3024 it says that its default settings will turn the load ON at VBAT ≥12.6/25.2V, and OFF at VBAT ≤11.5/23.0V (depending on a 12V or 24V battery bank).  The default can be changed with the IPN-ProRemote.  Make sure if you use it you have a breaker between the charge controller and the load.

You can find the manuals for the charge controllers on our web site under product documentation on each product page.  (BS3024iL is at http://store.altestore.com/mmsolar/others/Manual_BSE_SB3024iL.pdf)

Amy Beaudet
AltE Store

Keith,

We'd need to know more about the equipment you want to run to size the system.  You'd need to create a loads list that shows how many watts each device uses and for how long.  You can find a loads list to use at http://store.altestore.com/calculators/load_calculator/. 

There is a solar powered attic or gable fan that could be installed on the roof of the dog house.  It has an optional thermostat that turns it on at 80 degrees, and off at 70.  You can find them at http://store.altestore.com/Lighting-Fans/Solar-Attic-Fans/c431/.

Once you know more about the loads, give us a shout.

Thanks,

Amy Beaudet
AltE Store
877-878-4060
amy @ altestore.com

David,

Breakers do have a life span of number of times to trip it.  I would recommend getting a water heater timer to automatically turn it on and off for you.  I bought one at Amazon, it was pretty inexpensive.

Amy Beaudet
AltE Store

How are you planning on using the storage tank, is it in a pressurized system or drainback?   If it is in a pressurized loop, you don't need to worry about it, as there is always water in it and very limited friction loss, probably less than 2' head.

We sell the ElSid and Laing DC pumps with this all of the time.

Amy Beaudet
AltE Store

Dave, have you looked into solar water heating to preheat the water first?  This could provide up to 75% of your hot water, then you'd need a smaller on-demand heater to top it off when needed.  Give me a shout if you'd like to discuss.

Amy Beaudet
AltE Store
877-878-4060 x140

Keith, you are comparing different size systems from different manufacturers.�  The space heating is from Heliodyne, they are typically more expensive than the AET kit you were looking at.�  A closer comparison would be the http://store.altenergystore.com/Solar-Water-Heaters/Climate-freezes-Closed-Loop-Systems/Closed-Loop-Systems-for-5-People/Closed-Loop-AC-No-Tank/Heliodyne-DHW-System-for-4-5-People/p6760/.�  This does not include the tank, once you add that it is about $7k for DHW for a family of 5 or more.� 

The space heating kit also includes the Solar hot water module, which interfaces with the radiant floor system.�  The kit does not include any of the radiant floor components, like the board and barrier mentioned above.�  You would need to get all of that locally.

We are working on getting more details of the kit from Heliodyne, we'll update the site as we get it.

Amy
AltE Store
amy� @� altestore.com

The SRCC has rated the air heaters with the same standard as the water heaters, BTUs per day.  The Sunmate is rated at 15kbtu/day, the Solarsheat 1500G at 10kbtu, 1500GS 14kbtu/day (the two can be ganged together for 24kbtu/day), and the small 1000G at 6kbtu/day.

Keep in mind this is supplemental heat, it will not work at night or much on cloudy days.  I just installed a Solarsheat 1000G in my 760 sqft home a few weeks ago.  On sunny days, it turns on at 9:15Am and blows from 85 - 120 degree air into my house.  (I have a thermometer sensor in the pipe in the wall to monitor).  The defuser on the wall spreads it out so it's not just a stream of heat in your face. http://gallery.altenergystore.com/Amy-Beaudet-gallery/v/9358727169/solar+heat/. 

Amy Beaudet
Tech Sales Rep
AltE Store

Just make sure you are not fighting gravity with the swing check valve,  either install it horizontally or vertically pointing up so that gravity swings it closed, not open.

Amy Beaudet
AltE Store

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