Solar Hot Water - Frequently Asked Questions
What provides back-up heat if the solar hasn't provided enough?
A properly designed and installed solar hot water system will provide 70-80% of your annual domestic hot water needs. The "backup" heater will provide the rest. It could be your existing water heater, or the electric element that comes with the solar hot water tank.
What government incentives are available?
Check out our incentives page to learn more about the cost.
How long does an installation take?
Most installations take 2 to 3 days.
How does a solar hot water system work?
Check out our How it Works page to learn more.
Does it work during the winter?
YES! If you have ever been in a greenhouse when it is cold and sunny or cool and over-cast you know it can still get pretty toasty warm. Solar hot water panels are way better than greenhouses--a lot of sophisticated engineering goes into them.
What is the life span of a solar hot water system?
Hundreds of thousands of solar hot water systems were installed during the 1980's. Some didn't last, others are still in service 45 years later. So we choose designs and equipment that are similar to the ones that are still alive and making hot water. So, we are confident that your solar hot water system will easily last 25 years.
What kind of warranty do you have?
Spartan Solar provides a two year warranty on parts and labor. Our USA made Sunearth panels have a ten year warranty.
What maintenance does a solar hot water system need?
A properly designed and installed system requires very little to no maintenance. We recommend a checkup every 3 years to make sure that everything is working well. The non-toxic propylene glycol (anti-freeze) will likely need to be replaced every 6-10 years.
Can I heat my home with solar hot water?
Yes, but it might not be as easy as you think. In short: the times you will need the most sun, are the times there will be the least. We can do it, but we have to go big to compensate for the reality. Think at least eight 4'x8' panels and 320 gallons of hot water storage to make a dent in your heating bill.
How many panels do I need?
For a 1-3 person household, we usually recommend a 2 panel system paired with an 80 gallon tank. Three panels and a 120 gallon tank if the household has 4-6 people.
What is the difference between solar hot water and solar electric (PV)?
These are two entirely different ways of generating energy from the sun. Solar hot water has fluid passing through the panel and back down into the basement in order to collect energy in the form of heat. Solar electric (PV) panels use a special silicon material to generate electricity. If you see a solar system on someone's roof and it has a dozen or more panels it is almost certainly solar PV. Whereas, if there are 2-4 panels, it is probably solar hot water.
I am thinking about installing solar electric panels (PV) and using electricity to heat my hot water. How does this compare to solar hot water?
Solar hot water panels produce a lot more energy per square foot than solar electric panels. So, in order to generate the same amount of energy as a 2 panel solar hot water system, you will need 10-12 solar electric panels. In other words, it makes economic sense to install a solar hot water system for hot water and a solar electric system for electricity.
Fun science is behind this: solar electric panels currently only utilize blue wavelength light to do their fancy business of making electricity from the sun. On the other hand, solar hot water can take full advantage of infrared all the way through ultraviolet.
I have an existing solar hot water system that needs service, what should I do?
We don't shy away from servicing other contractors installations. Give us a call and we will get you on the schedule!
I see some people covering up their solar hot water panels during the summer. Will I need to do that?
Definitely not! There was a time where we didn't have the designs/technology to prevent the solar fluid from over-heating when there is a surplus of sun energy, so there some folks who still cover their panels, but, we can absolutely update those systems so it is not necessary.
How large are the panels?
Think a sheet of plywood--roughly 4' x 8'.
Will the solar system raise my property taxes?
Residents of Massachusetts: Not for 20 years after the installation date. Residents of Vermont: It depends on the municipality.
A properly designed and installed solar hot water system will provide 70-80% of your annual domestic hot water needs. The "backup" heater will provide the rest. It could be your existing water heater, or the electric element that comes with the solar hot water tank.
What government incentives are available?
Check out our incentives page to learn more about the cost.
How long does an installation take?
Most installations take 2 to 3 days.
How does a solar hot water system work?
Check out our How it Works page to learn more.
Does it work during the winter?
YES! If you have ever been in a greenhouse when it is cold and sunny or cool and over-cast you know it can still get pretty toasty warm. Solar hot water panels are way better than greenhouses--a lot of sophisticated engineering goes into them.
What is the life span of a solar hot water system?
Hundreds of thousands of solar hot water systems were installed during the 1980's. Some didn't last, others are still in service 45 years later. So we choose designs and equipment that are similar to the ones that are still alive and making hot water. So, we are confident that your solar hot water system will easily last 25 years.
What kind of warranty do you have?
Spartan Solar provides a two year warranty on parts and labor. Our USA made Sunearth panels have a ten year warranty.
What maintenance does a solar hot water system need?
A properly designed and installed system requires very little to no maintenance. We recommend a checkup every 3 years to make sure that everything is working well. The non-toxic propylene glycol (anti-freeze) will likely need to be replaced every 6-10 years.
Can I heat my home with solar hot water?
Yes, but it might not be as easy as you think. In short: the times you will need the most sun, are the times there will be the least. We can do it, but we have to go big to compensate for the reality. Think at least eight 4'x8' panels and 320 gallons of hot water storage to make a dent in your heating bill.
How many panels do I need?
For a 1-3 person household, we usually recommend a 2 panel system paired with an 80 gallon tank. Three panels and a 120 gallon tank if the household has 4-6 people.
What is the difference between solar hot water and solar electric (PV)?
These are two entirely different ways of generating energy from the sun. Solar hot water has fluid passing through the panel and back down into the basement in order to collect energy in the form of heat. Solar electric (PV) panels use a special silicon material to generate electricity. If you see a solar system on someone's roof and it has a dozen or more panels it is almost certainly solar PV. Whereas, if there are 2-4 panels, it is probably solar hot water.
I am thinking about installing solar electric panels (PV) and using electricity to heat my hot water. How does this compare to solar hot water?
Solar hot water panels produce a lot more energy per square foot than solar electric panels. So, in order to generate the same amount of energy as a 2 panel solar hot water system, you will need 10-12 solar electric panels. In other words, it makes economic sense to install a solar hot water system for hot water and a solar electric system for electricity.
Fun science is behind this: solar electric panels currently only utilize blue wavelength light to do their fancy business of making electricity from the sun. On the other hand, solar hot water can take full advantage of infrared all the way through ultraviolet.
I have an existing solar hot water system that needs service, what should I do?
We don't shy away from servicing other contractors installations. Give us a call and we will get you on the schedule!
I see some people covering up their solar hot water panels during the summer. Will I need to do that?
Definitely not! There was a time where we didn't have the designs/technology to prevent the solar fluid from over-heating when there is a surplus of sun energy, so there some folks who still cover their panels, but, we can absolutely update those systems so it is not necessary.
How large are the panels?
Think a sheet of plywood--roughly 4' x 8'.
Will the solar system raise my property taxes?
Residents of Massachusetts: Not for 20 years after the installation date. Residents of Vermont: It depends on the municipality.