FAQs: Solar Hot Water

How does solar hot water work?

The ENE 24 Collector consists of 24 evacuated tubes that are installed into a manifold that is mounted to roof or ground racking. The evacuated tubes capture the sun’s energy and transfer the heat to the manifold. In this closed loop system, the heated water is then circulated (by a glycol pump) through an immersed heat exchanger in the 120 gallon potable water tank; thereby, creating hot water.

What is an evacuated tube?

Evacuated tubes are vacuum-sealed glass tubes that eliminate convection and conduction heat losses, and also isolate the collectors from any adverse weather conditions. The evacuated tube uses a heat pipe for super-efficient conduction and transfer. No water ever touches the solar collectors, eliminating corrosion and efficiency losses.

Can the EarthNet Energy solar collectors be used in cold conditions?

Our solar collectors can be used in extremely cold temperatures. Surprisingly even at these temperatures the system is able to produce hot water with good efficiency due to the vacuum properties of the evacuated tube.

What happens if one of the evacuated tubes is broken?

EarthNet Energy’s evacuated tubes are very strong and not easily broken, but if a tube is broken, solar tubes are very easy to replace. Although our solar collectors have the ability to operate with several broken tubes, it is recommended that broken tubes be replaced immediately to retain efficiency.

Will water be heated on a cloudy day?

Yes, although the heat output of the solar collector is reduced on overcast days it will still be able to provide significant heating. If it is a heavily clouded day or raining, then more gas or electric boosting may be required to maintain water at the required temperature. This system will be automated so you don’t have to worry about running out of hot water on a rainy day.

What maintenance of the solar collector is required?

Under normal circumstances no maintenance of the system is required. Due to the shape of the tubes regular rainfall and wind should keep the tubes clean. Should a tube ever be broken it should be replaced. This, however, is an inexpensive and easy job. Any “handy” person can install a new tube (while adhering to local health and safety regulations). EarthNet Energy’s solar collectors can operate with several broken tubes; however the efficiency will be reduced slightly. 

Our evacuated tubes are greater than 92% efficient.