I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

Hi Leigh

Did some research about your area and came up with this company

SOLARWERKS  

@ 3433 Pontiac Ave, Chicago, IL 60634, USA

(773) 788-4055

They seem to have a large array of services and products so should be able to help

Web Site : 

SOLARWERKS

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

Leigh,

     Just wondering why you want an active solar thermal system rather than passive, which tends to be less expensive. ( Lack of solar access at ground level is one possible reason. Adding thermal mass in an existing house can also be difficult.) Do you already have a boiler and water-based baseboard heaters for distribution? An air-source heat pump typically uses air ducts for distribution, Lots of possibilities, each with advantages and disadvantages...

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

Leigh,

     Just wondering why you want an active solar thermal system rather than passive, which tends to be less expensive. ( Lack of solar access at ground level is one possible reason. Adding thermal mass in an existing house can also be difficult.) Do you already have a boiler and water-based baseboard heaters for distribution? An air-source heat pump typically uses air ducts for distribution, Lots of possibilities, each with advantages and disadvantages...

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

Well, actually, I am not recommending anything without knowing more about your house. There are so many possibilities, including active solar, PV and heat pumps. 

For context, I live in a house that is almost entirely heated by passive solar and entirely cooled by nighttime ventilation. No active solar heating system and no heat pump. The keys are super-insulation, thermal mass, operable windows for cooling, and just the right amount of solar gains. Such a house is possible in Chicago also, but it needs to be carefully engineered to match the occupants expectations of thermal comfort.

Leigh,

     Just wondering why you want an active solar thermal system rather than passive, which tends to be less expensive. ( Lack of solar access at ground level is one possible reason. Adding thermal mass in an existing house can also be difficult.) Do you already have a boiler and water-based baseboard heaters for distribution? An air-source heat pump typically uses air ducts for distribution, Lots of possibilities, each with advantages and disadvantages...

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

Well, actually, I am not recommending anything without knowing more about your house. There are so many possibilities, including active solar, PV and heat pumps. 

For context, I live in a house that is almost entirely heated by passive solar and entirely cooled by nighttime ventilation. No active solar heating system and no heat pump. The keys are super-insulation, thermal mass, operable windows for cooling, and just the right amount of solar gains. Such a house is possible in Chicago also, but it needs to be carefully engineered to match the occupants expectations of thermal comfort.

Leigh,

     Just wondering why you want an active solar thermal system rather than passive, which tends to be less expensive. ( Lack of solar access at ground level is one possible reason. Adding thermal mass in an existing house can also be difficult.) Do you already have a boiler and water-based baseboard heaters for distribution? An air-source heat pump typically uses air ducts for distribution, Lots of possibilities, each with advantages and disadvantages...

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

 Thank you everyone for expressing your opinions.

It is very difficult to assess whether thermal or the volt gobbling forced air heat pump would be the best choice in my situation. Since I cannot get an install price.

It seems that many of the postings have been made by solar voltaic panel installers who do not deal in solar thermal.

I do have a pool that I would like to heat in the spring and fall and given that I do live in the Chicago metro area perhaps during much of the summer season. I am also planning a greenhouse addition to the back of my attached garage. So yes, I may just have many other "off season" uses for the system.

You may be interested to learn that solar thermal can be used, in larger applications to run turbines to generate electricity. So there is a future in solar thermal. The road not taken?

I have always preferred radiant heat since it heats the thermal mass of the building not air and am considering replacing my entire system. I have Asthma and forced air heat and air conditioning do not work well with my condition.

My home was built in 1996. It is a 2 story approx 1900 sq ft with a two car attached garage.

The back of the house faces south. The front is brick, side and rear are vinyl sided. The roof is two years old. Asphalt shingles.

The insulation met code for that time and we all know what that means. We have almost finished replacing the windows.

I have a pool that I may or may not remove, it needs a new liner. The greenhouse is a big priority for me.

The property is very deep but narrow. There is room for geothermal, I wanted it put in when the house was built but was shot down by just about everyone. Because gas was cheap. There is not good access to do it now and I don't really want my entire yard torn up.

I may add solar voltaic panels in the future but am pretty set on starting off with a Stiebel Eltron Solar Thermal hot water system. I am not interested in a heat pump water heater. The current gas heater is located in the basement level AKA workout room/man cave. Freezing while working out is not an option.

There is no guarantee that the 30% tax credit will survive beyond the next year so might as well get while the getting is good … or good as 30%.

So arrange your dude circle and get cracking boys. I will be interesting to see what you come up with.

Well, actually, I am not recommending anything without knowing more about your house. There are so many possibilities, including active solar, PV and heat pumps. 

For context, I live in a house that is almost entirely heated by passive solar and entirely cooled by nighttime ventilation. No active solar heating system and no heat pump. The keys are super-insulation, thermal mass, operable windows for cooling, and just the right amount of solar gains. Such a house is possible in Chicago also, but it needs to be carefully engineered to match the occupants expectations of thermal comfort.

Leigh,

     Just wondering why you want an active solar thermal system rather than passive, which tends to be less expensive. ( Lack of solar access at ground level is one possible reason. Adding thermal mass in an existing house can also be difficult.) Do you already have a boiler and water-based baseboard heaters for distribution? An air-source heat pump typically uses air ducts for distribution, Lots of possibilities, each with advantages and disadvantages...

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

 Thank you everyone for expressing your opinions.

It is very difficult to assess whether thermal or the volt gobbling forced air heat pump would be the best choice in my situation. Since I cannot get an install price.

It seems that many of the postings have been made by solar voltaic panel installers who do not deal in solar thermal.

I do have a pool that I would like to heat in the spring and fall and given that I do live in the Chicago metro area perhaps during much of the summer season. I am also planning a greenhouse addition to the back of my attached garage. So yes, I may just have many other "off season" uses for the system.

You may be interested to learn that solar thermal can be used, in larger applications to run turbines to generate electricity. So there is a future in solar thermal. The road not taken?

I have always preferred radiant heat since it heats the thermal mass of the building not air and am considering replacing my entire system. I have Asthma and forced air heat and air conditioning do not work well with my condition.

My home was built in 1996. It is a 2 story approx 1900 sq ft with a two car attached garage.

The back of the house faces south. The front is brick, side and rear are vinyl sided. The roof is two years old. Asphalt shingles.

The insulation met code for that time and we all know what that means. We have almost finished replacing the windows.

I have a pool that I may or may not remove, it needs a new liner. The greenhouse is a big priority for me.

The property is very deep but narrow. There is room for geothermal, I wanted it put in when the house was built but was shot down by just about everyone. Because gas was cheap. There is not good access to do it now and I don't really want my entire yard torn up.

I may add solar voltaic panels in the future but am pretty set on starting off with a Stiebel Eltron Solar Thermal hot water system. I am not interested in a heat pump water heater. The current gas heater is located in the basement level AKA workout room/man cave. Freezing while working out is not an option.

There is no guarantee that the 30% tax credit will survive beyond the next year so might as well get while the getting is good … or good as 30%.

So arrange your dude circle and get cracking boys. I will be interesting to see what you come up with.

Well, actually, I am not recommending anything without knowing more about your house. There are so many possibilities, including active solar, PV and heat pumps. 

For context, I live in a house that is almost entirely heated by passive solar and entirely cooled by nighttime ventilation. No active solar heating system and no heat pump. The keys are super-insulation, thermal mass, operable windows for cooling, and just the right amount of solar gains. Such a house is possible in Chicago also, but it needs to be carefully engineered to match the occupants expectations of thermal comfort.

Leigh,

     Just wondering why you want an active solar thermal system rather than passive, which tends to be less expensive. ( Lack of solar access at ground level is one possible reason. Adding thermal mass in an existing house can also be difficult.) Do you already have a boiler and water-based baseboard heaters for distribution? An air-source heat pump typically uses air ducts for distribution, Lots of possibilities, each with advantages and disadvantages...

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

 Thank you everyone for expressing your opinions.

It is very difficult to assess whether thermal or the volt gobbling forced air heat pump would be the best choice in my situation. Since I cannot get an install price.

It seems that many of the postings have been made by solar voltaic panel installers who do not deal in solar thermal.

I do have a pool that I would like to heat in the spring and fall and given that I do live in the Chicago metro area perhaps during much of the summer season. I am also planning a greenhouse addition to the back of my attached garage. So yes, I may just have many other "off season" uses for the system.

You may be interested to learn that solar thermal can be used, in larger applications to run turbines to generate electricity. So there is a future in solar thermal. The road not taken?

I have always preferred radiant heat since it heats the thermal mass of the building not air and am considering replacing my entire system. I have Asthma and forced air heat and air conditioning do not work well with my condition.

My home was built in 1996. It is a 2 story approx 1900 sq ft with a two car attached garage.

The back of the house faces south. The front is brick, side and rear are vinyl sided. The roof is two years old. Asphalt shingles.

The insulation met code for that time and we all know what that means. We have almost finished replacing the windows.

I have a pool that I may or may not remove, it needs a new liner. The greenhouse is a big priority for me.

The property is very deep but narrow. There is room for geothermal, I wanted it put in when the house was built but was shot down by just about everyone. Because gas was cheap. There is not good access to do it now and I don't really want my entire yard torn up.

I may add solar voltaic panels in the future but am pretty set on starting off with a Stiebel Eltron Solar Thermal hot water system. I am not interested in a heat pump water heater. The current gas heater is located in the basement level AKA workout room/man cave. Freezing while working out is not an option.

There is no guarantee that the 30% tax credit will survive beyond the next year so might as well get while the getting is good … or good as 30%.

So arrange your dude circle and get cracking boys. I will be interesting to see what you come up with.

Well, actually, I am not recommending anything without knowing more about your house. There are so many possibilities, including active solar, PV and heat pumps. 

For context, I live in a house that is almost entirely heated by passive solar and entirely cooled by nighttime ventilation. No active solar heating system and no heat pump. The keys are super-insulation, thermal mass, operable windows for cooling, and just the right amount of solar gains. Such a house is possible in Chicago also, but it needs to be carefully engineered to match the occupants expectations of thermal comfort.

Leigh,

     Just wondering why you want an active solar thermal system rather than passive, which tends to be less expensive. ( Lack of solar access at ground level is one possible reason. Adding thermal mass in an existing house can also be difficult.) Do you already have a boiler and water-based baseboard heaters for distribution? An air-source heat pump typically uses air ducts for distribution, Lots of possibilities, each with advantages and disadvantages...

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

 Thank you everyone for expressing your opinions.

It is very difficult to assess whether thermal or the volt gobbling forced air heat pump would be the best choice in my situation. Since I cannot get an install price.

It seems that many of the postings have been made by solar voltaic panel installers who do not deal in solar thermal.

I do have a pool that I would like to heat in the spring and fall and given that I do live in the Chicago metro area perhaps during much of the summer season. I am also planning a greenhouse addition to the back of my attached garage. So yes, I may just have many other "off season" uses for the system.

You may be interested to learn that solar thermal can be used, in larger applications to run turbines to generate electricity. So there is a future in solar thermal. The road not taken?

I have always preferred radiant heat since it heats the thermal mass of the building not air and am considering replacing my entire system. I have Asthma and forced air heat and air conditioning do not work well with my condition.

My home was built in 1996. It is a 2 story approx 1900 sq ft with a two car attached garage.

The back of the house faces south. The front is brick, side and rear are vinyl sided. The roof is two years old. Asphalt shingles.

The insulation met code for that time and we all know what that means. We have almost finished replacing the windows.

I have a pool that I may or may not remove, it needs a new liner. The greenhouse is a big priority for me.

The property is very deep but narrow. There is room for geothermal, I wanted it put in when the house was built but was shot down by just about everyone. Because gas was cheap. There is not good access to do it now and I don't really want my entire yard torn up.

I may add solar voltaic panels in the future but am pretty set on starting off with a Stiebel Eltron Solar Thermal hot water system. I am not interested in a heat pump water heater. The current gas heater is located in the basement level AKA workout room/man cave. Freezing while working out is not an option.

There is no guarantee that the 30% tax credit will survive beyond the next year so might as well get while the getting is good … or good as 30%.

So arrange your dude circle and get cracking boys. I will be interesting to see what you come up with.

Well, actually, I am not recommending anything without knowing more about your house. There are so many possibilities, including active solar, PV and heat pumps. 

For context, I live in a house that is almost entirely heated by passive solar and entirely cooled by nighttime ventilation. No active solar heating system and no heat pump. The keys are super-insulation, thermal mass, operable windows for cooling, and just the right amount of solar gains. Such a house is possible in Chicago also, but it needs to be carefully engineered to match the occupants expectations of thermal comfort.

Leigh,

     Just wondering why you want an active solar thermal system rather than passive, which tends to be less expensive. ( Lack of solar access at ground level is one possible reason. Adding thermal mass in an existing house can also be difficult.) Do you already have a boiler and water-based baseboard heaters for distribution? An air-source heat pump typically uses air ducts for distribution, Lots of possibilities, each with advantages and disadvantages...

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

I am not sure what is meant by "Volt-gobbling forced-air heat pump".  I live in Northeast Ohio, and we have a similar climate to the Chicago area. My home was built in 1996, generally, with standard construction / insulation methods from that time. My windows are not the best and I could likely reduce my energy consumption if they were replaced.  Even so, I have a 15 year old hybrid Heat-pump/gas furnace and my utility costs are pretty low.  I install solar PV systems for all sorts of customers, including some that opt for battery backup, and some new-construction "net-zero" goal homes, working with a small builder that specializes in tight, energy-efficient all-electric homes.  I can easily offset my electric usage 100% if I were to reinstall solar PV on my home after I removed the original system for a roof replacement a few years ago, in conjunction with leveraging basic net-metering that we have in my area.

The heat pumps installed in the energy-efficient homes where I have installed PV are generally the high-efficiency air-source heat pumps with whole house forced air handler, and sometimes coupled with separate mini-splits for certain rooms.

In my experience, as long as you have sufficient roof or ground space, most if not all of the energy needed by a tight, energy efficient all-electric home that is outfitted with the high-efficiency heats pumps and mini-splits available today, can be offset with PV, in conjunction with net-metering.

I have also installed PV systems at homes with a ground-source heat pump, although far less common due to the cost of the loops.

Generally, PV for electric generation coupled with air or ground-sourced heat pumps is an excellent combination to result in low energy costs, as long as the building envelope has been addressed.  So heat pumps should not be thought of as volt or energy gobbling things, they should be thought of as part of the solution to reduce energy costs.

Solar thermal systems that utilize flat-plate and evacuated tube collectors can also be part of the solution, but with the pumps, the fluid, the heat-exchanger, and the needed design expertise, etc, they add additional maintenance and potential failure points and other challenges that most home-owners are not really equipped to deal with. However, for someone willing to educate themselves and perform the hands on attention that may be needed for these systems, it can make sense for them.  As others have said, no one solution is suitable for all applications and there are many ways to skin the energy cat.

I will likely need to replace my HVAC system soon as it is probably nearing the end of it's useful life, and I may choose one of these very high-efficiency forced air heat pump systems, or may continue withe the hybrid approach and keep natural gas as well. I still have to give it thought.

 Thank you everyone for expressing your opinions.

It is very difficult to assess whether thermal or the volt gobbling forced air heat pump would be the best choice in my situation. Since I cannot get an install price.

It seems that many of the postings have been made by solar voltaic panel installers who do not deal in solar thermal.

I do have a pool that I would like to heat in the spring and fall and given that I do live in the Chicago metro area perhaps during much of the summer season. I am also planning a greenhouse addition to the back of my attached garage. So yes, I may just have many other "off season" uses for the system.

You may be interested to learn that solar thermal can be used, in larger applications to run turbines to generate electricity. So there is a future in solar thermal. The road not taken?

I have always preferred radiant heat since it heats the thermal mass of the building not air and am considering replacing my entire system. I have Asthma and forced air heat and air conditioning do not work well with my condition.

My home was built in 1996. It is a 2 story approx 1900 sq ft with a two car attached garage.

The back of the house faces south. The front is brick, side and rear are vinyl sided. The roof is two years old. Asphalt shingles.

The insulation met code for that time and we all know what that means. We have almost finished replacing the windows.

I have a pool that I may or may not remove, it needs a new liner. The greenhouse is a big priority for me.

The property is very deep but narrow. There is room for geothermal, I wanted it put in when the house was built but was shot down by just about everyone. Because gas was cheap. There is not good access to do it now and I don't really want my entire yard torn up.

I may add solar voltaic panels in the future but am pretty set on starting off with a Stiebel Eltron Solar Thermal hot water system. I am not interested in a heat pump water heater. The current gas heater is located in the basement level AKA workout room/man cave. Freezing while working out is not an option.

There is no guarantee that the 30% tax credit will survive beyond the next year so might as well get while the getting is good … or good as 30%.

So arrange your dude circle and get cracking boys. I will be interesting to see what you come up with.

Well, actually, I am not recommending anything without knowing more about your house. There are so many possibilities, including active solar, PV and heat pumps. 

For context, I live in a house that is almost entirely heated by passive solar and entirely cooled by nighttime ventilation. No active solar heating system and no heat pump. The keys are super-insulation, thermal mass, operable windows for cooling, and just the right amount of solar gains. Such a house is possible in Chicago also, but it needs to be carefully engineered to match the occupants expectations of thermal comfort.

Leigh,

     Just wondering why you want an active solar thermal system rather than passive, which tends to be less expensive. ( Lack of solar access at ground level is one possible reason. Adding thermal mass in an existing house can also be difficult.) Do you already have a boiler and water-based baseboard heaters for distribution? An air-source heat pump typically uses air ducts for distribution, Lots of possibilities, each with advantages and disadvantages...

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

------------------------------
Leigh Dionne
------------------------------

WOW. This is an unusual path to seek. Solar Thermal assisting heat pumps is called SAHP (Solar Assisted heat Pump). I did this with my current Geothermal heating system back more than a decade ago. I have about 100sqft of flat plate collectors feeding heat down to a separate 500' loop which sits next to the main Geo loops. Boosts ground temps a few degs. The colder the ground gets the more the benefit of the solar heat. Increases COP of the pump. You used the phrase "Water furnace". There was a company called water furnace that did Geo thermal systems. Is that who you are referring to? They were back in the day.....

Depending on the building and site, PV with a high efficiency HP is probably simpler and cheaper in the long run. There is a certain labor of love with solar thermal. It can be great when done right, especially SDHW. Space heating is quite a challenge though.

The simple fact about solar thermal to remember is that heat can only be used as heat, practically speaking at a res level. Where as electricity can be used for anything. The irony is that however, using PV for heat (the reverse) is the most inefficient thing to do.

I would definitely give this allot of thought up front...

Good luck...

------------------------------
william fitch
Owner
www.WeAreSolar.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-29-2024 10:16 AM
From: Leigh Dionne
Subject: Solar thermal for residential

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

------------------------------
Leigh Dionne
------------------------------

Bill, We have often envisioned that one day a super solar thermosyphon apparatus direct AI/PV assist would evolve made of some futuristic materials that will not melt or burst in a freeze, very compact, very easy to DIY install but can provide hot water to any home for many human lifetimes. We are doing experiments with Pex Serpentine configurations with advanced insulation absorbers/reflectors/magnifiers and other exotic materials. So far some pretty impressive operations. (  I.E  - A heater hose handles hot water, or more accurately, in some cases hot coolant, by being made from a specialized rubber or silicone material designed to withstand high temperatures, allowing it to safely transport the heated coolant from collector to the heater core, which then heats water/air through a exchanger inside your water tank, ductwork, RV, cabin, or tiny home. )

We cite this paper for inspiration.

Loop Thermosyphon Enhanced Solar Collector

------------------------------
Timothy Mcbride
CEOOwner
Sol-Era R & D

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2025 11:00 AM
From: william fitch
Subject: Solar thermal for residential

WOW. This is an unusual path to seek. Solar Thermal assisting heat pumps is called SAHP (Solar Assisted heat Pump). I did this with my current Geothermal heating system back more than a decade ago. I have about 100sqft of flat plate collectors feeding heat down to a separate 500' loop which sits next to the main Geo loops. Boosts ground temps a few degs. The colder the ground gets the more the benefit of the solar heat. Increases COP of the pump. You used the phrase "Water furnace". There was a company called water furnace that did Geo thermal systems. Is that who you are referring to? They were back in the day.....

Depending on the building and site, PV with a high efficiency HP is probably simpler and cheaper in the long run. There is a certain labor of love with solar thermal. It can be great when done right, especially SDHW. Space heating is quite a challenge though.

The simple fact about solar thermal to remember is that heat can only be used as heat, practically speaking at a res level. Where as electricity can be used for anything. The irony is that however, using PV for heat (the reverse) is the most inefficient thing to do.

I would definitely give this allot of thought up front...

Good luck...

------------------------------
william fitch
Owner
www.WeAreSolar.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-29-2024 10:16 AM
From: Leigh Dionne
Subject: Solar thermal for residential

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

------------------------------
Leigh Dionne
------------------------------

Nothing new Tim. Nylon braded silicone temp independent hose highly flexible, has been around a long time. I use it myself in certain situations. Its just another tool in the box, no magic Bullet. Long duration use rate. Seasonal variation exists and most likely for a very long time. There's no magic. Reduce load as much as possible ESPECIALLY in new housing, then the required load shrinks in cost and materials. It pretty simple really.

Otherwise its retro-fit nightmare the more change you want to make.

------------------------------
william fitch
Owner
www.WeAreSolar.com

Original Message:
Sent: 01-14-2025 05:27 PM
From: Timothy Mcbride
Subject: Solar thermal for residential

Bill, We have often envisioned that one day a super solar thermosyphon apparatus direct AI/PV assist would evolve made of some futuristic materials that will not melt or burst in a freeze, very compact, very easy to DIY install but can provide hot water to any home for many human lifetimes. We are doing experiments with Pex Serpentine configurations with advanced insulation absorbers/reflectors/magnifiers and other exotic materials. So far some pretty impressive operations. (  I.E  - A heater hose handles hot water, or more accurately, in some cases hot coolant, by being made from a specialized rubber or silicone material designed to withstand high temperatures, allowing it to safely transport the heated coolant from collector to the heater core, which then heats water/air through a exchanger inside your water tank, ductwork, RV, cabin, or tiny home. )

We cite this paper for inspiration.

Loop Thermosyphon Enhanced Solar Collector

------------------------------
Timothy Mcbride
CEOOwner
Sol-Era R & D

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2025 11:00 AM
From: william fitch
Subject: Solar thermal for residential

WOW. This is an unusual path to seek. Solar Thermal assisting heat pumps is called SAHP (Solar Assisted heat Pump). I did this with my current Geothermal heating system back more than a decade ago. I have about 100sqft of flat plate collectors feeding heat down to a separate 500' loop which sits next to the main Geo loops. Boosts ground temps a few degs. The colder the ground gets the more the benefit of the solar heat. Increases COP of the pump. You used the phrase "Water furnace". There was a company called water furnace that did Geo thermal systems. Is that who you are referring to? They were back in the day.....

Depending on the building and site, PV with a high efficiency HP is probably simpler and cheaper in the long run. There is a certain labor of love with solar thermal. It can be great when done right, especially SDHW. Space heating is quite a challenge though.

The simple fact about solar thermal to remember is that heat can only be used as heat, practically speaking at a res level. Where as electricity can be used for anything. The irony is that however, using PV for heat (the reverse) is the most inefficient thing to do.

I would definitely give this allot of thought up front...

Good luck...

------------------------------
william fitch
Owner
www.WeAreSolar.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-29-2024 10:16 AM
From: Leigh Dionne
Subject: Solar thermal for residential

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

------------------------------
Leigh Dionne
------------------------------

 Retrofit Nightmare !  Indeed    Bill had to google that expression " Retrofit Nightmare " Just out of curiosity, and here is what the AI Google Bot stated about a Retrofit Nightmare. 

A retrofit nightmare is a situation where a retrofit project goes wrong, causing problems for the people or buildings it affects. Retrofitting is the process of adding new or modified parts to something that was previously made. 
Examples of retrofit nightmares
Retrofitting without consultation: When a retrofit project is implemented without input from the people it affects, it can lead to uncertainty and debt. 
Retrofitting that causes damp and mold: Poor ventilation and heating can cause damp and mold, which can be deadly. 
Retrofitting that causes upgrades to go wrong: When upgrades to a building go wrong, it can lead to problems like damp and mold. 
What is retrofitting?
Retrofitting can improve the energy performance of a building. 
Retrofitting can enhance old technology or features to increase efficiency and save money. 
Retrofitting can add new engineering features to an older model machine. 
Retrofitting can allow people to continue using older machinery equipment until a more modern model is available.

Okay as for Temperature Rating of that High Temperature FDA Braided Silicone Hose. 

-65°F to 350°F. Construction: White translucent FDA and NSF-51 silicone tube reinforced with braided polyester. Translucent silicone cover. Platinum cured

Pretty Impressive.

------------------------------
Timothy Mcbride
CEOOwner
Sol-Era R & D

Original Message:
Sent: 01-15-2025 07:47 AM
From: william fitch
Subject: Solar thermal for residential

Nothing new Tim. Nylon braded silicone temp independent hose highly flexible, has been around a long time. I use it myself in certain situations. Its just another tool in the box, no magic Bullet. Long duration use rate. Seasonal variation exists and most likely for a very long time. There's no magic. Reduce load as much as possible ESPECIALLY in new housing, then the required load shrinks in cost and materials. It pretty simple really.

Otherwise its retro-fit nightmare the more change you want to make.

------------------------------
william fitch
Owner
www.WeAreSolar.com

Original Message:
Sent: 01-14-2025 05:27 PM
From: Timothy Mcbride
Subject: Solar thermal for residential

Bill, We have often envisioned that one day a super solar thermosyphon apparatus direct AI/PV assist would evolve made of some futuristic materials that will not melt or burst in a freeze, very compact, very easy to DIY install but can provide hot water to any home for many human lifetimes. We are doing experiments with Pex Serpentine configurations with advanced insulation absorbers/reflectors/magnifiers and other exotic materials. So far some pretty impressive operations. (  I.E  - A heater hose handles hot water, or more accurately, in some cases hot coolant, by being made from a specialized rubber or silicone material designed to withstand high temperatures, allowing it to safely transport the heated coolant from collector to the heater core, which then heats water/air through a exchanger inside your water tank, ductwork, RV, cabin, or tiny home. )

We cite this paper for inspiration.

Loop Thermosyphon Enhanced Solar Collector

------------------------------
Timothy Mcbride
CEOOwner
Sol-Era R & D

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2025 11:00 AM
From: william fitch
Subject: Solar thermal for residential

WOW. This is an unusual path to seek. Solar Thermal assisting heat pumps is called SAHP (Solar Assisted heat Pump). I did this with my current Geothermal heating system back more than a decade ago. I have about 100sqft of flat plate collectors feeding heat down to a separate 500' loop which sits next to the main Geo loops. Boosts ground temps a few degs. The colder the ground gets the more the benefit of the solar heat. Increases COP of the pump. You used the phrase "Water furnace". There was a company called water furnace that did Geo thermal systems. Is that who you are referring to? They were back in the day.....

Depending on the building and site, PV with a high efficiency HP is probably simpler and cheaper in the long run. There is a certain labor of love with solar thermal. It can be great when done right, especially SDHW. Space heating is quite a challenge though.

The simple fact about solar thermal to remember is that heat can only be used as heat, practically speaking at a res level. Where as electricity can be used for anything. The irony is that however, using PV for heat (the reverse) is the most inefficient thing to do.

I would definitely give this allot of thought up front...

Good luck...

------------------------------
william fitch
Owner
www.WeAreSolar.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-29-2024 10:16 AM
From: Leigh Dionne
Subject: Solar thermal for residential

I am very interested in installing a solar thermal heating system at my residence and am looking for installers.

a neighbor is still operating a water furnace that was installed almost 20 years ago. The company that did the work is no longer in business.

i would like to merge solar thermal with a heat pump option for cooling in the summer. I live in the Chicago metro area.

any thoughts, options, suggestions or advise?

------------------------------
Leigh Dionne
------------------------------