Looks like our next water heating adventure will be to Australia.  Always wanted to visit and now we have a reason to go.   To see  the Quantum Heat Pump – Solar water hating system by Enviro Friendly Products in action.   If you haven’t guessed by now we are pretty crazy about water heaters here and naturally a heat pump water heater being combined with a solar water heating system is going to be mentioned on waterheatinginfo.com.  Both systems have been around for a long time and we’ve been patiently waiting for a company to offer it as a complete package.  Looks like this Australia based company is the front runner.  The combination produces a massive amount of extremely inexpensive hot water for homes and small businesses where ever these systems are sold.   WaterHeatingInfo.com Staff is currently trying to find out more about this company, where the unites are sold,  how far they ship, discounts for multiple units etc.  The offical website is a bit dated and they don’t list any emails.  (Not everyone uses MS outlook)

http://www.enviro-friendly.com/quantum-heat-pump-water-heater

Quantum Heat Pump

Solar Hot Water System

Solar Hot Water System

Quantum Heat Pump Hot Water Systems are an Australian invention that has been on the market for 20 years. They are simply one of the most efficient and economical water heaters available, and the cheapest solar hot water system to install. What does this mean for you?

Save Money. You’ll save up to $400 a year on energy, compared with a standard electric system.

24/7 Operation. Quantum works 24 hours a day, extracting heat from the ambient air, so you’ll always have lots of hot water.

Cold is no problem. The Quantum Heat Pump Solar Hot Water System is designed in Australia to keep working, and keep producing hot water, even when the temperature drops to -10°C.

Easy Installation. Your Quantum is a breeze to connect. There’s nothing to go on the roof. If you’re replacing an existing electric hot water system, the connections are the same.

Reduce Greenhouse Emissions. Compared with a standard electric hot water system, the Quantum Solar Water Heater will save 4 tonnes or more of greenhouse gas emissions from your home.

Receive Government Subsidies. Both the Federal Govenment of Australia, and many State Governments, recognise the efficiency of the Quantum Heat Pump Water Heater, and provide rebates to support your purchase. Basically, if it’s a new installation, or replacing an electric system, you’re in business. Australia-wide, the Federal Government REC’s (Renewable Energy Certificates) will subsidise your purchase. The amount varies with area, but in the ACT (Canberra), the REC’s are currently (01/10/09) worth around $650*. In some State jurisdictions, there is a further subsidy available.

So how does the Quantum heat pump water heater operate? Fortunately, it’s not rocket science. The principle is the same as the one that powers your refrigerator, air conditioner, or reverse cycle air conditioner (also known as a heat pump). Heat is collected from one space, and released into another. In the case of your refrigerator, the heat inside the fridge is collected, and moved into the kitchen. In the case of your air conditioner, the heat is extracted from your room, and pumped to the outside of your home. When your reverse-cycle air conditioner is working in winter, it is extracting the heat from the ambient air outside, and pumping it into the house.

That’s what the Quantum heat pump water heater does. It takes the heat from the ambient air, and uses it to heat your hot water. Here’s the counter-intuitive part. Even below freezing, there’s still plenty of heat available. You actually have to go down to minus 273.15C to reach absolute zero, where there is no heat. The advanced design and refrigerant used in the Quantum, means it happily keeps producing economical hot water for you, all the way down to at least -10C. And it doesn’t stop when the sun goes down- it will work 24/7 to save you money.

Pricing:

Call Enviro-Friendly today on (02) 6282 6266, and find out how we can help you save with a Quantum Heat Pump Hot Water System; to
“Save water, save energy, save money, and save the environment.”

For enviro-friendly tips and news, be sure to subscribe to our free, treeless email newsletter, and please, tell your friends about us!

Web www.enviro-friendly.com

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WE DO NOT recommended any DYI project that includes plumbing, unless you are, or have a licensed plumber on the project.  Solar water heating systems can work “too good” and produce extreme temperatures more than enough to seriously hurt, potential kill.

That being said Solar water heaters are amazing.  If you have the knowledge, tools, skill & time they are worth building.  Here is a page we found that has a ton of great info.

————————————————————————————————–

Solar Water Heating Porjects

http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/WaterHeating/water_heating.htm

Solar water heating systems have a good economic payoff, and are manageable systems to install or build as a DIY project.  Some of the solar water heating designs are simple and low cost.  You can save a great deal of money by building your own system — several thousand dollars.  There are dozens of free plans listed below that should meet just about any need.

Simple batch systems are basically a tank painted black housed inside of a glazed box — they work well in warm climates, and can be used in cold climates if drained for the winter.  There are also plans shown for quite a few solar water heaters that can be used in cold climates right through the winter — this includes our own $1,000 solar water heating system that has provided a solar fraction in excess of  90% through our cold Montana winter.

It is also possible to collect the federal tax rebate by using certified collectors, and building the rest of the system yourself.

My thanks to the people who have built systems, and then taken the time to send in pictures and descriptions for others to use.

Directory for this page:

• Solar water heating basics

• Batch solar water heaters

• Thermosyphon solar water heaters

• Drainback and Closed Loop solar water heaters

• Our $1K Solar Water Heating System

• Examples of $1K Systems

• Making and evaluating collector fins

• Evacuated Tube solar water heaters

• Air Collector Water Heater

• Sun tracking solar water heaters

• Grey Water Heat Recovery

• Heat Recovery Units

• Heat Pump Water Heaters

• Heating Water With Compost

• Heating water for animals

• Other Applications (Agricultural, commercial,…)

• Fun Solar Showers for the summer

• Solar water heating system components (heat exchangers, tanks, pumps, …)

• Glazing materials comparison

• Protecting pumps etc. from freezing…

• Maintenance and Troubleshooting for solar water heating systems

• Used Collectors

NEW Information on pumps, heat exchangers, heat storage tanks and other components for solar space heating systems here…

If ya wanna be a solar pioneer, take a look at the Experimental section as well.

Take a look at the complete page here.  http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/WaterHeating/water_heating.htm

US Solar Market Grew 67% in 2010

The US solar market value grew 67% last year to US$6 billion despite the recession, according to a report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and GMT Research.

By Renewable Energy Focus staff

According to the report, U.S. Solar Market Insight: Year-in-Review 2010, solar was the fastest growing energy sector contrasting overall US GDP growth of less than 3%.

2010 saw the installation of 878 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity and 78 MW of concentrating solar power (CSP). Furthermore, over 65,000 homes and businesses installed solar water heating (SWH) or solar pool heating (SPH) systems.

——————————————————————————————–

This isn’t specifically about Solar water heating, but never the less it’s great seeing solar panels popping up on roofs all over America.
Solar water heaters can work in any part of the country as long as there is exposure to the Southern skies.
In many cases solar water heating systems work “to well” and require thermostatic mixing valves, which mixes cold water into the system to prevent system over heating, and residents from getting burned.   A bad mixing valve can equal slow- low pressure hot water.

That a look at this page to learn more about solar water heating.

Give us a call if you need a solar water heating system installed.
Give us a call if you need a solar water storage tank, or thermostatic mixing valve replaced.

Connecticut residents give us a call to repair or replace you next solar water heater’s storage tank. We specialize in the repair and installations of all storage tanks associated with solar and heat pump systems for all of New Haven & Fairfield Connecticut.

If you need a great plumber in Connecticut, or a free estimate to fix or replace your current water heater.
Give us a call today.

Main office  – 24 hour emergency water heater repair or replacement services.

(800) 524-4280

E-mail    mr.waterheaters@yahoo.com

We provide plumbing services, free estimates, installations and repairs on all Rheem, Ruud, Bradford white, State, and A.O. Smith electric, gas, propane, Bock, Thermaflow/Everhot oil fired hot water heaters, Navien, Rheem, Noritz, and Takagi tankless water heaters, Ruud, Bock, and lochinvar oil fired water heaters, SuperStor storage tanks, Peerless, Laars, and Crown tankless coils, and repairs on all hot water heater throughout the state of Connecticut including Bridgeport, CT- Bristol, CT- Cheshire, CT- Danbury,CT- Derby,CT- East Hartford,CT- East Haven,CT- Enfield,CT- Fairfield,CT- Hamden,CT- Hartford,CT- Meriden,CT- Orange,CT- Middletown,CT- Milford,CT- New Britain,CT- New Haven,CT- New London,CT- Norwalk,CT- East Norwalk,CT- Norwich,CT- Putnam,CT- Shelton,CT- Southington,CT- Stamford,CT- Stratford,CT- Southport,CT- Torrington,CT- Wallingford,CT- Watertown,CT- West Hartford,CT- West Haven,CT- Westport,CT- Wethersfield,CT- all shore areas, and surrounding Connecticut areas. Contact us today for a professional plumbing experience and a free estimate today. 800-524-4280

WaterHeatingInfo.com is a CT based company owned by licensed plumbers.

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Why spend hours on the computer doing research?  We have this down to a science.
Invite us over for a free estimate today.

800-524-4280

Connecticut & Georgia’s Favorite Water Heater Installers!

To schedule an appointment to have one installed in your home or business call us today.

or write us at   mr.waterheaters@yahoo.com

WaterHeatingInfo.com is a CT based company owned by licensed plumbers.

We provide top quality water heater installations, services, free estimates, installations and repairs on all Rheem, Ruud, Bradford white, State, and A.O. Smith electric, gas, propane, Bock, Thermaflow/Everhot oil fired hot water heaters, Navien, Rheem, Noritz, and Takagi tankless water heaters, Ruud, Bock, and lochinvar oil fired water heaters, SuperStor storage tanks, Peerless, Laars, and Crown tankless coils, and repairs on all hot water heater throughout the state of Connecticut including Bridgeport, CT- Bristol, CT- Cheshire, CT- Danbury,CT- Derby,CT- East Hartford,CT- East Haven,CT- Enfield,CT- Fairfield,CT- Hamden,CT- Hartford,CT- Meriden,CT- Orange,CT- Middletown,CT- Milford,CT- New Britain,CT- New Haven,CT- New London,CT- Norwalk,CT- East Norwalk,CT- Norwich,CT- Putnam,CT- Shelton,CT- Southington,CT- Stamford,CT- Stratford,CT- Southport,CT- Torrington,CT- Wallingford,CT- Watertown,CT- West Hartford,CT- West Haven,CT- Westport,CT- Wethersfield,CT- all shore areas, and surrounding Connecticut areas. Contact us today for a professional plumbing experience and a free estimate today

Vaughn Water Heaters, installations, free estimates.

Is your current Vaughn water heater leaking?  Need a quick replacement that won’t break the bank?
We specialize in all tankless water heaters and have 2 trucks and crews fully dedicated to water heater installation and repairs.  Our suppliers carry Vaughn, thus we can get any specific type, or model they make.

Figure out what Vaughn water heater you have by looking at this picture and comparing it to yours.

Fully licensed & Insured- dozens of references available upon request.

or write us at   mr.waterheaters@yahoo.com

Have you been told by another plumbing company, or plumbing supply store it will take days or up to a week to get your Solar storage tank vaughn water heater?   Under the right circumstances we can get your vaughn installed the very next day!
Give us a call before you commit to another plumber or have been told you need to wait days for a replacement.

This Vaughn Indirect water heater was used as a Solar Water Heating Storage Tank.

Take a look at the official Vaughn website here.:   http://www.vaughncorp.com/index.html

Vaughn Manufacturing Corporation is a unique company with unique products serving unique markets. Family owned and operated since the 1950s, Vaughn has created a niche market in the water heater industry, due to its product’s unequaled reputation for longevity, reliability, and innovation.

Vaughn’s water heaters have an unequaled history of performance – tens of thousands of heaters over 25 years old – that comes from one simple concept: Hydrastone lining.

Hydrastone is a ½” thick, seamless layer of specifically engineered cement lining that coats the entire surface of the inner tank protecting it from the corrosive effects of water. Click on Stoney to learn the unique manner in which Hydrastone works.

Vaughn indirect water heater

But all you really need to know is that over the years, no other water heater has lasted longer, or proven to be more reliable than our Hydrastone lined tanks.

That is why Consumer Digest chose Vaughn as the “Rolls Royce of water heaters”.

In addition to water heaters, Vaughn also developed and patented a full line of load control devices dedicated specifically to controlling water heaters – Energy Controllers.

These microprocessor-based controls can be integral to a Vaughn water heater or retrofitted to any existing heater. They can be pre-programmed as a dedicated control, to match any off-peak schedule. The Energy Controller can also be controlled remotely via a pager signal. The combination of Controller and Pager offers a unique redundant system. In case the pager signal goes down, or is blocked, the controller takes over and acts as a default schedule.

The newest addition to our line of controls is the TPI (Top Performer Immersion).

Engineered specifically for Indirect Heaters, the TPI is an electronic, immersion thermostat unlike any other. TPI is intelligent enough to control the actual delivered water temperature from the tank. TPI has an adjustable differential as well as temperature setting, indicator light, and sensor capable of accuracy to within several degrees.

For electric utility companies, co-ops and municipals, Vaughn offers a TurnKey Rental program. With more than ½ century of experience, Vaughn can tailor a rental program just for you. A rental program is essentially an annuity – a steady stream of rental income. Using Vaughn’s long life, stone-lined heater, ensures a program that is not only successful, but also highly profitable. See what Vaughn can do for you.

Welcome to Vaughn Manufacturing Corporation On-line where you can learn all about Vaughn, our products, programs and services. Also, where you can compare models, download specification sheets and engineering data, or email in custom tank requests for quotation.

Vaughn Corporation Information
P.O.Box 5431 • 26 Old Elm Street
Salisbury, Massachusetts 01952
tel: 800-282-8446 • fax: 978-462-4683/6497

WaterHeatingInfo.com is a CT based company owned by licensed plumbers.

We provide top quality water heater installations, services, free estimates, installations and repairs on all Rheem, Ruud, Bradford white, State, and A.O. Smith electric, gas, propane, Bock, Thermaflow/Everhot oil fired hot water heaters, Navien, Rheem, Noritz, and Takagi tankless water heaters, Ruud, Bock, and lochinvar oil fired water heaters, SuperStor storage tanks, Peerless, Laars, and Crown tankless coils, and repairs on all hot water heater throughout the state of Connecticut including Bridgeport, CT- Bristol, CT- Cheshire, CT- Danbury,CT- Derby,CT- East Hartford,CT- East Haven,CT- Enfield,CT- Fairfield,CT- Hamden,CT- Hartford,CT- Meriden,CT- Orange,CT- Middletown,CT- Milford,CT- New Britain,CT- New Haven,CT- New London,CT- Norwalk,CT- East Norwalk,CT- Norwich,CT- Putnam,CT- Shelton,CT- Southington,CT- Stamford,CT- Stratford,CT- Southport,CT- Torrington,CT- Wallingford,CT- Watertown,CT- West Hartford,CT- West Haven,CT- Westport,CT- Wethersfield,CT- all shore areas, and surrounding Connecticut areas. Contact us today for a professional plumbing experience and a free estimate today. 800-524-4280

I’m excited to welcome Mr. Trudeau, owner and operator of  -C.A Trudeau Solar Plumbing and Heating-.
Fully Insured & License#  PL -283810

Mr. Trudeau is one of only 18 licensed solar water heating installers in Connecticut at this time (3/2/10)  His company has been installing Solar water heaters, solar pool heaters, and solar radiant systems for over ten year.  He proudly covers the entire state of Connecticut and installed hundreds of solar systems threw out Connecticut.
We met Mr. Trudeau at a Bender plumbing supply in New Haven CT.  He was in a meeting leaning about Rheem’s new  SolPak solar water heating system, as we were.  The SolPak is a brand new complete system “all in one box” which fully qualifies for the $1,500, unlike the majority of companies in the solar water heating business.  We spoke for a while after the meeting and I told him about waterheatinginfo.com.  He thought it sounded like a great idea and wanted to get involved, so with his permission I’m creating this post on his behalf.

C.A. Trudeau specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of solar water heating systems threw out Connecticut.

Solar water heaters, solar pool heating systems, solar radiant heating systems, and every other solar water heating installation required Mr. Trudeau can get it done correctly, quickly, and at the most competitive prices around.

Contact him directly at-

203-488-5851    catrudeau@sbcglobal.net

Mr Trudeau is one of the best Solar water heating contractor in Connecticut, he is committed to providing top quality Solar water heating systems threw out New Haven, and Fairfield counties.

Mention waterheatinginfo.com and ask about setting up a free estimate.

——————————————–

Solar water heating or solar hot water is water heated by the use of solar energy. Solar heating systems generally consist of solar thermal collectors, a water storage tank, water piping, and a pump to move the heated water from the collector to the tank. This thermodynamic approach is completely from solar electric systems which use semiconductor photovoltaic (PV) cells that generate electricity from light; whereas solar water heating directly heats liquids by the sun where no electricity is directly generated. A solar water heating system may use electricity for pumping the fluid (the circulator pump), and have a reservoir or tank with a back up heating system for heating and storing water during times of low sun exposure. The water can be heated for a wide variety of uses, including home, business and industrial uses. Heating swimming pools is a very popular and typically the 1^st solar installation for a home, or family.  Underfloor heating also known as radiant heating are other examples of solar water heating.

Solar Precautions!  Freeze protection

Freeze protection measures prevent damage to the system due to the expansion of freezing transfer fluid. Some systems drain the transfer fluid from the system when the pump stops. In indirect systems (where the transfer fluid is separated from the heated water), this is called drainback and in direct systems (where the heated water is used as the transfer fluid) it is called draindown. Many indirect systems use anti-freeze (e.g. glycol) in the heat transfer fluid. This approach is simpler and more reliable than drainback and is common in climates where freezing temperatures occur often.

In both direct and indirect systems, automatic recirculation may be used for freeze protection. When the water in the collector reaches a temperature near freezing, the controller turns the pump on for a few minutes to warm the collector with water from the tank.

In some direct systems, the collectors are manually drained when freezing is expected. This approach is common in climates where freezing temperatures do not occur often.

Solar Precautions!  Overheat protection

The water from the collector can reach very high temperatures in good sunshine, or if the pump fails. Designs should allow for relief of pressure and excess heat through a heat dump. Almost all systems have pressure relief valves through which excessive water pressure or steam can be vented. Active systems often reduce water temperature in the storage tank by circulating hot water through the collector at night (when solar energy does not heat the collector).

Economics and Other Benefits of Active Solar Heating Systems

Active solar heating systems are most cost-effective when they are used for most of the year, that is, in cold climates with good solar resources. They are most economical if they are displacing more expensive heating fuels, such as electricity, propane, and oil heat. Some states offer sales tax exemptions, income tax credits or deductions, and property tax exemptions or deductions for solar energy systems.

The cost of an active solar heating system will vary. Commercial systems range from $30 to $80 per square foot of collector area, installed. Usually, the larger the system, the less it costs per unit of collector area. Commercially available collectors come with warranties of 10 years or more, and should easily last decades longer. The economics of an active space heating system improve if it also heats domestic water, because an otherwise idle collector can heat water in the summer.

Heating your home with an active solar energy system can significantly reduce your fuel bills in the winter. A solar heating system will also reduce the amount of air pollution and greenhouse gases that result from your use of fossil fuels such as oil, propane, and natural gas for heating or that may be used to generate the electricity that you use.

Who is a licensed solar water heater installer in Connecticut?   C.A.. Trudeau
How many licensed solar water heater installers are there in Connecticut?  18  (as of 3/2/10)

Solar water heaters
Solar pool heating systems
Solar radiant heating systems
and more.

We provide top quality plumbing information about services, free estimates, installations and repairs on all Rheem, Ruud, Bradford white, State, and A.O. Smith electric, gas, propane, Bock, Thermaflow/Everhot oil fired hot water heaters, Navien, Rheem, Noritz, and Takagi tankless water heaters, Ruud, Bock, and lochinvar oil fired water heaters, SuperStor storage tanks, Peerless, Laars, and Crown tankless coils, and repairs on all hot water heater throughout the state of Connecticut including Bridgeport, CT- Bristol, CT- Cheshire, CT- Danbury,CT- Derby,CT- East Hartford,CT- East Haven,CT- Enfield,CT- Fairfield,CT- Hamden,CT- Hartford,CT- Meriden,CT- Orange,CT- Middletown,CT- Milford,CT- New Britain,CT- New Haven,CT- New London,CT- Norwalk,CT- East Norwalk,CT- Norwich,CT- Putnam,CT- Shelton,CT- Southington,CT- Stamford,CT- Stratford,CT- Southport,CT- Torrington,CT- Wallingford,CT- Watertown,CT- West Hartford,CT- West Haven,CT- Westport,CT- Wethersfield,CT- Willimantic,CT- all shore areas, and surrounding Connecticut areas.

The Rheem Solar System of the future is here today!

Everyone is familiar with the basic idea of Solar water heaters.  Sunlight hits a light/heat collector; the hot water is stored in a tank.  Which in turn basically consists of strapping up a couple solar collectors on the roof, adding a few safety devises, expansion tank, copper piping, a tank, and Basically that it, basically.

Most people like the idea of lowering their carbon foot print and helping out mother Earth when we can, but let’s be honest everyone likes the idea of having more money in their pockets.

My grandfather used to say to me, “Jarrell, it’s a lot easier to save money than it is to make more”  I always thought that was pretty cleaver, and it’s really true, and growing up and now having my own house, I see these insane Gas and Electric bills coming in first hand.  It’s totally insane.  I admittedly I have a ridiculously un-efficient 100 year old beach house, but  nearly spend as much for my gas, power, as I do on my mortgage.  Saving money is easier than making more money.

Solar water heating can save you HUGE amounts of money.  More money than you probably know.  Over ten to 20 years, enough money to put 2 or 3 kids through college, and I’m not talking about community college, (not that there’s anything wrong with community college, my own Brookdale.).

If you’re a single guy like me, that takes one shower a day and does laundry once a week, the return on investment on installing a new Rheem Solar water heating system might take a decade to hit the break even point and start saving $$$.


However if there are 4 or more people in your home, your  using about 208,000 gallons of water a year, and heating about 85,000 gallons of water a year.  http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_gallons_of_water_does_an_average_family_of_4_use_in_1_calendar_year Costing you anywhere from 5 – 10 thousand dollars if you’re paying for electric, propane, and even natural gas water heaters.  For you, Mr. or Mrs. Head of the household, a good solar water heating system with good sun exposure will save you up to 85% off your water heating bills,  and will keep tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket of it’s service life.

Down to the Nitty Griddy!

The Rheem solar water heater is not just a solar water heater tank; it’s the entire complete system which fully qualifies for the federal 1,500 tax energy efficiency credit program.  That’ s the big difference.  99% of all the companies selling solar water heaters just sell the tank, or collectors, not the entire system as the Rheem Solar system does.  Saving money is the reason you’re here, and Rheem’s solar system not only provides you with reliable, cheep, earth friendly hot water for years, it also has 1,500 reasons for you next tax season.  Unlike 95+% of all the “solar companies” out there.

If you live in cold weather environments like I do you will need an Active solar water heating system.  Active meaning = Frost protected.

The Rheem Solpak Active solar water heating system features.
Closed loop glycol design-
Double collector systems
*Included in the package:
Solaraide HE water tank, collectors, controller, adjustable pump, mixing valve, glycol solution (4 gallons) thermal expansion tank,

The Heat Exchanger Tank-
Double wall heat exchange: copper tubing wrap-around design
Single element backup heating source
¾” water and collector loop connections.

The Collectors
-Two sizes to choose from-
(2) 3×8 collectors, or (2) 4×8 collectors
Flat plate design
black paint absorber coating
OG-100 certified by SRCC

Solar water heating solutions by Rheem-   Solar Tank Options.

Solaraide -
Features: The Storage Tank  is very simmilar to the classic Rheem electric water heater, however it is stuffed with more than normal insulation to protect against heat loss.   The solaraide tank is aviable in (80)  or (119) gallon tanks.

Solaraide HE-
Features:  More than usual insulation to protect against heat loss, Solar heat exchanger, and electric heating elements for back up water heating needs.  The Solaraide HE  is aviable in (80)  or (119) gallon tanks.

Solar Indirect -
Features:  More than usual insulation to protect against heat loss, Solar storage tank with single wall internal heat exchanger and back-up heating element.   The Rheem solar indirect tank is aviable in (80)  or (119) gallon tanks.

Marathon-
Features:   Strong, polybutene material built to last.  Unique, corrosion resistant design will never rust, light wieght and easy to install, electric element back up heating source.

There are also passive, non freeze protecting version called the Solaraide passive water heating system.

Coming soon is the Solar Marathon active water heating system.    More on these systems in the near future…

Need a new Solar water heating system?   Well you’re in the right place.  We have 1 of only 18 licensed solar water heating installers in Connecticut working with us (Tredau Solar Heating).  Call us today for your estimate  (203) 556 – 6449

We provide top quality plumbing information about services, free estimates, installations and repairs on all Rheem, Ruud, Bradford white, State, and A.O. Smith electric, gas, propane, Bock, Thermaflow/Everhot oil fired hot water heaters, Navien, Rheem, Noritz, and Takagi tankless water heaters, Ruud, Bock, and lochinvar oil fired water heaters, SuperStor storage tanks, Peerless, Laars, and Crown tankless coils, Solar water heating installations, and repairs on all hot water heater throughout the state of Connecticut including Bridgeport, CT- Bristol, CT- Cheshire, CT- Danbury,CT- Derby,CT- East Hartford,CT- East Haven,CT- Enfield,CT- Fairfield,CT- Hamden,CT- Hartford,CT- Meriden,CT- Orange,CT- Middletown,CT- Milford,CT- New Britain,CT- New Haven,CT- New London,CT- Norwalk,CT- East Norwalk,CT- Norwich,CT- Putnam,CT- Shelton,CT- Southington,CT- Stamford,CT- Stratford,CT- Southport,CT- Torrington,CT- Wallingford,CT- Watertown,CT- West Hartford,CT- West Haven,CT- Westport,CT- Wethersfield,CT- Willimantic,CT- all shore areas, and surrounding Connecticut areas.

When you commit to a secure alternative energy source to protect you and your family, you send an unspoken message that asserts your belief in self-reliance, and freedom from energy companies rate hikes & mishaps.

Today’s modern culture has developed an infrastructure that brings us incredible convenience, it has also created a complex and intertwined chain of dependency for all energy consumers on the North American power grid.

Over the last half-decade, a new awareness has slowly dawned as society has had time to reflect on
its growing vulnerability. Ageing refineries, power plants, sub- stations, combined with high voltage transmission lines and their accompanying out-of-date computer control systems leave families and businesses susceptible to periodic blackouts, at their current conditions.

Now the magnitude of risk associated with short-term storm outages, or even catastrophic disruption of the power grid, along with susceptibility to unreasonable and often substantial rate hikes, all combine to make energy independence even more beneficial.

As a life-long resident of the North East of USA, I know first hand how scary the world can get when electricity suddenly disappears. During the “black out of 03″, August 14, 2003 to be exact, a series of power surges over a 12-second period triggered a cascade of shut downs at more than 100 generating plants throughout eight U.S. states and Ontario.  The result was the biggest blackout in North American history. 61,800 megawatts of power were lost to over 50 million people. All of New York City was brought to a screeching halt, millions of people walked out of Manhattan to whatever nearest persons house they could find within a few miles walk.  Cell phones were down.  Ferry’s to New Jersey were over loaded with tens of thousands of people at the same time.

The maybe not so obvious, but the fact is that currently our energy flows from our local power plants and provide electricity to our homes and business non stop.  It can not be stored like water, food, or medicin, in case of an emergency.  It has to be produced to meet our needs continuously.  Not true for those of us that have a nice solar water heating and electric set up.

How Solar Energy Works – Great Explanation.

How solar water heaters work.

To learn more about solar water heating systems check out this link.

We provide top quality plumbing information about services, free estimates, installations and repairs on all Rheem, Ruud, Bradford white, State, and A.O. Smith electric, gas, propane, Bock, Thermaflow/Everhot oil fired hot water heaters, Navien, Rheem, Noritz, and Takagi tankless water heaters, Ruud, Bock, and lochinvar oil fired water heaters, SuperStor storage tanks, Peerless, Laars, and Crown tankless coils, and repairs on all hot water heater throughout the state of Connecticut including Bridgeport, CT- Bristol, CT- Cheshire, CT- Danbury,CT- Derby,CT- East Hartford,CT- East Haven,CT- Enfield,CT- Fairfield,CT- Hamden,CT- Hartford,CT- Meriden,CT- Orange,CT- Middletown,CT- Milford,CT- New Britain,CT- New Haven,CT- New London,CT- Norwalk,CT- East Norwalk,CT- Norwich,CT- Putnam,CT- Shelton,CT- Southington,CT- Stamford,CT- Stratford,CT- Southport,CT- Torrington,CT- Wallingford,CT- Watertown,CT- West Hartford,CT- West Haven,CT- Westport,CT- Wethersfield,CT- Willimantic,CT- all shore areas, and surrounding Connecticut areas.

Solar Water Heaters soon to be a Washington mandate?

Some day in the future electric and gas water heaters will become a thing of the past, but some states a moving the future to the now with mandates of solar water heater installations for new building codes.


Hawaii and California now have legislation that requires solar water heaters to be installed in new construction by specific dates. Now the State of Washington is also looking into enacting such legislation, with the introduction on House Bill 1187 (2009-10) on January 14th, and is currently scheduled for a public hearing on January 22nd. I understand other states have (or will have) legislation for this system as well. 

I personally don’t want lawmakers  to tell me what kinds of heating system I can put in my own home.  However most of us understand the intent of making things better for all, and solar hot water is a positive step toward a better future.

Both federal government & state governments are offering incentives such as rebates and tax credits. Which together absorb half the the cost, making it practical for anyone financing, or buying a new home.  Borrowing an extra 5 – 7k in a 30 year mortgage will only see about a 20-30 dollar  payment increase,   saving could be as high as 150 dollars per month.

The US Department of Energy has an Consumer Guide for solar hot water that addresses and it is full of great information for anyone thinking of converting their conventional system. http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12850

Anyone interested in reading Washington States House Bill 1187 can find more information here; http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1187&year=2009

We provide top quality plumbing information about services, free estimates, installations and repairs on all Rheem, Ruud, Bradford white, State, and A.O. Smith electric, gas, propane, Bock, Thermaflow/Everhot oil fired hot water heaters, Navien, Rheem, Noritz, and Takagi tankless water heaters, Ruud, Bock, and lochinvar oil fired water heaters, SuperStor storage tanks, Peerless, Laars, and Crown tankless coils, Solar water heating installations, and repairs on all hot water heater throughout the state of Connecticut including Bridgeport, CT- Bristol, CT- Cheshire, CT- Danbury,CT- Derby,CT- East Hartford,CT- East Haven,CT- Enfield,CT- Fairfield,CT- Hamden,CT- Hartford,CT- Meriden,CT- Orange,CT- Middletown,CT- Milford,CT- New Britain,CT- New Haven,CT- New London,CT- Norwalk,CT- East Norwalk,CT- Norwich,CT- Putnam,CT- Shelton,CT- Southington,CT- Stamford,CT- Stratford,CT- Southport,CT- Torrington,CT- Wallingford,CT- Watertown,CT- West Hartford,CT- West Haven,CT- Westport,CT- Wethersfield,CT- Willimantic,CT- all shore areas, and surrounding Connecticut areas.

I heard about this over a year ago, and just saw a little something about it again.
I thought it was interesting enough to share it here.

HONOLULU – All new homes in Hawaii will be required to have solar water heaters installed starting in 2010 under a law approved by the Legislature.

Hawaii becomes the first state requiring the energy-saving systems in homes.

Solar water heaters typically cost home buyers about $5,000 extra on their mortgage, but island residents will save thousands of dollars over the years on their electricity bills, supporters said.

“We owe to our children and grandchildren the promise of a clean and renewable energy future,” said Rep. Hermina Morita, chairwoman of the House Energy Committee. “A solar water heater mandate in new home construction … will result in greater public benefits to everyone at large.”

Solar water heaters reduce residents’ electricity costs between 30 percent and 35 percent — up to $150 per month for a family of four on Kauai, said Morita, D-Hanalei-Kapaa. With those kind of savings, their initial expense is usually paid off in three to four-and-a-half years.

Opponents of the measure said it would unfairly drive up costs to home buyers.

Lawmakers described a government requirement for solar water heaters as a way to protect the environment, reduce Hawaii’s heavy reliance on foreign energy sources and save money.

“There are significant and quantifiable environmental benefits, energy security benefits and economic development benefits,” said Sen. Gary Hooser, D-Kauai-Niihau. “This measure lowers the net cost of home ownership and will cost nothing in terms of the state budget to implement.”

The bill passed unanimously in the House and 23-2 in the Senate.

The bill also ends current state solar tax credits beginning in 2010 worth about $2,500 in savings on purchases of solar water heaters.

Some legislators said they weren’t comfortable with a law that takes away residents’ ability to decide for themselves what kind of water heater they want to buy.

We provide top quality plumbing information about services, free estimates, installations and repairs on all Rheem, Ruud, Bradford white, State, and A.O. Smith electric, gas, propane, Bock, Thermaflow/Everhot oil fired hot water heaters, Navien, Rheem, Noritz, and Takagi tankless water heaters, Ruud, Bock, and lochinvar oil fired water heaters, SuperStor storage tanks, Peerless, Laars, and Crown tankless coils, Solar water heating installations, and repairs on all hot water heater throughout the state of Connecticut including Bridgeport, CT- Bristol, CT- Cheshire, CT- Danbury,CT- Derby,CT- East Hartford,CT- East Haven,CT- Enfield,CT- Fairfield,CT- Hamden,CT- Hartford,CT- Meriden,CT- Orange,CT- Middletown,CT- Milford,CT- New Britain,CT- New Haven,CT- New London,CT- Norwalk,CT- East Norwalk,CT- Norwich,CT- Putnam,CT- Shelton,CT- Southington,CT- Stamford,CT- Stratford,CT- Southport,CT- Torrington,CT- Wallingford,CT- Watertown,CT- West Hartford,CT- West Haven,CT- Westport,CT- Wethersfield,CT- Willimantic,CT- all shore areas, and surrounding Connecticut areas.