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This roof integrated home heating solar system was a design feature of the home when it was built. Ideally sited,
it had provided 20 to 25 years of service and is part of a system that includes a lake source heat pump and
wood stove loop. There is a 1000 gallon solar hot water storage tank heated by the array. The eighteen
solar panels are enclosed by low iron , high T tempered glass with very high solar energy transmission.
The glazing and all aluminum framework and substructure were removed and stored on site while
the old insulation was replaced with 2" foil faced polyisocyanurate foam board. AET/Thermofin
provided the new 100% copper absorber plate which is high frequency welded to the absorber risers.
This weld insures maximum heat transfer. The absorber plates have a selective coating to maximize
absorption of the suns rays and a clear coat that reduces emissivity. The array of absorbers was
assembled and soldered together from the top down. The original sensors were replaced and reconnected
to the differential controller.
After pressure testing the system was restarted Dec 20th and provided an 11 degree temperature rise on the
20th and then again on the 21st (shortest day of the year) normal operating temperatures were achieved
within the next week. The system performs consistently and automatically.
References available from the owner on request.
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