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VELUX Showcasing Solar Water Heating System
 At Booth C5611 at the International Builders’ Show, VELUX-America is showcasing its solar water heating system, which was introduced in the United States this year. The system, proven through years of service in Europe, has been well received in this country and installation activity has been brisk.
Tim Miller, president of VELUX America, says that each solar water heating system installed in the U.S. helps to reduce the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “Solar water heating is another opportunity for individual home owners to support the green movement in our country while realizing benefits now and for years to come,” Miller says.
“And it represents a profitable add-on business opportunity for entrepreneurial companies that want to get in on the ground floor of an emerging consumer trend,” he says. “VELUX is providing installer support, training programs and other assistance to companies in launching or expanding a solar water heating business with programs that cover aspects including marketing, installation and service.”
VELUX, long a global leader in skylights and other solar control technology, designed its solar energy roof collectors to be aesthetically pleasing and to integrate well with rooflines while delivering exceptional energy collection capabilities. The units also integrate seamlessly with VELUX roof windows.
The collectors are certified by independent testing agencies in Europe (Solar Keymark) and in the U.S. (Solar Rating and Certification Corporation/SRCC), and installers must complete advanced training to assure reliable installations.
The cost is running between $8,000 and $12,500, depending on the complexity of the installation. Two to three rooftop solar collector panels will usually be installed, and solar hot water holding tanks are available in 80- and 120-gallon sizes.
Miller says that federal tax credits can help pay 30%, up to $2,000, of a system and that some states and utilities offer additional support, resulting in credits that can offset as much as half of the cost. This, combined with savings on home energy bills, he says, should result in an anticipated payback period of three to seven years in most areas — depending on geographic location, utility rates and other factors.
Jim Cika, manager of solar products for VELUX, says that the systems can provide up to 100% of the hot water demand in a home, with typically up to 80% of hot water needs being met “free from the sun,” while replacing or adding on to an existing water heating system.
The U.S. Department of Energy, in its Consumer’s Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, says that, “On average, if you install a solar water heater, your water heating bills should drop 50% to 80%. Also, because the sun is free, you’re protected from future fuel shortages and price hikes.”
Solar energy systems can take advantage of this free energy source throughout the year because solar energy can be produced even at low temperatures. According to Cika, the capacity for widespread use is a particularly attractive feature of the VELUX system. “We us a glycol, or antifreeze solution, in our system,” Cika says, “so it’s suitable for use anywhere in the United States, with the exception of some parts of Alaska, which is not the case with all solar water heating systems.”
Cika says that the VELUX system has a much lower system and installation cost than solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. “Basically, our system utilizes low-profile roof-top solar energy collectors to gather heat. An electronic controller activates a pump to feed the heated solution through insulated tubing to a solar hot water tank. The heat is transferred from the solution, through a heat exchanger, to the water in the insulated tank, where it is held until needed, and the glycol solution, which never enters the water supply, is returned to the collectors to be reused,” Cika says.
He also points out that the solar collectors utilize the same proven flashing materials and techniques employed to install VELUX roof windows.
For more information on the VELUX solar water heating system, go to Booth C5611, click here (veluxusa.com/solar) or call 800-888-3589.
Headquartered in Fort Mill, S.C., VELUX is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — The Leading Suppliers of NAHB.
This feature is solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing on this page should be construed as policy, an endorsement, warranty or guaranty by the National Association of Home Builders of the featured product or the product manufacturer. The National Association of Home Builders expressly disclaims any responsibility for any damages arising from the use, application or reliance on any information contained on this page.
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