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Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How much electricity can a Solar System Provide?
Answer: A properly installed Solar System can produce from about 1,200 to 1,600 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year per kilowatt dc (kWdc) installed, depending on the tilt, orientation and shading of the solar panels and the type of inverter you select. This means that:
- 1 kWdc system can produce from 1,200 to 1,600 kWh/year
- 3 kWdc system can produce from 3,600 to 4,800 kWh/year
- 5 kW system can produce from 6,000 to 8,000 kWh/year
- 10 kWdc system can produce from 12,000 to 16,000 kWh/year
Question: Are there different Types of Solar Hot Water Systems?
Answer: Yes.
Direct Heating, Differential or PV Controlled (active, open loop, direct): Potable water is circulated from the storage tank to the collector when heat is available. No additional heat exchanger is required as the collector serves this purpose. The small electric circulation pump can be powered by a small PV collector.
- Freeze concerns
- Risk of reduced tank service life due to overheating
- Scale concerns
Direct Heating, Differential or PV Controlled (active, open loop, direct): Potable water is circulated from the storage tank to the collector when heat is available. No additional heat exchanger is required as the collector serves this purpose. The small electric circulation pump can be powered by a small PV collector.
- Freeze concerns
- Risk of reduced tank service life due to overheating
- Scale concerns
Solar Thermal Hot Water Drain Back Systems: State-of-the-art, fail-safe freeze protection with thermal limiting (active, closed loop, indirect): Collector water is separate from potable water and the collector water drains into a special tank to prevent freezing and overheating concerns once potable water is up to temperature.
- System of choice, regardless of climate (freeze tolerant)
- 2 story max. pressure head (35 feet elevation pump to collector)
- Performance and reliability warrant small additional cost
- Extends tank service life, best temperature control
- PV pump system not feasible due to start-up pressure head
Question: GE Solar Residential FAQs
Answer: http://www.gepower.com/prod_serv/products/solar/en/faqs/resid_sys.htm#faq27
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