Harnessing energy from the sun to heat water is nothing new. Solar water heaters have been commercially available since the 1800s. What's new is how solar water heaters look these days. Most modern solar water heaters mount flush with a home's roof and resemble skylights. Solar water heaters are an environmentally sound way to reduce energy bills. Solar energy can meet part or all of a home's domestic hot water needs. Geographic location, system design, collector orientation, and collector size will determine how much energy can be provided for domestic hot water heating. Solar water heaters come in a variety of configurations. Each differs in design, cost, performance, and level of complexity. Most systems have back-up water heating such as electricity or gas. A solar water heating system usually consists of a hot water storage tank, a solar collector that absorbs solar energy, a back-up energy source, and (for forced circulation systems) a pump and controls. There are two main types of systems: passive and forced circulation. Within each type, there are several configurations. A passive water heater consists of a water tank integrated into or located above a solar collector. In an integrated collector storage (ICS) system, also called batch water heater, the water is heated and stored inside the collector. These systems are suitable only for warm climates where there is no risk of freezing. In a passive system where the storage is separate from the collector, as water in the collector warms, water flows by natural convection through the collector to the storage tank. A forced circulation system requires a pump to move water from the storage tank to the collector. Most solar water heaters in the United States are the forced circulation type. There are several types of solar collectors. Most consist of a flat copper plate, painted black, that has water tubes attached to the absorber plate. As solar energy falls on the copper plate and is absorbed, the energy is transferred to water flowing in the tubes. The absorber plate is mounted in a casing that has a clear covering and insulation to protect the absorber plate from heat loss. Other collectors include an integrated collector and storage system and the evacuated tube collector. Integral collector and storage systems combine the function of hot water storage and solar energy collection into one unit. Evacuated tube collectors produce higher temperature water and are more complex than flat plate collectors. Evacuated tube collectors consist of a series of tubes that contain a heat pipe to absorb solar energy and transfer it to a liquid medium. The tubes are evacuated (vacuum) so that there is very little heat loss from the tube. Most solar collectors are roof-mounted. Solar water heaters are used for domestic hot water, pool heating and space heating needs. Copyright 2007 Ronald Sauve All Rights Reserved This page was last modified on March 28, 2008 10:40 PM Bookmark this site! Dawn Solar Power Systems (NOTE: Because these systems are located under the roofing material, they lose some efficiency compared to other systems. However, for those who want a more conventional appearance, this may not be objectionable.)
http://www.dawnsolar.com/ An "Off the Grid", Green Power Generating Network
DawnSolarPower Systems is an alliance of building owners committed to the use of Green Power; power that is renewable, sustainable and socially responsible in every way. A ground swell of home owners, developers, commercial, industrial and institutional property owners allied together with their architects and engineers to incorporate Solar Thermal technology into their buildings wherever possible. The Dawn Solar System (Patent Pending) technology, implemented over a widely distributed network, independently certified and managed as an "off the grid" power generating system by DawnSolarPower Systems, is bringing new meaning and opportunity to the Green Power marketplace.
The Dawn Solar System, completely architecturally integrated into either a lifetime metal roof, slate or concrete tile roof, is as reliable as a conventional home heating system but without the complexities of regulatory issues permitting or interconnection into the power grid. The system brings Solar Thermal energy into each building's energy equation at highly competitive rates. Data obtained from the US Dept of Energy, Office of Power Technologies Renewable Energy Technology Characterizations (1997) Table 1) provides the following comparisons of levelized energy costs derived from various fuel types. DawnSolarPower Systems; an indirect green power generating network 30 year useful collection system life time Biennial System Inspection Program, supporting potential Green Power Renewable Energy Certificate (REC'S) applications Nationwide network of Certified Inspection and Installation Personnel Most of the Dawn Solar System components are made of recycled materials Metal roofs and solar collector systems increase property values DawnSolarPower Systems - An "Off the Grid", Green Power Generating Network
As an independent homeowner-operator of an "off the grid" DawnSolarPower System, you can make your personal contribution to Mother Earth. Join ranks with those committed to the use of Green Power; power that is renewable, sustainable and socially responsible in every way.
*Note: All application projections All application projections are calculated at 100% efficiency, using publishedd SRCC - FSEC Standard Day test data and based on a system size of 1000 square feet. Actual results will vary as a function of the home's geographical location. Lifetime projections are based on a 30 year system life. Lifetime costs of energy are based on the "levelized" costs of the system and include all associated costs over the lifetime divided by the estimated output of the system.
Dawn Solar Power Systems deliver environmental benefits while avoiding the costs of physical distribution and power transmission facilities.
The Dawn Solar System has been certified for use, sale and distribution in the State of Florida by the Florida Solar Energy Center, (FSEC), a research institute of University of Central Florida. It has also been certified by the SRCC (Solar Rating & Certification Corporation).
The Dawn Solar System will power domestic hot water systems, radiant floor and wall heating systems and other heating and cooling applications. 
Applications and Advantages Applications
Everyone knows about the potential of solar energy. With worldwide fossil fuel supplies shrinking and the increasing evidence of global warming, architects, homeowners, developers and building owners of all types are looking for alternatives to conventional heating and cooling systems. Energy Star, Zero Energy Homes, Green Building, Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEEDS), Clean Power and Sustainability are increasing discussion topics around the table and in the press.
The solar product marketplace is loaded with bladder systems and myriads of glazed panel systems that can be added onto any roof or structure. By fusing solar energy and architecture, Dawn Solar Systems Inc. is on the leading edge of a paradigm shift in the industry with its suite of products that can be seamlessly integrated into a building's architectural design. It is the first commercialized multi-modal, solar thermal collection system that can be externally integrated into a building to produce clean power; power that is renewable, sustainable and socially responsible in every way. All without compromise to the aesthetics of the building. The heating or cooling (multimodal) effects of the Dawn Solar System decrease the building's overall energy requirements, thus reducing global demands for fossil fuels and electricity and reducing a building's operating costs.
The Dawn Solar System (Patent Pending) uses the heat generated by the sun shining onto a building's wall or roof system. Installed during new construction, renovation or a re-roofing process, the system collects the sun's energy as heat, which is then conducted by the roof or siding material into our proprietary thermal collection system. Depending upon location and application design, an open or closed loop system can be created as fluids (air or water) are pumped through the system and cycled through conventional heat transfer and distribution systems. In warmer climates, as a Dawn Solar System collects solar energy as heat, it simultaneously reduces the heat load on attic spaces and reduces cooling costs.
Single family, multifamily and institutional hot water heating, commercial and industrial process water heating and cooling systems, radiant floor heating systems, swimming pool heaters and warm air heating systems are all applications that can be fired by the sun with low operating costs using the Dawn Solar System Patent Pending technology.
Advantages Aesthetically pleasing Architecturally integrated Elegant blend of technology & simplicity New and reroof applications Entirely concealed & protected from the elements Integrates with most metal roofing systems Scaleable Field assembly Modular design Very low maintenance Available in 23 colors 25 year collector system warranty Installation of the Dawn Solar System will not effect the roof warranty The Dawn Solar System includes all the advantages of a metal roof Certified by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) Copyright 2008 Ronald Sauve All Rights Reserved This page was last modified on March 28, 2008 Bookmark this site!
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