Velux America is one of my favorite suppliers. They have just added a new tool which helps homeowners calculate the cost savings from Solar Water Heaters. It’s simple and it’s free.
Try the Velux Solar Water Savings Calculator. You might be surprised at your results.
Last week, the first Velux solar water heater was installed in San Antonio by Solar Texas and Will’s Plumbing. Velux has been manufacturing solar water heaters for around 20 years, but have only recently introduced the product to the USA market. Targetting residential and small commercial markets, Velux has a unique system which builds on its outstanding leadership in the world skylight market.
Here’s what is different about the system:
The Velux solar water heater is a pressurized glycol system. The collector is one of the most efficient flat plate collectors on the market and qualifies for a substantial rebate from CPS Energy. Using pre-insulated, flexible stainless steel piping between the storage tank, pump and collectors, installation is very fast; usually less than a day, and suffers less impact from rising copper prices and is less exposed to time-consuming copper pipe soldering associated with other types of solar water heaters.
First Velux Solar Water Heater in San Antonio
Velux solar water heaters are available with 60, 80 and 120 Gallon storage tanks. With other manufacturers, electric backup is often the only form of backup offered for periods of high demand or during times of cloudy weather. Velux offers storage tanks with electric, natural gas or propane backup so homeowners have more than one backup choice.
This is the best new system on the market today.
We just installed a 14 inch Velux Sun Tunnel on the KENS-5 Mi Casa Makeover Home in San Antonio last week. This house will be featured on KENS 5 Great Day SA in the near future.
The room we chose was a closet off the master bathroom at the rear of the home. Considerable time was spent in the attic and on the roof of the home determining the best location for the Sun Tunnel. The best location was near an existing electric light, but on subsequent evaluation, internal construction mandated that the position be altered slightly for an intersecting gable and associated joists and rafters. It can take some time to find the optimum position of the Sun Tunnel in the ceiling, melding it with existing construction framing, AC ductwork and electrical lines in the attic, and with the optimum position of the base flashing on the roof. This is one step that can’t be rushed. Sometimes it’s easy and straightforward. Other times, it’s not.
Here’s the process:
1. The position of the rafters confirmed; shingles were removed and access cut into the attic. The flashing was caulked, secured into position, overlaid with roofing felt and shingles were cut to fit around the flashing and reinstalled.
2. From within the attic, the location of the ceiling penetration was marked and any insulation moved to the side. Then from within the closet, an opening was cut into the ceiling.
3. The ceiling ring was installed in the closet.
4. The flexible, reflective tunnel was fitted from the roof down into the closet.
5. The Sun Tunnel dome was secured in position and everything was complete on the roof.
6. From within the closet, excess flexible tunnel was cut to length. The loose end was secured and the diffuser and trim ring were fitted.
7. Before and after photos of the Sun Tunnel installation.
This was the 2nd time Solar Texas has installed a Velux Sun Tunnel in a Mi Casa makeover home. We are thrilled to contribute to this homeowner’s new energy savings. What a difference a tunnel makes! Enjoy the slide show above which shows the steps we took to install this Sun Tunnel. Or see the details on our Flickr site.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: solar water heating has the best payback for homeowners looking to adopt solar technology into an existing home. When you install a solar water heater, you will instantly start saving up to 25% off your electric bill. Every family has a different water use profile; in our household of 3, our monthly electric bill went down by 25% and has stayed down by 25% for the 5 years we’ve had our solar water heater.
Still, it’s an investment for the average homeowner, as a solar water heating system runs $6,000- $7,500 (installed). There’s no better time to take advantage of current tax credits, rebates and financing. Here are some options:
Savvy homeowners who are ready to adopt renewable energy, can realize huge savings by taking advantage of these local and national offers. Once you’ve shopped the offers, then start looking at the type of solar water heater that’s right for your home.
Velux Solar Water Heater Installation
Solar Texas recently got a 5 Star Solar Specialist Rating from Velux America. This company’s new solar water heater has a unique design with roof integrated collectors with a low profile look which is distinctly different than other solar water heaters. Plus this system can integrate with other Velux products for a combination system of water heating, daylighting and ventilation. Call Solar Texas for a site visit and quote for this great additional to our product line.
