Then join me at Solar Hot Water Design & Installation, a course I will be teaching at Palo Alto College as part of its Green Initiatives Education.  The course runs for 8 weeks, every Monday and Wednesday, from Oct. 3 through Nov. 7, from 6-9 p.m.

We will combine classroom learning and hands-on laboratory exercises to explore how the different parts of systems work together.  If you’re a plumber, home builder, architect or engineer, you might really enjoy this course.

For details and to sign up for Solar Hot Water Design and Installation, visit Palo Alto College’s information and registration page.

This year, Solar Texas and Velux Sun Tunnels are featured in the Sitterle Homes show home.  Seven Velux Sun Tunnels are on display, some of the 10” models, others are the 14” style.  The 10” Sun Tunnel will light an area of up to 200 square feet; the 14” Sun Tunnel throws natural light into a 300 square foot space.

All without adding to your electric bill.

While the Parade of Homes is meant to show the biggest, the best and certainly, the most luxurious, we like to dwell on the point that you can change the look of a room for under $1000 with a Velux Sun Tunnel.  It’s the fastest and most effective way to add a punch to your kitchen or bath.

So check out the show this weekend. Information on hours and directions are here: Parade of Homes 2011.

Rooms filled with natural light and fresh air are more beautiful, spacious and uplifting to our spirits.

“With added natural light and ventilation from skylights, homeowners have attractive and effective tools to balance the light and improve ventilation in their homes,” says Joe Patrick, senior product manager with VELUX America.

Patrick offers tips on the product categories available, how to choose the right product, installation information and tips on energy efficiency.

Product Selection

•  Skylights are used for overhead, out-of-reach applications or with in-reach applications where egress is not required.  Available models include electric  or manual venting, fixed with or without ventilation flap, and fixed for replacing faded plastic bubbles with clear, energy-efficient glass.  There are also models specially designed to meet code for safe use in hurricane-prone areas as well as models with electrochromic glass that can be lightened or darkened by remote control and that don’t restrict the view to the sky.

•  Roof windows are for in-reach applications offering egress as in finished attics.

•  VELUX SUN TUNNEL™ skylights are useful when a view to the outside is not needed as with closets, laundry rooms, pantries, hallways and second baths.

How to Choose

•  A complete selection of models, styles and sizes of the categories described are available.  Just consider your ceiling style and roof pitch and whether your home is constructed with trusses or rafters.

Accessories

•  A complete selection is available to control the light including translucent or light block shades, Venetian blinds and exterior heat block awnings.  Accessories, as well as electric skylights, can be operated by remote control.

Glazing

•  Energy-efficient tempered safety glass resists condensation, protects against fading and won’t discolor, leak, or allow drafts.  Models with electrochromic glass that darkens by remote control to reduce light and solar gain without restricting the view to the sky are also available.

Installation

•  Certified, local independent installers may be located by contacting your local Home Builders Association or through the product manufacturer.

Energy Efficiency

• Save money on utility bills by selecting quality products meeting Energy Star® approval guidelines and rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council.

Solar Texas is a 5 Star Skylight Specialist and can assist you with your next VELUX quote.

For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit www.energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit www.nfrc.org or www.efficientwindows.org.

Try the Velux Solar Water Savings Calculator.  You might be surprised at your results.

Velux Solar Water Heater on a Clay Tile Roof

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 flat plate collector looks like a skylight and can be assimilated with Velux skylights with little noticeable difference.  On an asphalt shingle or tile roof, the collector is mounted into the roof.
• All the plumbing and temperature sensor wires are located beneath the collector in the attic. There is no way for squirrels or raccoons on the roof to damage insulation or wire connections.
• Brilliant aesthetics. If a Homeowners Association (HOA) allows skylights, it is difficult for them to argue against the Velux solar water heater.
• When it comes time to re-roof, the roofing material is simply replaced around the collectors. Roofers do not need to lift the collectors off the roof and do not need to get the assistance of a solar professional.

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.

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.

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:

• The Department of Energy offers a 30% tax credit for solar water heaters installed between now and 2016;
• CPS Energy offers rebates in its service area that are calculated on the savings derived from the system, provided the homeowner is going from electric to solar.  Homeowners can get up to $2000 back on this offer
• SACU is partnering with Solar San Antonio to offer a new type of loan to assist homeowners to adopt solar.  Read about it on the SACU web site.

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.

This Saturday, Oct. 2, find Solar Texas on the Solar San Antonio annual Solar Tour!  This is a free, self-guided tour of solar applications around the city.  It’s a great way to meet solar installers, look at the ways that solar is being applied to residences and businesses and meet with the homeowners who decided to “go solar.”  Most locations will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.  Solar San Antonio has even put together an interactive Tour Map and partnership with Yelp.  Here’s the map with our stop, number 19, marked for you. We are one of only 2 solar water installations on the tour route.  Of course, we’re partial to solar water because homeowners and businesses see a quicker payback than some other solar applications.  Stop by on Saturday and say hello!