FAQs

FAQs2023-01-20T16:11:46-05:00
Can IRSE solar heating systems be configured for drain back use?2016-04-25T13:47:00-04:00

Yes, IRSE systems are versatile and are perfectly capable of drain back usage. People often wonder if the solar collector will be harmed if the pump is off and the system sits in a sunny environment. Fortunately, our collectors are designed to withstand high temperatures associated with stagnation. Customers should also be sure to use piping insulation that is manufactured to handle high temperatures.

Where can I buy an IRSE solar heating system?2016-04-25T13:46:33-04:00

IRSE solar heating systems are available from authorized IRSE sellers. Click here to find your nearest IRSE authorized seller.

How do I figure out what size solar heating system I need?2016-04-25T13:46:20-04:00

The collector sizing page is available here

Which solar heating system offers the best value?2016-04-25T13:45:05-04:00

The most logical way to calculate value is to look at cost per unit of energy rather than peak efficiency. The reasoning being that although a collector may be 15% more efficient than its competitor, if it is also 25% more expensive, then the competitions collector may be a better selection, as the cost of kWh of energy produced per day is cheaper.

Which is more efficient solar tube or flat plate collectors?2016-04-25T13:44:47-04:00

In peak conditions flat plate and solar tube collectors have similar efficiency. Solar tubes are a superior system though due to their ability to work adverse conditions and their durability.

Can IRSE solar heating systems be used to heat a spa or pool?2016-04-25T13:44:32-04:00

IRSE solar heating systems are built for high temperatures and are great option for spa heating which require high temps for a relatively small amount of water. For swimming pools however the temperature variance is only a few degrees for a large volume of water. Therefore domestic pool heating using solar tube collectors may come at a high cost. Large scale swimming pools (usually built for commercial purposes) however provide a great opportunity for solar collectors to supplement existing heating methods.

Can IRSE solar heating systems be used on a large scale for commercial purposes?2016-04-25T13:44:12-04:00

Yes, IRSE solar heating systems can be connected to enable hot water production on a large scale for any commercial purposes. There are no constraints on the size of a system but collectors cannot be installed in banks exceeding 150 tubes (in a series) to prevent water from boiling.

Is regular maintenance required for IRSE solar heating systems?2016-10-17T12:12:30-04:00

In most cases no maintenance is required for IRSE solar heating systems as regular wind and rainfall do all the cleaning for you. In the rare circumstance a tube is broken it should be replaced to provide optimal performance. Fortunately, this is an inexpensive and easy job for anyone with basic “handy person” skills.

Can IRSE solar heating systems heat water to high temperatures?2016-04-25T13:40:37-04:00

Yes, in proper weather condition the IRSE solar heating systems can heat water to boiling point. In most cases that degree of heating is unnecessary and the system is designed to heat water an additional 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. The heating systems are designed to provide optimal performance tailored to each customer’s specific needs.

Are solar heating systems a fire hazard in warm weather conditions?2016-04-25T13:40:10-04:00

No. IRSE solar heating systems are made of high temperature rated and non-flammable components so that the system is able to withstand hot weather conditions. Conversely, the heating system will operate in weather conditions as low as 30 degrees Celsius.

Can IRSE solar heating systems work in subzero weather conditions?2016-04-25T13:39:48-04:00

Using a controller that has a low temperature setting is the easiest way to prevent freezing. Freeze protection is necessary if you live in an area that frequents subzero temperatures.

Can IRSE solar heating systems be installed on flat surfaces?2016-04-25T12:44:03-04:00

Yes, collectors can be installed on either a flat roof or the ground using a Flat Roof Frame. Collectors must be installed at an angle to ensure maximum solar exposure.

Are solar heating systems visually appealing?2016-04-25T12:43:42-04:00

Solar collectors blend in with roof designs very well with the appearance of being a skylight at a distance. Check out installation photos here..

Will my current hot water system work with a solar heating system?2016-04-25T12:43:23-04:00

Yes. In most cases valves can be retrofitted to allow solar heating systems to connect to existing water inlets. In rare cases the solar input cannot be directly input an additional storage tank can be installed to pre-heat the water.

Will my solar collector work properly in cloudy weather conditions?2016-04-25T12:43:00-04:00

Yes! During overcast conditions the output of solar heating systems will be reduced based on the severity of the weather. The systems are automated though so that gas or electric heating will be used in the absence of solar heat output so that customers don’t have to worry about their hot water.

What do I do if one of my solar tubes breaks?2016-04-25T12:42:36-04:00

Fortunately, solar tubes are well built and very difficult to break. If something were to happen though the tubes can be easily replaced and are inexpensive. Even with a broken tube a IRSE solar heating systems will continue to operate at a reduced efficiency..

Will my IRSE solar collector work properly in cold weather?2016-04-25T12:42:13-04:00

Of course! IRSE solar heating systems are well made and produce good results in even sub zero temperatures.

How long until I see a return on my solar heating investment?2016-04-25T12:41:44-04:00

IRSE solar heating systems are more affordable than many of our competitor’s solar heating solutions. The savings our systems produce depend on location (sunlight levels) and hot water usage of the household. In a normal household where a quarter of its electricity bill is spent on hot water the full cost can be saved in as little as 4-5 years. Substantial savings will be experienced through the life of the IRSE solar heating system.

Is a solar hot water heating system a replacement for existing gas or electricity service?2016-04-25T12:38:35-04:00

Solar water heating systems rely on available sunlight for operation and cannot reliably replace gas or electric service at all times. They are therefore used as a supplement to traditional services providing up to 70% of a household’s hot water usage on average.

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