Energy Efficiency Reference/Solar/Solar Water Heating

Solar thermal is a technology that harnesses the sun's energy by using it to heat up a working fluid (i.e. water, oil), then utilizing the hot fluid for process heating, turbine-generate power and a number of other uses.

Example Assessment Recommendation

 * Solar Hot Water - installed for pool use at university recreation center

Necessary Info (example)

 * Heat source: steam
 * Steam cost: $0.017 per pound of steam (60 psi)
 * Average ambient (indoor) temperature: 85.5 °F
 * Lap pool water temperature: 80.5 °F
 * Lap pool surface area: 4,500 sq ft
 * Dive pool water temperature: 83.5 °F
 * Dive pool surface area: 1,800 sq ft

Additional Resources

 * American Solar Energy Society
 * The Solar Hygrogen Civilization, by Roy McAlister
 * Solar Hot Water Systems, by Tom Lane
 * Solar Energy Industries Association
 * Energy Star
 * Tax Incentives Assistance Program
 * Rating Certification Corporation
 * DeBebord, David, "Getting Better Acquainted With Solar Water Systems", PM Engineer August 2008
 * Solar Thermal Energy, Wikipedia article