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Controls for an Integrated Hydronic and Solar Thermal Setup

Combining a solar thermal heating system with an existing hydronic installation requires not only plumbing and solar equipment but some extra control gear – both electronic and hydronic – to divert fluid when needed. There are several options available in most cases.

In some situations, you will be able to wire the solar thermal setup into the existing thermostat control system so that the water supply passes through the solar storage tank's exchanger when there's enough heat to do some good.

How To Choose The Right Solar Thermal Pump - An Example

Let's walk through some example calculations for choosing the correct solar thermal system pump. We'll assume it's for a pressurized antifreeze system, so there's no static head to worry about, and we've installed three collectors, about 100 feet of Type L copper piping, one heat exchanger and a variety of fittings and valves.

1. Collector array flow and head

Pressurized Solar Thermal System Basics

A pressurized system should really be referred to as a "closed-loop pressurized antifreeze solar thermal system" – the two-word version is much simpler and more common! Pressurized systems are the most flexible type of solar hot water installation and, consequently, are the most common worldwide.

Solar Thermal Systems for Spas and Hot Tubs

Much like seasonal swimming pools, spas and hot tubs can profit enormously from solar heating systems. This is especially true if you're installing a solar thermal system for your domestic hot water supply or space heating because the tub or spa can act as a shunt load, using excess output from the household system.

Pressurized Solar Thermal System Layout

A pressurized solar hot water system almost always follows a standard layout, which is one of the reasons most manufacturers are able to offer simplified kits for residential installations.

Active and Passive Solar Space Heating

In most parts of the world, space heating systems are installed in every home. They provide warmth and comfort during the colder part of the year. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these systems rely on grid-tied, non-renewable power sources to provide that heat. In a bid to reduce our environmental impact – not to mention our operating costs – we can use the sun's power to provide space heating.

Pressurized Solar Thermal System Considerations

If you think a pressurized solar hot water system fits your needs, you must consider a variety of rules, limitations and requirements, as outlined below.

Array and pipe mounting

Collector arrays should be mounted so that there's a slight slope towards the return inlet, where the solar fluid enters, which should also have a drain for maintenance.

Solar Thermal Space Heating Basics

Like solar thermal hot water installations, there are many different options available for space heating. Before you consider them and work out which is best for you, it is important to be aware of the limitations and pre-installation suggestions outlined below.

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