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Chromagen Solar Water Heater for Temperate Climate Zones, Open Loop Complete System Kit

Chromagen has fine-tuned the design and manufacture of solar collectors to an art. Collectors are assembled using quality materials and advanced techniques, which result in highly efficient, durable products you can depend on for years to come. The products are environmentally friendly, remarkably versatile and offer high performance even in extreme environments.

The wide range of solar collectors enables Chromagen to provide cost-effective solutions which comply with a variety of international standards, and fulfill different requirements.

With nearly 1/3 of the average electric bill devoted to heating water, a solar hot water system is the smart choice and best investment you can make for your house and for the environment. Solar hot water systems supply an average 70-100% of a household annual water heating needs!

The System Kit includes all of the parts and components to properly install a complete solar water heating system: The primary components are the collectors, heat storage, and controls.

Chromagen Benefits:

• Saves you money - Reduces your monthly utility costs
• Saves the environment - Reduces fossil fuel consumption
• Adds value to your home - Recapture the initial cost of the system by creating equity in your home

Chromagen Applications:

• Suitable for single application domestic hot water systems
• Designed for tropical or southern climates where freeze seldom occurs
• Project feasible for handy-person using basic hand tools
• System collectors designed to mount on roof
• Installs on all roof types: shingle, wood shake, metal and title

Chromagen Features:

• Integrated pre-assembled system for easy installation
• Installation instructions and diagram
• Includes all necessary components needed for project
• Works on sunny or cloudy days with electrical backup
• Attractive collector design
• Conforms to national plumbing, electrical and solar standards
• Automatic controller alerts the pump when to run
• Highly efficient nonpolluting alternative energy source
• Exceeds Energy Star criteria, delivers maximum credit toward
• Energy Efficiency Compliance
• Tanks are available in 80 and 120 gallon sizes
• Integrates easily with existing systems
• The only household appliance that will pay for itself 4 times during its useful life

Chromagen Solar Water Heater Base System Includes:

• Solar Panel Collector(s)
• Solar Storage Tank with T&P Valve
• Tank Kit (Use with Mpt Tank Outlets)
• Panel Plumbing Kit
• Differential Control Kit

Complete list of components for Standard Kits
Complete list of components for Customized Kits

Chromagen Solar Collector:

The Chromagen collectors are flat plate type. They are designed to maximize the capture of solar energy in the temperature ranges required for domestic hot water. Flat plate collectors accomplish this by employing the green house effect. The glass covering permits up to 90% of the visible sunlight to enter the collector. When the light passes through the glass its frequency is changed slightly to a lower energy level. When the light strikes the absorbing surface of the flat plate inside, the light is absorbed as heat. The combination of the glass frequency change and the solar absorbing surface of the plate capture the maximum amount of energy. As the absorber plate heats up it begins to radiate energy as infrared (IR) or heat radiation. Glass is essentially opaque to IR wavelengths so the heat is trapped increasing the temperature.

Chromagen Solar Panel/Collector

1. Absorber Plate
The Absorber Plate consists of copper fins ultrasonically welded to copper risers, this provides excellent heat transfer between the fins and risers, ensuring high efficiency.Superlative selectivity offers a high absorption rate of 95% with extremely low emissivity.

2. Absorber Plate Coating
The absorber plate is coated with either sputtering coating, or with black chrome on nickel, or with a special selective solar paint. All provide a superior surface, highly efficient for solar energy applications. This also allows for excellent energy absorption even in cooler climates.

3. Insulation
The absorber plate is encased in a 30 mm rigid polyurethane foam that meets US and European standards. A 20 mm layer of mineral wool protects the polyurethane, while providing additional insulation for retainment of the heat in the collector.

4. Solar Glass Glazing
The single pane 3.2 mm solar glass is patterned to reduce reflection and is tempered to maximize strength and durability. The low iron oxide content of 0.03% enables a high solar transmittance of 91%.

5. Casing

Aluminum - The aluminum extrusion casings are available in black or red colors. Its The casings’ uniquely designed bolts enable on and anchors anchorage to the roof (shingled, tiles, tar) or to the collector stand.

Stainless Steel - Stainless steel casing provides maximum protection against corrosion, particularly important for costal locations with a high salt content.

Galvanized Steel - Inexpensive yet durable, galvanized steel casings are available in black or white polyester
finishes.

6. Gasket
The all-around EPDM gasket is highly resistant to temperature variations and UV radiation. Further, the gasket absorbs the differential expansion of frames and glazing.

7. Tubing Grid
5/8’’ or 8 mm copper risers brazed to 1 1/8” or 7/8’’ copper manifolds with optimal flow
distribution.

8. Piping Connection
Four BSP female brass connections.

9. Back Plate
Made of a black polypropylene sheet.

10. Aluminum Foil
Attached to the insulation. The aluminum foil acts as a barrier against out-gassing.

For more information about the chromagen solar hot water systems click on the links below: [pdf format]

• Chromagen Brochure
• Chromagen Owner's Manual with Differential Control
• Chromagen Owner's Manual with Photovoltaic Control
• Chromagen Installation Manual
• Chromagen System Certification
• Chromagen Warranty

Solar Water Storage Tank:

• Lochinvar or Rheem
• Brass Drain Valve
• Pre-Wired Tank Sensor Lead
• Exceeds ASHRAE Energy Standards
• Certified at 300 psi test pressure for 150 psi working pressue
• Magnesium Tank Saver – Large diameter anode rod provides lasting protection from the effects of electrolytic corrosion.
• Dielectric Nipples protect the tank from corrosive action between dissimilar metal.
• Thermal Isolation – Unique design prevents heat loss through the bottom of the tank.
• Side Relief Valve Tapping – This provides quicker, labor-saving installation.
• Heating Element – 4500 watt immersion type heating element for heating system back-up.
• Glass-Lined Tank – Fused to the tank at
• 1600ºF, the durable glass lining is triple-tested, assuring lasting protection against rust and corrosion while providing clean, clear hot water.
• Foam Insulation – Improved formulation provides uniform tank coverage with a thick blanket of insulating foam. This non-CFC polyurethane closed cell foam provides an R-Value of 16 to minimize standby heat loss and maximize heat retention.

Tank System Assembly:

System comes pre plumbed and wired as a complete assembly. This is called the Tank System Assembly or TSA. The TSA contains the water heater tank, pump controller, tank sensor, drain valve, system drain valve and the wiring and piping to make all connections. The TSA, the collectors and the interconnect piping make up the complete system.

• Pump: The system comes standard with a single TACO 006BC4 circulator pump. It uses 115V regular AC power which is supplied from the controller. When heat is available in the collector the pump is energized to circulate the water through the interconnect piping to the collectors where it gains heat. For additional options, click here

• Controller: The controller is powered by 115V house current and is the device that determines if solar energy is available. The controller, through the sensors, constantly measures the temperature of the water heater tank and the collector, comparing them to see if the collector is hotter then the tank.

• Sensors: The system contains 2 sensors, one at the outlet of the collector and one on the bottom of the water heater tank. The controller uses these 2 sensors to measure tank and collector temperatures. They are simple thermistor (thermal resistors) type sensors that have an inverse reaction to temperature. As the temperature goes, up the resistance goes down. The controller is calibrated to read this as temperature changes. As the collector heats up the resistance goes down and at the right point the controller turns on the pump. The reverse happens when the collector cools off.

• Water Heater Tank: This is a highly insulated glass lined steel tank that is constructed much like any other water heater, except that it also has additional inlet and outlet for the solar connections.

• Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve: This device is inserted into the water heater tank for safety. It is located on top of the tank. The T&P relief valve is preset to open and discharge if either a high pressure or high temperature situation occurs in the water heater. All water heaters regardless of whether they are solar power or not, must have this safety device which is required by national building codes.

• Isolation Valve: Also called "Shut Off Valve", this valve is installed in the cold water service line to the water heater. It is used to isolate the system for maintenance, repairs and service.

Chromagen System Warranty
• Manufacturer warranty for individual components apply. See product warranty card for details or request warranty information from sales representative.
• Chromagen Collector - 10 Year Manufacturer Warranty
• Storage Tank - Six or Ten year limited tank warranty

SIZING:

Chromagen Solar Systems are characterized as direct (open-loop), active systems. Active systems use electric pumps, valves and controllers to circulate the heat-transfer fluid through the collectors.

Performance
Performance varies depending on the type and size of the system, the amount of sun available at the site, proper installation, and the tilt angle and orientation of the collectors. We can perform a solar site analysis for you or show you how to do your own to ensure you select the best system to meet your needs.

Sizing Your System
Proper sizing and selection of your system will insure years of trouble-free hot water service to your home. A good rule of thumb for sizing your system consists of two parts; Collector size and Solar storage.

Collector size:
Collector size is calculated at about 20 ft² of collector area for each of the first two family members and 8 ft² for each additional family member.

Solar Storage:
Solar Storage, or tank size, is calculated at a ratio of at least 2 gallons of storage capacity to 1 ft² of collector area.

The models below are designed for tropical or southern climates where freeze seldom occurs. Recommended for region A on map.

Complete list of components for Standard Kits
Complete list of components for Customized Kits

To purchase, please click here