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Learn About Solar & Renewable Energy
Discover valuable understanding behind the science and functions of today's renewable energy technologies. Learn why each process has unique benefits, where it operates at optimum, and when it makes sense to utilize that solution.
» Solar Electricity - Photovoltaic Systems - Grid-Connected and Off Grid
» Solar Water Heating - ICS Systems - Best suited for warm climates
» Solar Water Heating - Flat Glazed Panels - Best for moderate climates
» Solar Water & Radiant Floor Heating - Evacuated Tubes - Cold climates
» Solar Pool Heating - Unglazed Collectors - For above-freezing climates
» Solar Space Heating and Air Recirculation Panels - Supplemental system
» Solar Lighting - Billboard, Marine, Security, Street, Garden, Backup
» Wind Power - Residential, Marine and Industrial
» Energy Efficient - Appliances, Rapid Hot Water, Tankless Heat, Lights
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Solar Electric Systems
• Lower electrical bills - Run meter backwards!
• Energy independence
• Increase home value
• No rising
electric costs
• No foreign fuel use
• Reduce pollution
• Cash rebates
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Solar Electric (PV) Panels
Solar Panels for Electricity consist of solar cells (semiconductor materials). The basic solar cell typically produces only a small amount of power. To produce more power, solar cells can be interconnected to form panels or modules. PV modules range in output from 10 to 300 watts. About 10–20 PV arrays can provide enough power for a household. PV systems are modular, depending on your electricity use every part of the system can be scaled to provide as much power as you want.
» Shop for Solar Electric Panels
Off-Grid Solar PV systems are designed to operate independent of the electric utility grid, and are generally designed and sized to supply certain DC and/or AC electrical loads
» Shop for Off-Grid Solar Pv Systems
Grid-Connected Solar PV systems can connect with the existing power grid and sell excessive electricity back to the utility with a plan known as Net Metering. An optional battery can store power for use when the system is not producing electricity such as during the night or during blackouts.
» Shop for Grid-Conntected Solar Pv Systems
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Solar Water Heating Panels: Integral Collector-Storage
Best choice for warm climates. Also known as ICS or batch systems, they feature one or more black tanks or tubes in an insulated, glazed box. Cold water first passes through the solar collector, which preheats the water. The water then continues on to the conventional backup water heater, providing a reliable source of hot water.
The ProgressivTube passive system is the most cost efficient water heater and it works well in warm and moderate climates. This system should be the only logical choice for the southern warmer states as it provides 80-90% of solar water heating needs, 60 to 70% in moderate climate areas and 50% in the northern colder states. (See map to see if this is the best choice for your area.) ProgressivTube can only be subject to freezing in the areas where hard freeze months exist, and drainage would be used to protect it during these periods.
» Shop for ProgressivTube Solar Water Heaters
Solar Water Heating Panels: Flat-Plate Collector
Recommended for moderate climates. Glazed flat-plate collectors are insulated, weatherproofed boxes that contain a dark absorber plate under one or more glass or plastic (polymer) covers.
The HelioPak typically provides 60% to 80% of water heating needs in moderate climate areas and 50% to 70% in colder areas. (See map to see if this is the best choice for your area.) This system can also be designed to handled space heating needs. Closed Loop systems or drainback systems are required for freeze protection in areas where hard freeze months exit. Warmer climate performance is negatively effected by heat exchanger losses preventing it from being the best choice under these conditions.
» Shop for HelioPak Solar Water Heaters
Solar Water Heating Panels: Evacuated-Tube Solar Collectors
Recommended for cold climates. They feature parallel rows of transparent glass tubes. Each tube contains a glass outer tube and metal absorber tube attached to a fin. The fin's coating absorbs solar energy but inhibits radiative heat loss. These collectors are used more frequently for commercial applications, and also for solar space heating applications.
The TrendSetter Closed Loop drainback is the best choice for the real cold parts of the country. It provides up to 100% of water heating needs and 50% to 60% of space heating needs in the area shown on this map. It may also be a good choice in Moderate climates where space heating needs may be significant.
» Shop for Trendsetter Solar Water Heaters
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Solar Pool Heating Panels: Unglazed Collectors - BEST VALUE for Pool Heating
Recommended for above-freezing climates. If you are planning on using your pool during above-freezing temperatures, the unglazed collectors are best. Unglazed solar panels don't include a glass covering (glazing), they are generally made of heavy-duty rubber or plastic treated with an ultraviolet (UV) light inhibitor to extend the life of the panels. Because of their inexpensive parts and simple design, unglazed collectors are usually less expensive than glazed collectors. These unglazed systems can even work for indoor pools in cold climates if the system is designed to drain back to the pool when not in use. Even if you have to shut the system down during cold weather, unglazed collectors may be more cost effective than installing a more expensive glazed collector system.
» Shop for Vortex Passive Solar Pool Heaters
Solar Pool Heating Panels: Glazed Collectors.
For all climates. Glazed Collector systems are generally made of copper tubing on an aluminum plate with an iron-tempered glass covering, which increases their cost. In colder weather, glazed collector systems—with heat exchangers and transfer fluids—capture solar heat more efficiently than unglazed systems. Therefore, they can be used year-round in many climates. Glazed collectors are also used to heat domestic hot water year-round.
Both glazed and unglazed collector systems should include freeze protection if they'll be used in colder conditions.
» Contact us for more information on using HelioPaks for Pool Heating
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Solar Space Heating Panels: Air Collectors
A glazed recirculation solar air collector designed for space heating and air recirculation applications. Air is drawn from inside the room through the bottom of the collector and blown back into the room through a duct in the top. A collector can heat an area of the home or room up to 1000 ft2 or 93 m2 when the sun is shining. Multiple collectors can be connected together to heat larger areas or rooms. An external digital control lets you preset the temperature for the collector to start heating. An integrated photovoltaic panel with about 14 watts of power drives a fan for best performance. The unit is self-powered. No electrical hook-up required.
This is a supplemental heating system. It is not designed to replace your traditional furnace or primary heating system. However, it continuously heats a cold room when the sun is shinning reducing the usage of your conventional heating system and reducing your heating bills.
» Shop for SolarSheat Products
Solar Radiant Heating Panels: Evacuated-Tube Collectors
They feature parallel rows of transparent glass tubes. Each tube contains a glass outer tube and metal absorber tube attached to a fin. The fin's coating absorbs solar energy but inhibits radiative heat loss. These collectors are also commonly used for commercial water heating applications.
» Shop for TrendSetter Products
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Solar powered lights are available for a wide variety of applications and are perfect for off-grid and remote areas. Billboard lighting, parking lot lighting, street lights, marine hazard marking and navigational lights, security lights, decorative garden lights, camping and emergency backup lighting. Complete custom designed packages and do-it-yourself kits.
» Shop for Solar Lighting Products
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Wind Power Systems
• Self-contained
• Low cost
• Free, non-polluting, clean, renewable energy |
Most modern wind power is generated in the form of electricity by converting the rotation of turbine blades into electrical current by means of an electrical generator. Wind power is used in large scale wind farms for national electrical grids as well as in small individual turbines for providing electricity to rural residences or grid-isolated locations. Available in different sizes to power anything from small appliances, sailboats & homes to industrial heavy-duty turbines that withstand harsh environments. Grid-Connected turbines available.
» Shop for Wind Products
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Improving your home's energy efficiency will help you reduce your utility bills, reduce your impact on the environment, and if you are planning on getting a solar system it will help you reduce the solar system cost. Some of the products available are: Refrigerators, Washer and Dryers, Solar Attic Fans, Rapid Hot Water Delivery, Tankless Water Heaters, Low Flow Shower Heads, Efficient and Natural Lighting.
Click Any link for More Information
» Solar Panels (Overview)
» Solar Electric (PV) Panels
» Solar Water Heater Panels ICS
» Solar Water Heater Flat Plate Panels
» Solar Water and Space Heating Panels - Evacuated Tube Type
» Solar Pool Heating Panels - Unglazed Collectors
» Solar Pool Heating Panels- Glazed Collectors
» Solar Air Heating and Re-circulation Panels
» Solar Radiant Heating Panels- Evacuated Tube Type System
» Solar Lighting
» Wind Power Systems
» Energy Efficient Appliances & Products
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Having trouble finding what you need? Give us a call today and one
of our Product Solution Specialists can work with you to find the products that will fulfill your project goal.
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» Detailed Contact Information
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800 333 9276
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Do-It-Yourself Kits;
• Slash Electric 20-90%
• Cut Hot Water 75-97%
• Pool Heating by 100%
• All-Inclusive Packages
• Raises Home Value!
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Federal Incentives
For Solar & Energy Efficient Technologies.
» Rebates
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"We slashed our Electric Bill from $500 to $140"
Learn how a family achieved significant savings when they initiated a Solar Home MakeOver.
» Solar Home MakeOver
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Media, print and online publications covering articles and reports featuring Solar Direct & green technologies.
» News
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View a small sample of Solar Direct's Case Studies: Residential and Commercial
» Case Studies
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