Solar Hot Water

Solar Hot Water

Do you heat your water with electricity? Do you have at least 2-3 people living in your home? Are you interested in lowering your utility bill? If so, solar water heating will be the best investment you’ve ever made.

How Solar Hot Water Works

A solar domestic hot water system acts as a pre-heater for your existing hot water system. Both a state rebate and federal tax credit are currently available to help offset costs.

Drainback System

Aegis will design and install a trouble-free drainback solar hot water system. Whenever the pump shuts off, the antifreeze drains into a reservoir. This prevents overheating that can occur due to boiling antifreeze.

Reliability

During our 20 years of installing and maintaining systems, we’ve found that the drainback system requires the least amount of service. Many of these systems installed in the1980’s are still operating today with their original parts!

Solar Hot Water Case Study

System is expected to provide approximately 72% of hot water needed annually by owners.

Location: Chester, CT
Install date: Chester, CT
Systems Specs: Drainback design

What was Installed:
  • Three 4’ x 8’ AET solar collectors 80 gallon stainless steel solar hot water tank
  • 15 gallon stainless steel drainback reservoir and shelf
  • 1 Eagle 2 solar control with digital readout
  • 1 Grundfos pump
Savings:

This project qualified for a CCEF rebate of $2,540 and is eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $2,707.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions that you need answered? Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. If you need additional information, please get in touch with us!

How much will I save using solar hot water?

Approximately 30% of your fuel bill goes to heat water. A solar hot water system generally saves between 50-80% of that amount.

What type of system do you install?

We install solar hot water drain back systems. These systems use flat plate collectors in a closed loop system. Over many, many years, these have proven to be the most efficient and trouble-free systems available for use in the Northeast.

How much space do I need on my roof?

Panels are approximately 4’wide x8’long. Most installations consist of 2, 3 or 4 panels.

Do I need a new roof before the solar panels are installed?

Because your solar system is designed for long life, your roof should be in good condition, with at least 10 years of its useful life left.

Do the panels have to face south?

Panels facing south will be most efficient, but east or west will also work. An extra panel can be added to make up for reduced efficiency.

How long will the system last?

Although the panels have a 10 year warranty, a solar domestic hot water system will generally last 30 or more years.

How much does it cost?

This depends on several factors. Your hot water usage, house orientation and available roof space or ground space and your budget will all factor into the determination of what size system would best suit your needs. Additionally, there are state incentives and federal tax credits available that will greatly reduce the cost of the system. Contact us to discuss your options.

What are the state and federal solar incentives available?

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund currently offers a rebate based on your system’s efficiency. There is also a generous Federal tax credit available for solar energy hot water and electric systems.