Solar Thermal Systems

Residential Solar Thermal Systems

APS designs and installs residential STH systems for pool heating, home heating, and general water heating applications. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls; and passive, which do not.

We currently offer two types of solar collectors for residential applications:

Glazed flat-plate collectors
They are insulated, weatherproofed boxes that contain a dark absorber plate under one or more glass or plastic (polymer) covers.

Unglazed flat-plate collectors
They are typically used for solar pool heating and have a dark absorber plate. They are made of metal or polymer, and are installed without a cover or enclosure.

STH systems require a backup system for cloudy days and
times of increased demand. Within 6–8 years of installation
the savings will have covered the cost of the system. For solar pool heating systems this period is between 2–4 years. One
can significantly reduce swimming pool heating costs by installing a solar pool heater. They're cost competitive with
both gas and heat pump pool heaters, and they have very low annual operating costs. Actually, solar pool heating is the most cost-effective use of solar energy in many climates.

Solar water heating may qualify a home for an EPA Five
Star Home energy-efficiency mortgage or LEED certification. The federal government offers various tax credits and
financial incentives towards the purchase of these systems, except pool heaters.