Solar

We have 6 m^2 of ETC (Evacuated Tube Collector) solar panels on our roof. Why did we do this, instead of something cheaper like Flat Plate collectors?

Hydronic Heating: Evacuated Tube vs. Flat Plate — by Perry Kundert — last modified 2007-06-10 16:28

If your goal is to use solar energy for hydronic heating, ETC (Evacuated Tube Collector) solar panels are probably the way to go.

Efficiency: Evactuated Tube vs Flat Plate — by Perry Kundert — last modified 2007-06-10 16:27

As water temperature increases and ambient temperature decreases, net efficiency decreases due to increased convective and conductive losses. The large convective cavity between the Flat Plate collector's glass and collection plate allows huge heat loss, at the time of year when you need it most!

Edmonton, AB: Solar Heating Potential — by Perry Kundert — last modified 2007-06-10 16:32

How much potential is there for solar heating, in Edmonton, AB? Quite a lot! Alberta has the most sunny days per year of any province in Canada, and we are not so far north that we don't get usable amounts of sunlight in winter. You'd be hard pressed to go "off grid" on solar heating alone, but with a reliable back-up heating system, it is quite good.