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Solar Power Space Heating & Cooling Services in San Diego
Heating and cooling a typical San Diego home accounts for about 56% of the total energy consumption. It is therefore logical to assume that reduction in this consumption will majorly impact the total energy requirement. Heating and cooling systems that work on solar energy promise this reduction.
What are Solar Space Heaters & Coolers?
Heater and coolers that change the temperature of space in a building by using solar energy are called Solar Space Heaters & Coolers. Traditionally, this function was performed by heaters, furnace, or boilers and central air conditioning units run on electricity, natural gas, propane, or geothermal-heating.
Solar Power Heating and Cooling
Heating that uses solar energy is categorized by the type of fluid that is heated in the solar energy collectors.
- Liquid-based systems heat water or an antifreeze solution in a "hydronic" collector
- Air-based systems heat air in an "air collector"
The process includes collecting solar radiation and transferring it to a storage system from where the heat is distributed in the house. Both air and liquid systems can increase forced air systems. Liquid systems, however, are more suitable for storage and for radiant heating systems, boilers with hot water radiators, and even absorption heat pumps and coolers.
Cooling based on solar energy may be active or passive. Passive cooling is achieved in two steps.
- By preventing heat transfer by shading with proper window positioning and proper roof design
- By removing heat from the building using Thermally Activated Cooling Systems (TACS), cooling towers, solar chimneys, and ventilation techniques
Solar Space Heater & Cooler Installation Process
The process of solar space heating and cooling involves drawing air out of a building into collectors where it is heated or cooled using a solar system. This modified air is then blown into the building for space heating or cooling.
In the heating system, a sensor is attached to the collector that ascertains if the air is at the required temperature and a blower is then turned on. A room thermostat turns the blower off as required. In air systems for heating, collectors are set at 90 degrees for maximum winter gain and little summer collection.
Systems that monitor cooling or heating are simple in terms of components. These systems may be roof mounted for better performance in spring and fall and to keep out of shaded areas. Wall mounted units are easy to install and have the advantage of snow reflection, but they do not perform well during April / May, cannot be used to heat water in summer, and encounter shading problems.
Common considerations for both systems include:
- Most suitable location for optimizing use of solar power
- Effective system design
- Proper professional installation
- Superior quality and durability of the components
- Maintenance to optimize performance
An experienced contractor who can properly design and install the system is a good investment in the long run.
How much can you save by having a Solar Space Heating & Cooling System?
Heating or cooling your home with an active solar energy system in San Diego and elsewhere can significantly reduce your fuel bills if the shift is from fuels, such as electricity, propane, and oil. Solar space heating and cooling is said to be 25 or more times more cost effective than other systems. And for the San Diego residents, there are sales tax exemptions, income tax credits or deductions and property tax exemptions or deductions. The system in fact pays for itself in as little as one year.