Commercial Solar Thermal Systems
Heating water with gas, propane or electricity can account for a large part of many companies’ operating budget. Businesses such as restaurants, bakeries, beauty salons, health clubs, hotels and others that use extensive amounts of hot water can find themselves struggling with high power costs associated with heating that much water on a daily basis.Huge energy bills are common when standard resources are used to heat water used in boilers required for heavy industrial applications. However, many industries can and do find significant savings year after year by using solar energy to heat their water and keep it hot.
Using thermal solar energy to heat water is by far the most environmentally responsible, cost-effective way to satisfy your operational hot water requirements. Arosa Solar has the experience and capabilities to meet all of your commercial hot water needs, from detailed planning to installation of the final customized system.
Federal and state governments are offering generous rebates (up to $2000) and incentives to businesses that choose solar, making the investment even lower and the ROI better than ever. Most businesses see returns of 8-15% on their solar investments, and pay for their solar thermal system in 5-7 years or less. In addition, Solar Renewable Energy Certificates can be accumulated and traded for an even higher ROI.
In New Jersey, heating water with solar power can significantly reduce costs. A good solar thermal system can help balance out the energy usage during peak operating hours, and give your company more financial security.
The best systems for cold weather areas such as New Jersey where freezes typically last more than 48 hours are closed loop, indirect systems that will not freeze. Open loop direct heating systems are available, but carry the risk of pipes bursting and considerable damage being done, causing you to incur high plumbing repair costs.
A closed loop glycol system uses a heat-transfer fluid to collect heat and a heat exchanger to transfer the heat to the potable water. Active closed loop systems use electric pumps, valves, and controllers to circulate the heat-transfer fluid (normally a glycol-water antifreeze mixture) through the collectors. This mixture makes closed-loop glycol systems effective and safe in areas subject to freezing weather.
A closed loop drain back system uses water in the collector loop as the heat transfer system. A pump pushes the water through the collectors and gravity drains it to a storage tank and heat exchanger. 
There are no valves to fail and the collectors remain empty when the pumps are off, so there is automatic freeze protection.
Open loop systems are more likely to freeze, but can still be useful for seasonal applications, such as businesses that only open or run at peak during the summer months. They heat and circulate the water using direct heat in collectors, and must be drained before freezing weather or else very well insulated to prevent freezing and water damage.
Arosa Solar’s experienced technicians can help you determine what type of solar thermal system would be best for your business, and what size will be needed to ensure maximum efficiency and adequate hot water supply. The system will pay for itself in just a few years, so it is a wise financial investment as well as a smart environmental one!
