Solar Hot Water

Introduction.
These systems take advantage of the radiation from the sun and converts it into heat that can be used to heat your domestic hot water or even supplement your space heating requirements through radiant heat. To the left is a basic diagram showing how a simple solar pre-heat system works on your home.

The main application for solar hot water is to heat the water you shower and clean with, commonly referred to domestic hot water or DHW. Since you use hot water year round it is important to choose a technology that will work even in the winter, and that is what sets our solutions apart from the competition. Our Apricus Solar systems will provide plenty of hot water even if the temperature drops below zero. This is thanks to the evacuated tube design and our efficient system design practices. To learn more about our outstanding solar hot water products click here.

Benefits.
Solar hot water is an effective way to convert the sun's energy. In fact our systems average around 70% or higher efficiency (the amount of energy converted). This is an outstanding number as PV systems typically only convert ~15% of the sun's rays into usable energy.

Things to consider.
Solar hot water systems are typically cheaper than PV systems but still require an investment of roughly $8-20k depending on the size and complexity of the system.

Solar Electric (PV)

Introduction.
Our PV systems are completely maintenance free and guaranteed to work for a minimum of 25 years. Using the latest technology we professionally design your photovoltaic (PV) system to convert the sun’s rays into electricity with the highest efficiency possible. Our installers have been through training and are qualified qualified to make all the electrical connections including connection with the utility.

The operation of a Grid tied PV system under RESOP (selling power back to the grid) is relatively simple. To start we install PV modules typically on your roof. These modules convert the light from sun into DC current. The DC power is then converted into AC power by means of an inverter which can either be installed right at the PV module or down near the meter or basement. Once in AC (household current) the power is metered and sent out to the grid. You get paid from the LDC (local distribution company) and any power you need for your home if purchased just like normal from the grid.
The main application for solar hot water is to heat the water you shower and clean with, commonly referred to domestic hot water or DHW. Since you use hot water year round it is important to choose a technology that will work even in the winter, and that is what sets our solutions apart from the competition. Our Apricus Solar systems will provide plenty of hot water even if the temperature drops below zero. This is thanks to the evacuated tube design and our efficient system design practices. To learn more about our outstanding solar hot water products click here.

Benefits.
There are many clear benefits for generating clean power from the sun. One of the largest benefits is reliability. There are no moving pieces to break down or maintain. Backed with 25 year warranties you have the peace of mind that your new energy system will deliver for years to come.

Things to consider.
Not every home is ideal for solar electric (PV) systems. You must have a good, unobstructed southern exposure so the panels are not shaded when the sun is shining. The cost of PV systems vary but typically run around $10/watt installed.

Wind Power

Introduction.
Harnessing the wind can reduce your dependance on the grid by converting the kinetic energy in the wind into AC household current. The easiest and most common set up (these days) allows us to install a turbine, typically around 2kW, so that all the kWh produced gets metered and sent out to the grid. Currently in areas such as Ontario the utility will pay a premium for that energy. The customer then continues to buy electricity like normal, but gets a credit or a payment for the amount of energy produced by the wind turbine. Under this RESOP arrangement, it really doesn't matter what amount of electricity you use in your home as every kWh produced by the turbine is sold anyway. This does come into consideration if the turbine is connected via net metering or other connection methods.

Benefits.
Wind power can be cheaper than solar hot water or solar electric systems if you live in a windy area. The cost per kWh goes down the windier it gets.

Things to consider.
Wind turbines have moving parts which eventually will require maintenance. Although not usually difficult or costly, this should be expected. A typical residential wind turbine installation usually runs between $20-30k.