SUN HoM^TM - DHW (Domestic Hot Water)
Product Information

The SUN HoM^TM DHW system is an active-indirect, drainback system which operates at a fraction of the cost of electric or gas water heaters by harnessing the power of the sun. Our most popular solar water heating systems and an intelligent choice for climates susceptible to freezing temperatures.

To determine which system is best for your location, click on the Regional System Sizing Chart to view the product details and simple sizing instructions.

SUN HoM^TM - DHW Solar Systems are characterized as drainback, indirect, active systems.

• Drainback systems are equipped with a small fluid storage tank used to collect the fluid media from the collectors, and collector loop plumbing, when the pumps is not running.
  
  
• Indirect (closed-loop) systems use a heat transfer fluid (water or diluted antifreeze) to collect heat and a heat exchanger to transfer the heat to household water.
  
  
• Active systems use electric pumps, valves and controllers to circulate the heat-transfer fluid through the collectors.
  
  

The SUN HoM^TM - DHW Solar System is our most popular solar water heating system and an intelligent choice for climates susceptible to freezing temperatures. In addition, it easy to retrofit because their storage tanks do not need to be installed above or close to the collectors.

Proper sizing and selection of your system will insure years of trouble-free hot water service to your home. A good rule of thumb for sizing your system consists of two parts; Collector size and Solar storage.

Collector size is calculated at about 20 ft² of collector area for each of the first two family members and 8 ft² for each additional family member if you live in the south (Zone A).

For the majority of the country (Zone B), allow 20 ft² for the first two family members and 11 ft² for each additional family member.

If you live in the northern United States (Zone C), allow 20 ft² for the first two family members and 14 ft² for each additional family member.

Solar Storage, or tank size, is calculated at a ratio of at least 1.75 gallons of storage capacity to 1 ft² of collector area (Zone B). This prevents the system from overheating when the demand for hot water is low.

In northern climates (Zone C), calculate at a ration of 1.5 gallons storage capacity to 1 ft² of collector area, and in the warmer climates (Zone A), calculate at a ratio of 2 gallons storage capacity to 1 ft² of collector area.

The picture above depicts the SUN HoM^TM DB-8042 water heating system. It utilizes an 80 gallon HE tank and 42 ft² of collector area (2 - 3' x 7' collectors), and would be an ideal system for a couple living in the midwest (Zone B). (Calculated; 20 ft² of collector area for each of per 2 persons would yield 40 ft² of collector area. At a storage ratio of 1.75 per 1 ft² this application would require 70 gallons of storage capacity, or 80 gallons rounded up to the nearest tank size).

In comparison, the system pictured at right is the SUN HoM^TM DBSA-12063. It utilizes a 120 gallon Side Arm HE tank and 63 ft² of collector area (3 - 3' x 7' collectors), and would be an ideal system for a family of 4 living in the south (Zone A). (Calculated; 20 ft² of collector area for the first 2 persons and 8 ft² for each additional persons would yield 56 ft² of collector area. At a storage ratio of 2.00 per 1 ft² this application would require 112 gallons of storage capacity, or 120 gallons rounded up to the nearest tank size)

NOTE: The sizing procedures discussed above only allow for the current living conditions of the residence. Additional members or ocassional visitors may dictate the need for a larger system. Consider using the number of bedrooms in the house, versus the number of people, to allow for these special circumstances. This would also aid the resale of the property should the system be sized for a larger family.