Solar Hot Water, Heating and Cooling Systems
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| Audience/Grade: | College Freshman - Graduate |
| Discipline(s): |
Architectural Engineering Design Green Design and Sustainable Engineering |
| Learning Resource Type: | Teaching - Tutorial |
| Media Type: | WWW |
| Author(s): | Bill Christensen, Webmaster and Founder Sustainable Sources, City of Austin, Texas |
| Description: | "The solar systems that will be discussed in this section are not a part of a building's structure. The function of the solar energy equipment is to convert sunlight to heat that can be used for: (a) space heating; (b) space cooling; (c) domestic hot water. Solar systems should be employed only after extensive conservation strategies have been implemented. Solar energy systems typically have a high initial cost and extremely low operating costs. To reduce the high initial costs, reduce the size of the required system by the load that the solar system will need to provide. In space heating and cooling applications, the home should be weatherized and insulated to very high standards. In water heating applications, hot water piping should be insulated and water conserving fixtures should be used. The goal of the solar system should not be to accomplish 100% of the home's heating, cooling, or water heating needs under all conditions. The system should be sized to reflect seasonal variations in demand and in the sun's heating characteristics. Additionally, by combining systems to perform multiple functions (i.e. space heating and water heating), the solar system investment can provide a return all year. The City of Austin will provide a rebate under the Appliance Efficiency Program for solar domestic hot water systems if installed in an all-electric home. There are no tax incentives currently available to assist in the first costs of solar systems, but there is an exemption for solar energy devices from being appraised for property tax. There has been a dramatic reduction in the number of businesses and equipment relating to solar systems since federal tax incentives were eliminated in 1985. Only a few businesses in our area provide solar systems." Online resource for green building design by the City of Austin, Texas offering practical information needed to implement green building practices to architects, builders, and homeowners in seeking to create sustainable buildings. The site is organized around the following Solar Design topics: DEFINITIONS, CONSIDERATIONS, COMMERCIAL STATUS, IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES, GUIDELINES RESOURCES, PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE, COMPONENTS / MATERIALS / SYSTEMS, GENERAL ASSISTANCE, and INTERNET RESOURCES. |
| Rating: | No Rating |
| Version Info | |
| Publication Date: | 2007 |
| Platform/Format: | WWW |
| Cost: | Free |
| Download URL: | http://www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/HeatCool.html |
| Metadata: | IEEE LOM Record |
| Collection: |
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