There are many reasons for you to consider going solar today. Whether you are committed to helping the environment, or tired of paying an ever-increasing utility bill, solar offers a great solution. There are two types of solar technologies used for residential applications - solar electric and solar thermal.

Solar Electric

also commonly known as Photovoltaics (PV)

  • This technology is used to generate electricity. The solar PV panels convert sunlight directly into clean, pollution-free electricity.

  • By installing a solar electric system on your home you can eliminate or significantly reduce your electric utility bill.

Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. 

The system consists of:

* Solar PV Panels -- Generate DC electricity

* Inverter -- Converts the DC to standard AC electricity that is compatible with the electrical grid and capable of powering electrical devices.

* Utility Meter -- Tracks the solar electricity that your system produces and feeds to the utility grid, thereby keeping track of your credit from the utility.

A grid-tied solar electric system can generate power on-site to supply a home or business that is connected to the utility grid and offset the usage from the utility company.  Grid-tied systems are the most common types of solar systems.

An off-grid solar system with a battery back-up can supply power to a remote home or area that would otherwise not have access to electricity.

Solar Thermal

solar heating systems for homes also commonly known as Solar Water Heating

  • This technology is used to heat water, either for domestic hot water, space heating, or pool heating.

  • Solar can produce enough energy to offset 70-80% of your energy costs for hot water production, which can significantly reduce your gas utility bill.

Solar thermal technology is the most economical way to heat your water for a range of purposes:

* Domestic hot water – Solar can produce enough energy to meet 70-80% of your energy needs for domestic hot water production.

*  Space heating – Solar can be used in conjunction with a radiant floor heating system to provide space heating for a building.  Solar-heated water runs through pipes underneath the floor boards, which then radiate heat upwards to warm the room.
 
* Solar Pool Heating – Solar offers the most cost-effective method of pool heating, and allows you to extend your swimming season by several months.

 

There are two main types of solar water heating systems:

Active systems – Contain pumps and controls to regulate the flow and hot water production.

Passive systems – Operates without the use of pumps.

Inland Pacific designs a range of packaged solar thermal systems for homes. Depending on your home’s climate and freeze protection needs, we would recommend an appropriate system for you.

Illustration of Solar Pool Heating System

Solar Pool Heating System Basics

A solar pool heating system is composed of black plastic (polypropylene) solar panels that are mounted on your roof. Water runs through the tubing in the panels and collects heat as it passes through, and feeds into your pool.



Some of the brands we carry:






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