• Solar energy refers to the utilization of the radiant energy from the Sun. Solar power is used interchangeably with solar energy, but both refer to the conversion of sunlight into thermal or electrical energy.
• There are many applications of solar energy technology:
  1. Architecture and urban planning
  2. Agriculture and horticulture
  3. Solar Lighting
  4. Solar Thermal
  • Water heating
  • Heating, colling and ventilation
  • Desalination and Disinfection
  • Cooking
  • Process Heat
  5. 5) Solar Electricity
     • Photovoltaics
     • Concentrating solar power
     • Experimental solar power

In areas of low geographical latitudes (climates below 40 degrees), 60-70% of domestic hot water use (temperatures up to 60 °C) can be provided by solar heating systems.

1. Reduced Energy Costs:
   By installing a SWH system, a solar heating system can provide up to 85% of domestic hot water energy.
   
   
2. Improved Environment:
   2003 saw extreme weather conditions and a heat-wave throughout Europe, clear evidence of the realism of the "green house effect", caused by CO2 emissions. These emissions are caused by burning fossil fuels, such as coal for electricity production, and gas for water heating. This environmentally harmful phenomenon can be improved by reducing demand for fossil fuels by reducing air and water pollution as well as the heat-trapping gases that cause global warming. In the average household, water heating accounts for around 30% of CO2 emissions. By installing a solar heating system it can provide up to 80% of your domestic hot water needs, (Radiant floor heating can also be available from the same source) you can reduce your total CO2 emissions by more than 20%.
   
   
3. Increase the Value of your Property:
   Property value will be increased by installing a solar powered water heater.
   
   

1. Can I install part of the system now and add on later?
• Yes. Provision can be made to add additional solar panels at a later date.
  
  
2. What are the operation costs of my heater?
• There are no operating costs since the sun’s energy is free.
  
  
3. What would I save?
• Water heating accounts for as much as one-quarter of the average residential energy consumption. A solar system can reduce that cost by 50 percent.
  
  
4. What are the strengths of your system?
• The strength of our system is how it is engineered to work as a whole and our latest technologies. They are designed by professional engineers and installed by experienced solar technicians and installers. Plus, our systems are capable of operating in 0 degree temperatures. Additionally, you will not have any price increases for the life of the system because the source of your system's energy is the sun.
  
  
5. Can I retrofit an existing building?
• We understand that each site is unique and we can help find the right solution to deal with shading and roof design. We also provide panels for balconies and building sides to accommodate less conventional homes.
  
  
6. How long will it take to recoup my investment?
• In a normal household that spends 25% of its electricity bill on hot water heating, the full cost of the purchase may be recouped as quickly as 4-5 years in reduced bills. You will definitely make considerable savings during the life of the solar hot water heater.
  
  
7. How big of a system do I need? Will it fit on my roof?
• The size of your system will depend on how much of your electricity needs you want met by clean solar electricity. A small system might meet only 10% of your electrical needs to begin with. A larger system could handle from half to all of your needs. The actual kwh (kilowatt-hours) produced each month on your roof will depend on how much sunlight reaches your roof each month. That varies according to geographic location and weather conditions.
  
  
8. Does the solar collector have to face south?
• Not necessarily. As long as the solar collector is installed where it will be exposed to sunlight for a good portion of the day, it will provide plenty of heat. Depending on the angle of the mounting surface, east- and west-facing collectors function just as well.
  
  
9. Do we have enough sunlight to collect in Canada?
• Yes! Different locations have different meteorological conditions. In most of the populated areas in Canada, our sunshine radiation is no less than many other countries where solar products are popularly used. On average basis, Canada has 20% more sunlight strength than Germany and Ontario is at the same latitude with Austria. Germany is leading Canada more than 100 times in using solar energy, and in Austria 1 out every 7 homes has a solar system. In Toronto, experimental research shows that sunshine radiation of the city is almost the same as in Miami.
  
  
10. WHERE SHOULD THE SOLAR PANELS BE INSTALLED?

• Ideally, the mounting location should remain unshaded for at least 80 percent of the time between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. during the winter and summer. At noontime during the winter months, a six metre high tree or building can produce a shadow of ten metres or more, which can significantly shade a collector mounted on the ground or a wall. It is also important to note that in most Canadian municipalities there are no laws that prevent a neighbour from building or planting something that could shade your collectors.
  
  

• New link: Natural Resources Canada: List of Accepted Solar Collectors
• New link: Natural Resources Canada Renewable and Electrical Energy Division Energy Resources Branch