Solar collector panels containing a heat transfer fluid are installed on the roof at a favorable angle to the sun. Pipes lead from the panels to the hot water tank, where the heat is transferred to provide tremendous amounts of hot water. Even in winter, hot water temperatures can reach 180º.

Solar hot water systems are usually designed to provide 80% of the processes overall hot water needs over the course of a year. In fact, for systems being operated on a continuous basis, if financed at market rates, the system earns money from day one—that is, the cost savings per month exceeds the monthly loan payment. Depending on the size of the system, it can pay for itself entirely in just a few years.

Solar hot water is among the most cost-effective means of supplying energy to a business. It is less expensive than grid-based sources of electricity including coal, nuclear, and natural gas. Solar hot water use has doubled in the United States over the last ten years, and it is an ideal application for hotels, military base uses, schools and dormitories, agriprocessing, restaurants, car washes, laundromats, and other business sectors dependent on large quantities of hot water.

Benefits of solar thermal technology include the following:

• Reduce Power Bills and Realize Huge Tax Credits. Solar thermal technology is a more cost effective option than heating water with natural gas, propane or electricity. Your business or organization can dramatically reduce its monthly energy bills.
• Hedge Against Rising Energy Prices. Fossil fuel prices are volatile and experts predict that the costs of conventional sources of energy will continue to rise, which provides even greater savings over the life of the system.
• Energy Independence. Solar hot water enables your facility to take advantage of a locally available and abundant energy source and thus reduce dependence on foreign sources of fuel.
• Clean Energy. Solar energy is emissions free and silent. It produces energy without putting any pollution into the air or contributing to global warming.
• Proven, Durable, and Low Maintenance. With a design life of 30 years, FLS Energy solar thermal energy systems are highly durable and require minimal maintenance.