FAQ`s For Hot20 Domestic Hot Water Systems

Why use a Solar Hot Water Heater?
A solar hot water system can save you as much as 50 percent on your hot water heating costs. Our systems are environmentally friendly, and easy to install. A solar hot water system can add value to your home.

Why buy the Hot2o system?
The Hot2o system has many benefits over other systems:
Complete package in a box. You can be assured that everything you need will be included in the purchase to get your system up and running for normal installations.
Simplest to install. The Hot2o system can be installed in half a day without large work crews or cranes to hoist heavy panels on the roof. This means that you can install the system your self or pay a contractor a fraction of the cost of a normal system.The Hot2o system does not use expensive commodity items such as copper and aluminum. This results in a cheaper system with good performance that offers the most BTU’s for the dollar.

Is there enough sun where I live?
Yes. There is enough sun in most areas of North America. For more specifics on the amount of sun in your area, visit the <a href="http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/" target="_blank">Solar Radiation Resources Information</a> website and their <a href="http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/pubs/redbook/" target="_blank">Solar Radiation Data Manual</a>, which provides information on solar radiation in your area and charts for areas across the US for a 30 year period.

Will it work in a cold climate?
Yes, the Hot2o system can work in a cold climate. Cold climates have colder mains temperatures, because of this; the collectors can add energy to the system on a cold day. In fact, the collector saves almost as much energy in cold climates as it does in warm climates. You can refer to SRCC documentation to find out how much energy the FAFCO system can save in your location.

How does a solar water heater work?
There are three main components of the solar system that works together to deliver heat from the sun to your faucet; the controller, the collectors and the circulation module.

The controller is the brain of the system. It has one sensor on the roof and one sensor on your water tank. When the controller sees that the temperature on the roof is warmer than the temperature in your tank, it sends power to the circulation module.

The circulation module is where the heat from solar is transferred to your water heater. It circulates water up to the roof to be warmed by the sun and it circulates water from your water tank. The heat is transferred from the solar water to the useable water via a heat exchanger inside the circulation module.

The solar panels are where the energy is collected from the sun. The black plastic on your roof absorbs sunlight in both the visible and the invisible spectrums and turns it into heat. As the water flows through the panel, the heat is transferred to the water and then to the water heater in the heat exchanger.

I have a large family, can I expand the system?
Yes, one way to expand the system is to add a solar storage tank which will make any number of panels perform better. If desired, additional solar panels can also be added with one of Hot2o&rsquo;s add on kits.

Does it replace my existing hot water heater?
No. A solar hot water system works in conjunction with your existing gas or electric hot water heater. In most situations, the addition of a Hot2o solar hot water system will extend the life of your existing system.

What advantage does this drainback system have over a glazed copper glycol, direct or passive system?
Glazed copper systems have high maintenance because the glycol must be replaced at least every five years. Furthermore, breakdown of glycol can cause acidic conditions and eat through your copper plumbing or your collector. Lastly, glycols systems require costly overheat protection. The Hot2osystem has none of these problems.

Direct systems can freeze and pop when the temperature dips below 40 degrees at night. Passive systems can freeze and generally do not perform as well as active systems.

Does the Hot2o system require maintenance?
You will need to keep an eye on the Drainback tank to make sure that it does&rsquo;t run dry of water when the system is running. This should be checked monthly. See also your Hot2o Manual.

How long will it take to install the system?
The system can be installed in about &frac12; day with a two-person team.

How will well water and possible sediment affect the system?
Sediment or hard water can cause mineral build up on the heat exchanger. Many off the shelf &quot;descaling&quot; products can be used to dissolve this build up if it becomes necessary.

Will the polymer panel affect the taste of my water?
The plastic components of the system are separated from the drinking water by the Stainless Steel and Copper heat exchanger. There is no way that any plastic part could affect the taste of your water.

Why are the panels unglazed?
Glazed collectors have some drawbacks. First, glazing cuts down on the amount on sunlight that hits the collector by 10%-20% which reduces the amount of energy that the collector has to heat your water. Second, glazed collectors are usually heavy, requiring multiple people or a crane. Third, unglazed collectors on the market can be rolled up for shipping.

Will the system have to be removed from my roof when it gets below 32 degrees Fahrenheit?
No, the Drainback feature of Hot2o&rsquo;s system ensures that water is not in the panels when the pump is not running. As long as the Drainback tank is in an area that does not see freezing temperatures, the system should be fine.

What is covered by the warranty?
The Hot2o warranty provides 3 years peace of mind on the solar panels and a 1 year warranty on Hot2o parts. For detailed warranty information, including how to submit a claim, see our <a href="http://www.hot2o.com/support/">Support</a> section.

What is the expected life of the system?
With 1,500,000 panels installed in the field, we have seen that most panels last at least 20 years. Furthermore, we have sourced the industry leading pumps which can easily last 20 years when properly installed.

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How Hot2o uses solar energy to heat your water:

1)The sun heats the Hot2o solar panel

2)The timer operates the system when the solar energy can heat your water

3)When the system is operating, the panel channels water through the panel
   to absorb maximum heat from the sun

4)The circulation module transfers the heated water from the solar panels to 
   storage in your hot water tank

5)The solar heated water is available in your hot water tank for all existing 
   hot water needs (including laundry, dishes and bathing)

6)When not in operation the water in the solar collectors is stored in the wall 
   mounted drainback tank to prevent any chance for the water  to freeze

7)Hot2o has been designed to work with both electric water heaters and 
   natural gas water heaters. Note, there are different requirements for each
   type of installation.

This image reflects the base model. Speak with your 
local retailer for enhanced performance options

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Reduce your energy bills:
Using the Hot2o Hot Water Heater will save the average
 homeowner over 50% in hot water heating costs.
-
Environmentally friendly:
Make a difference by helping to reduce greenhouse emissions
by reducing your dependency on your electric or gas water heater.
-
Add Value to your home:
Extends the expected life of your residential hot water tank by 
dramatically reducing scaling.
-
Qualifies for the 30% federal tax credit 

          

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