| Typically this applies to places like Arizona, California | | | | sun about. So in a "High Sun" area you could save |
| and Mexico. But the approach will apply to anywhere | | | | money by installing basic old fashioned Black radiator |
| in a climate "Hotspot", | | | | designs and you could even consider elliminating or |
| This has just got to be the easiest situation for Solar | | | | reducing the insulation and double glazing on the |
| Heating but there are still problems and things that | | | | collectors. |
| you can do to take best advantage and maximise | | | | 3. The appearance of the installation. |
| your return. | | | | Some people don't like the appearance of solar |
| You should also consider cooling as well as heating. | | | | collectors on the roof of their house. If you live in |
| Again the bright sunshine is your ally for Photo Voltaic | | | | one of these "Hot" areas the excess of sunlight |
| panels can create electricity from the sun to drive | | | | offers an opportunity to run an inefficient system |
| the refrigerant systems of your cooling system. | | | | which blends in with the house. |
| 1. Collect all the "Local" information. | | | | · Basic solar panels can be easily |
| · Are there any local Alternative energy | | | | manufactured to blend in with the buildings. |
| groups they will be only too willing to share their | | | | · Black is the optimum heat absorbing colour |
| knowledge and experience and sometimes Buying | | | | but you can use a colour that matches a roof or a |
| Power". | | | | wall but is less efficient. |
| · Are there any documents or even $ grant | | | | · Panels can be mounted vertically or |
| incentives available from District, County or State | | | | horizontally but will still produce enough power to |
| agencies. Again these agencies will be only too willing | | | | heat all the water and power the cooling system. |
| to share or give advice, they are always desperate | | | | · Panels can be placed some distance away |
| to have a good story to tell their masters. And you | | | | from the house in an unobtrusive location eg an |
| will also learn if there are likely to be any "planning" | | | | outhouse roof or a back wall. |
| difficulties. | | | | 4. The downside. |
| · Are there any substantial specialist Solar | | | | · The sun shines and its frequently hot, so |
| Installation companies in the local area, if so invite | | | | hot that you will probably need to have a heat |
| them around to do a survey and give you a quote. | | | | "runoff" to stop your system melting the building. |
| What you are really looking for is a basic indication of | | | | · This adds to the complexity with additional |
| what is popular locally and, if you are lucky some | | | | "Cold Radiators" and electrically controlled valves |
| unusual, non standard answers. These indicate real | | | | linked to thermostatic controls. |
| local knowledge rather than just a list of all the | | | | The conclusion. |
| standard techniques. | | | | · You can profit from the high power sun |
| 2. Take advantage of the situation. | | | | either by spending less on the system or by |
| · The sun shines and its frequently hot so | | | | accepting lower efficiencies to reduce the visual |
| you should be able to manage with a lot less square | | | | intrusion. |
| footage of solar collector. This translates to $'s in | | | | · Never forget that the fewer $'s you spend |
| your pocket. And this also applies to the Energy cells. | | | | up front the sooner your system pays for itself. |
| · Solar collectors 40 years ago where as | | | | · Remember that, as always, the more time |
| efficient as the modern collectors during the heat of | | | | you can spend on research and design the better the |
| the summer. Modern collectors win when there is less | | | | result and the lower the end cost. |