Solar Thermal System FAQs
Q1) How efficient is the Thermomax solar collector?
Even on a winters day Thermomax can heat water to 80C or 176F. A hot shower, by comparison, is only 105F.
Q2) How safe is the Thermomax system?
It is totally safe.
- Each collector tube self-limits at a factory pre-set temperature, so there is no risk of overheating.
- The collectors continue to operate efficiently at temperatures far below freezing.
- The only material in contact with the water is copper, which is non-toxic.
- Thermomax collectors have been proven to withstand hailstorms as well as high winds.
Q3) How are Thermomax tubes different?
Our Solar Tubes are different from any other. A tube will not boil, freeze or corrode. It is lightweight, attractive, maintenance free and pays for itself. It performs well in all weather, operates automatically, has overheating protection built in and is totally safe. The diode function is an important safety protection against overheating. This is unique to Thermomax.
Q4) How do the tubes work?
The tubes are engineered around a super efficient conducting “heat-pipe”, sitting within the evacuated tube. Solar energy strikes the absorber plate attached to the heat pipe, heating the fluid within the pipe, starting a vaporization-condensation cycle that transfers heat to the cylindrical heat-exchanger at the top of the tube. From only a few minutes on a bright day the cylindrical heat exchanger gets hot enough to burn your hand, though the glass tube stays cool.
Q5) Aren’t glass tubes delicate?
Thermomax solar evacuated tubes are actually very tough. Besides meeting the US SRCC standard, the European Solar Keymark and SPF standards, they also meet the optional hail impact test standards. This means the collector is certified to take winds of up to 72 mph, 1 inch ice ball at 60 mph and a snow load of over 1000 lbs and not fail.
Q6) How long will my Thermomax solar system last?
Thermomax evacuated tubes are made of the finest materials in the industry and go through extensive inspection to insure the highest quality possible. This allows the system to perform for 25 years without significant decreases in performance. There are systems out there today that are still performing with little performance degradation after 20 years.
Q7) Can all my heating and hot water requirements be met by a Thermomax solar system?
Yes, the system can be sized to provide all your heating needs. However, it is better to size the system to supplement your heating bill, rather than eliminate it. A moderate sized Thermomax system can supply 60-70% of your annual hot water requirements, with the remainder supplied by either a gas or electricity backup. Thermomax is an all weather, year round system.
Q8) What can a Thermomax system be used for?
Thermomax systems have been chosen for a wide variety of domestic and commercial applications.
These installations range from domestic hot water systems, space heating, pools, spas, and hot tubs to commercial solar heating and air conditioning systems in airport terminals, hospitals, laundromats, car washes and hotels.
Q9) Could a Thermomax system heat my house?
Yes it could. There are a number of important factors to consider.
- The area you live in – areas with good winter radiation are excellent, even in cold weather.
- How the house is heated – radiant floor heating systems are best, as they operate at low temperatures.
- House design – open plan or high ceiling homes are excellent for radiant heating.
- A full backup system should always be provided
- We recommend that house heating be combined with a summer applications, e.g. a pool or spa
Q10) What about installation?
Thermomax Collectors are supplied with a marine grade stainless steel frame and, being lightweight, they will attach easily to your existing structure. Airdrie Solar Services is proud to offer full installation packages for your solar heating needs. DIY packages are also available.
Q11) What about maintenance?
No collector maintenance is required. The glass tubes are round and perfectly smooth; any dirt or dust is carries away by the wind and rain. There are no moving parts to wear out. All components are made from high-grade stainless steel, copper or non-corrosive materials.
Q12) Is the Thermomax collector a proven product?
Thermomax has a successful history of over 25 years of operation in over forty countries around the world. There are over two million tubes in every-day use in over sixty thousand locations worldwide. There are hundreds of installations in North America, from the Canadian North to the deserts of the Southwest.