Solar Hot Water Heating FAQs
Fill out your information on our contact page and a Mirasol representative will contact you within 24 hours.
Typical residential systems take one day to install. Additional time may be required depending on your current water heating configuration.
There are many incentives for purchasing solar. These vary from state to state. Some common incentives include:
- Lower or fixed utility costs
- Better for our environment, less carbon emissions
- Little or no maintenance
- Solar equipment is more durable and last longer than traditional water heating equipment
- Rarely run out of hot water
- Remote site with no electric service
- An urgency to “go green”
- Higher resale value for your property*
- Energy conservation and renewable generation adds value to a home. Surveys have shown that for every $1,000.00 saved per year, $20,000.00 is added to a home’s value*. Solar energy can be one of the best home improvement investments you make.
- Most individual states and the federal government have incentives** and rebates to decrease the up front cost of solar energy producing systems. Please contact us for more details.
- If I sell my property, what effect will solar water heating have on the sale price?
* Newscenter resource link & Zillow resource link **Please consult your tax adviser regarding your individual tax situation and income tax credit eligibility.
Yes, absolutely. We have installed solar water heating systems in various retail buildings, hotels, schools, and other community or commercial facilities. Anywhere there is a water heater, solar water heating can be used and installed.
Most of our customers do not clean their solar panels because in most areas of the country, there is sufficient rain to clean the panels. However, if you are in a dusty area (near a busy dirt road, in an urban area, etc.) you may see a performance gain from cleaning the panels monthly. If necessary, a hose stream is usually sufficient for cleaning. Do not walk on or over the panels to clean them. Do not use metal, hard, or abrasive methods for cleaning. Do not spray water on the panels when they are very hot.
FAFCO solar water heating panels should be installed in areas where they get significant shade-free sun every day. Even small amounts of shade can very significantly reduce the output. Our designs and installations also seek to minimize the impact of any shade issues through selection of the proper equipment and good engineering. We can assist you in selecting the appropriate location during our initial consultation visit.
Yes. Because of the proximity between the hot water tank and the solar collector, solar panels are mounted on the roof. We can assist you in selecting the appropriate location during our initial consultation visit.
FAFCO Systems are the highest rated solar water heating systems in the market. In spite of this, they are priced very competitively with less effective solar systems. Once installed, FAFCO solar hot water systems can save you over 50 percent on your hot water heating costs.
FAFCO water heating equipment has a 10-year warranty from the manufacturer. When installed properly, most systems, including all parts, can last up to 20 years. We also offer a maintenance agreement or hurricane prep service to extend life and get the most out of your system.
FAFCO water heating system works in conjunction with your existing gas or electric water heater. In some instances an additional storage tank is added but varies based on each individual situation. Since your original water heater will operate far less frequently, solar will extend its life significantly.
Our installation procedures are designed and engineered to meet or exceed Florida Building Code Specifications for wind load. In short, the solar collector panel may help to keep the roof on during high winds.
Our FAFCO Systems are installed in such a way that we can easily remove them and later reinstall them at a fraction of the original cost of the system. If the roof is repaired within the first year of the system’s installation, we do the work at no cost. Please contact us about our re-roofing service for more information.
In 1992, the Florida State Legislature passed a law expressly forbidding Homeowners Associations and any other organization from prohibiting solar heating systems or collectors, in order to promote the benefits of using free, renewable energy. We are almost always able to design systems that are unobtrusive and satisfy the neighborhood organizations.
No. A solar water heating system for your household water is a separate closed system. Water for your pool is also a closed system but is re-circulated.
Sediment or hard water can cause mineral build up on the heat exchanger. Many off-the-shelf descaling products can be used to dissolve this build up if it becomes necessary.
Yes. There are active and passive type solar water heating systems. Active systems have mechanical or moving parts that are used to move the heat where as passive systems do not require electricity to operate.
The drainback feature of FAFCO’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.
Water heated by the sun in a solar water heating system can reach temperatures exceeding 212°F, although the normal temperature for household use is approximately 120 – 130°F.
