Solar Thermal Space Heating System- Minneapolis
In this solar heating system, (5) 4’x10’ Solar Skies solar thermal collectors heat a 120-gallon solar storage tank to provide domestic hot water and supplement the space heating system. When the house thermostat calls for heat, and the solar storage tank is hot enough, the hot water is pumped through a coil in the furnace and the furnace fan distributes the heat from the hot coil to the house. IPS expects this system to offset between 30%- 40% of the total heat load of the house, depending on the winter.
Innovative Power Systems prefers to use Solar Skies solar thermal collectors for several reasons. The collectors are manufactured in Alexandria, Minnesota. One of the many benefits renewable energy has is the creation of jobs. Solar Skies employs about 12 full-time employees, benefiting the local economy. Solar Skies collectors are also very reliable, with a ten-year warranty. In terms of performance, Solar Skies collectors compare favorably with more expensive flat-plate and evacuated tube collectors.