Solar Water Heater Installation & Repair in Honolulu, Kailua, Kapolei, Waipahu & The Entire Oahu Island, HI

Solar Water Heater Installation & Repair

Solar power is becoming the norm in many regions of the country. Now, you can even install solar panels on your roof to heat water delivered directly to a storage tank. The plumbing industry is continually innovating for the better. Homeowners and businesses seeking cost-effective water heating solutions are living in the best time.

Great plumbing experience!!!

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“What a great plumbing experience! My service tech Frank S. Was so nice, explained everything in advance & the upfront pricing with options was great! I’m so glad I held on to their biz card! Best plumber service! Thank you for my drain fix, kitchen pipe install & hooking up my new gas stove!!”
- Lisa Ferrell

Why Solar is a Good Idea

Solar water heaters, also known as solar domestic hot water systems, are a cost-effective solution to generate hot water for an entire household. These systems may be used in any climate, and sunshine – the primary fuel source – is entirely free!

Your average solar water heating system includes a storage tank and a series of solar collectors – mounted on the roof or otherwise. There are two types of systems: active, which uses circulating pumps and controls, or passive, which does not. Either one is a smart choice for today’s homeowners.

Expert Tips
- Calvin Gulia Jr.
Maximize the efficiency of your solar water heater system by ensuring proper insulation around the storage tank and pipes. Just like wearing warm clothes in winter, insulating your system prevents heat loss and keeps the water hot for longer periods. Additionally, regularly cleaning the solar panels from dust and debris will enhance their performance, allowing them to absorb more sunlight. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy consistent hot water supply while reducing energy costs on beautiful Oahu Island, Hawaii.
- Calvin Gulia Jr.

Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated tank. Each tank has an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In a two-tank system, the water heater preheats water beforehand. In a one-tank system, the backup heater is combined with the storage in a single tank. Depending on space requirements, you may opt for either setup. There’s no wrong answer here!

Overall, solar-powered heating solutions are becoming an efficient and cost-effective tool. Those who make use of such a system often enjoy exponential savings throughout the year. Your cost of installation will be quickly recouped over time as your monthly utility bills will decrease.

What is The Lifespan of a Solar Water Heater?

A solar water heater can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, with proper maintenance and upkeep. If a solar water heating system is installed and maintained correctly, it can provide a reliable source of hot water for many years. On the other hand, lack of proper maintenance and upkeep can significantly shorten the lifespan of a solar water heater.

Inspect and maintain your solar water heater at least once a year to ensure it is functioning properly and to identify any potential issues early on. This will help extend the life of your solar water heater and ensure that it continues to provide hot water efficiently for many years to come.

Just like any other appliance, regular maintenance is key to prolonging the lifespan of a solar water heater. So, if you want your solar water heater to “live long and prosper”, make sure to give it the attention and care it deserves.

Six Steps to Solar Hot Water Installation at Emergency Plumbing & Solar, Oahu Island, HI

Considering solar hot water for your home? Delve into the installation process with Emergency Plumbing & Solar. Partnering with our professional installation team ensures a seamless transition to an energy-efficient system. Here are the six key steps involved:

1. Mount Solar Collectors on Your Roof

Our experts secure solar collectors on your roof, harnessing the sun’s energy efficiently. Precise installation involves handling your roof delicately to ensure optimal positioning.

2. Install Storage Tanks & Heat Exchanger

The heart of the system lies in the storage tanks and heat exchangers. Strategically placed in basements or utility closets, these components facilitate efficient heat transfer for reliable hot water.

3. Install Piping Systems for Transfer Fluid

Flexible piping connects collectors to storage tanks, allowing the smooth flow of antifreeze transfer fluid. Our careful installation involves creating access points while maintaining the integrity of your roof.

4. Install Water Transport Pipes

Copper piping ensures water circulation throughout your home. Existing water distribution lines are seamlessly integrated with the new system, including provisions for backup infrastructure.

5. Install Control Systems

Temperature sensors and a central control system form the brains of the operation. Our team connects sensors to collectors and storage tanks, ensuring intelligent circulation of antifreeze fluid for optimal efficiency.

6. Insulate the System

To safeguard your investment, we meticulously insulate every component. From plugging roof holes to insulating pipes, we prioritize energy conservation, securing your solar hot water system’s long-term performance.

Embark on a greener, cost-effective journey with Emergency Plumbing & Solar. Contact us at (808) 691-9309 Oahu, (808) 400-8811 Hawaii Island to explore solar hot water installation for your Oahu Island home.

Storage Tanks and Solar Collectors

Solar water heaters rely on efficient storage tanks and collectors to harness the sun’s energy. At Emergency Plumbing & Solar in Oahu, Hawaii, we specialize in installing and maintaining these crucial components.

Types of Solar Collectors

Flat-Plate Collector: Insulated glazed flat-plate collectors are weatherproof boxes with dark absorber plates, ideal for residential use. Unglazed versions are commonly employed for solar pool heating.

Integral Collector-Storage Systems (ICS): Known as batch systems, ICS features black tanks or tubes in an insulated box. Cold water passes through the collector, preheating it before reaching the backup water heater.

Evacuated-Tube Solar Collectors: Featuring parallel rows of transparent glass tubes, evacuated-tube collectors are often used in U.S. commercial applications. They efficiently absorb solar energy with minimal heat loss.

Solar Storage Tanks

Most solar water heaters, including those at Emergency Plumbing & Solar, require well-insulated storage tanks. In two-tank systems, the solar heater preheats water before it enters the conventional heater. One-tank systems combine the backup heater with the solar storage in a single tank.

Backup Systems for Solar Water Heaters

Cloudy days and high-demand periods necessitate backup systems. Conventional storage water heaters, often part of our solar packages, serve as reliable backups. Rooftop tanks with thermosyphon systems, integral-collector storage systems with tankless options, and other configurations ensure a constant hot water supply.

At Emergency Plumbing & Solar, our expertise in storage tanks and solar collectors guarantees optimal performance, providing Oahu residents with an eco-friendly and efficient solution for their hot water needs. Contact us at (808) 691-9309 Oahu, (808) 400-8811 Hawaii Island for top-notch solar water heating installations and services.

How Does a Solar Water Heater Work?

Solar water heaters operate on the principles of harnessing the sun’s energy to provide a sustainable and cost-efficient way of heating water. At Emergency Plumbing & Solar in Oahu, Hawaii, we specialize in installing and maintaining these systems. Understanding the workings of solar water heaters involves exploring active and passive systems.

Active Solar Water Heating Systems

Direct Circulation Systems:

In Oahu’s temperate climate, active direct circulation systems are recommended. Pumps circulate water from the solar collectors directly into the household, ensuring an efficient transfer of solar heat.

Indirect Circulation Systems: These systems use a heat transfer fluid, like antifreeze, to convey solar heat from the collectors to the water in the storage tank. They are beneficial in areas where freezing temperatures may occur.

Passive Solar Water Heating Systems

Integral Collector-Storage Passive Systems:

This cost-effective and reliable system involves natural convection. Cold water flows into the solar collector, preheats, and stores water. When hot water is needed, the solar-heated water flows into the backup system by force of gravity or pressure.

Thermosyphon Systems:

Here, warm water rises as cooler water sinks, utilizing the thermosyphon effect. The collector is installed below the storage tank, allowing warm water to rise. While reliable, careful roof design is crucial due to the heavy storage tank.

Efficiency and Reliability in Oahu’s Climate

Solar water heaters, especially integral collector-storage passive systems, align well with Oahu’s climate. They thrive in households with significant hot water needs during both daytime and evening hours. Our experts at Emergency Plumbing & Solar ensure meticulous installation and maintenance, emphasizing the advantages of these systems in Hawaii’s unique environmental conditions.

Considering Thermosyphon Systems

While slightly more expensive, thermosyphon systems offer reliability and effectiveness. At Emergency Plumbing & Solar, we pay special attention to roof design to accommodate the weight of the storage tank, ensuring a durable and efficient solar water heating solution for our Oahu clients.

Tax Credit on Solar Water Heater in Hawaii

  1. Federal Tax Credits for Solar Hot Water Heaters: The federal government provides a tax credit of 30% of the cost of a solar hot water system with no upper limit. (same Federal tax credit for PV systems applies)
  2. State Solar Hot Water Heater Credits in Hawaii: Hawaii offers a personal tax credit equal to 35% of the cost of the system or $2,250, whichever is lower. The state also offers a one-time rebate of $1,000 for existing homes, however, this is not available for homes built after 2009.
  3. Local Solar Hot Water Incentives in Hawaii
  • Honolulu Solar Roofs Initiative: Low-interest loans are available for income-qualified homeowners in Honolulu for the installation of solar hot water systems.
  • Maui Solar Roofs Initiative: Zero-interest loans are available for residents of Maui looking to install a solar hot water system.

Source: https://alternateenergyhawaii.com/solar-in-hawaii/tax-credits-incentives

Contact Us

If you’d like to take advantage of solar water heating, contact Emergency Plumbing & Solar by calling (808) 691-9309 Oahu, (808) 400-8811 Hawaii Island. We’ve witnessed firsthand the benefits of solar water heating systems, and we know you’ll love them, too!

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