Hot Water Solutions for Seasonal Homes and Summer Camps
Seasonal use homes present special opportunities since they will not be used during the short days of winter. For these application we often recommend Flat plate solar thermal collectors by Calaffi, Velux, or Skyline to meet your hot water needs.
Compared to evacuated tube systems, flat plate systems are less expensive. The Skyline panels are lighter in weight due to polycarbonate glazing and easy to install. We are proud to be the local authoized dealer for Velux solar. Their reputation for quality skylights is second to none. Their solar panels can be purchased in sizes to match the skylights, perfect for applications where astetics are important.
A solar water heating system has a small circulation pump that can be powered by regular AC power or by DC. An optional small roof mounted PV panel will allow the pump to run when the sun shines, and will shut down the flow at night when no solar radiation is available. This is the perfect solution for homes or cabins that do not connect to the regular utility grid. Skyline panels have a optional built in PV panel.
A flat panel system can be filled with Gylcol anti freeze, instead of water, so that there is no need to worry about draining, or winter freezing.
If you have good plumbing skills you may be able to even install a Sklyline flat plate solar systems yourself. But remember that the Maine Rebate program requires that a certified installer do the work to be eligible for their rebate. Our pricing is the same as buying direct from SolarRoofs, but you save on shipping.
Picture courtesy SolarThermal.com
To meet your electrical needs we sell a wide variety of Photovoltaic (PV) systems and Tangarie vertical windmills. If your property is tied to the grid, batteries are not necessary. A net-use meter is installed and you are credited for power you create and debit for use, over a 12 month window. If you generally occupy the 
home only on weekends it may be possible to install a small PV system, with a larger battery bank that would be charged over the weekdays. A small wind turbine (pictured at left) makes a great addition to PV since it can produce at night or in windy stormy weather when you PV output drops.