Solar water heating is a relatively new technology, but it's becoming popular with many home and business builders. It is an attractive option because a residential or commercial solar water heater uses the power of the sun to heat water, instead of gas or electricity. This is an environmentally friendly choice for many businesses. It also saves a significant amount of money in energy costs.

Those who want to install and maintain a solar hot water heater will need conventional HVAC training, as well as special training to learn how to install and repair solar panels. You can find solar water heater education and training opportunities through:

1. Manufacturers where consumers buy solar water heater technology.

2. HVAC training courses.

3. Seminars and workshops that provide education in solar technology.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get training provided by manufacturers of solar water heating systems

Most solar water heating systems manufacturers provide some type of training for contractors or HVAC professionals. This can range from providing installation manuals to scheduled training courses for on-site or in-person education. Many manufacturers also provide certification for those who attend training.

I recommend: Silicon Solar provides training workshops to teach people how to install its solar products, including solar hot water heaters. TCT Solar provides a spec guide and full installation manual for its solar water heating products.

Explore HVAC courses that teach solar water heater system installation and repair

Many HVAC courses teach general heating a cooling systems, but you can also find HVAC schools and programs certified by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). This training teaches advanced skills in solar technologies, including how to install and repair solar heating and electric systems.

I recommend: Solar Contractor School provides an advanced solar contractor training program that teaches the skills needed to install and repair all types of solar heating and water systems. The Florida Solar Energy Center offers many courses that cover solar energy practices, including mechanical and electrical systems for buildings that use solar energy.

Attend seminars and workshops to learn more about solar water heating panels

Solar water heating panels are still a relatively new technology, so many seminars and workshops are held by organizations and schools throughout the year to teach the latest in solar technology. These seminars can also teach advanced repair and installation skills, plus provide an opportunity to network with other professionals.

I recommend: Sun City Solar Energy provides a seminar on the basics of solar energy, including information on its light environmental impact, cost-saving issues and the latest innovations. The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association has a seminar that introduces people to renewable energy, including solar water and space heating systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you want to work with solar powered water heaters, you may also want to seek membership in one of many professional HVAC or solar energy organizations.

If you want to add solar hot water heating to your plumbing service, you can find the right type and size of system for commercial and residential customers. But, regardless of the particulars, customers can count on cutting their water heating bill in half. And, by using the sun for solar hot water heating, they can help the environment by reducing the use of fossil fuels. Those are great sales incentives!

For many reasons, solar water heating is a good idea. If your business needs to provide a large amount of heated water, you might want to buy a commercial solar water heater with an 80-gallon capacity. For smaller businesses and residences, you can find individual solar hot water heaters in a number of sizes. As you shop of solar powered water heaters, take the following steps:

1. Locate a solar water heater system for large businesses.

2. Search for solar water heating systems designed for homes and small businesses.

3. Find experienced consultants to train your technicians on installing a solar power water heater.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a reputable commercial solar water heater dealer

Solar water heater systems include an array of solar water heating panels to collect energy from the sun and a tank or tubes to hold the water for heating. For large businesses, a passive solar water heater reduces maintenance costs.

I recommend: TCT Solar manufactures a passive system that stores water in a series of tubes. It also carries commercial mounting hardware and other related items such as BTU controls. Solar Sense offers 40-gallon and 80-gallon solar hot water tanks. Its system includes a heating element to assist in maintaining water temperature when needed.

Choose a residential solar water heating equipment vendor

Residential solar water heating systems come in several types. Most collect and store energy from panels on a roof and use it to heat water in a tank. Kits that include the major pieces are available, but be sure to buy solar water heater parts needed to complete the system.

I recommend: Tankless solar water heaters are available from Hot Water Source. The system includes solar panels, water circulation system, plumbing supplies, mounting hardware, and coaxial adapter. For another alternative, check out Alt E. The company carries hardware and parts for installing your own solar water heating system, including collection panels, mounts, tubing and heat monitors.

Find a consultant on solar water heater system installation

Because a solar water heater is a relatively complex system that includes both plumbing and electrical elements, your installers will need specialized training. Locate an expert to consult on solar hot water heater installation.

I recommend: Solar-Tec Systems specializes in installing and servicing solar water heating systems. The company's technicians will consult and also design customized systems if your customer so desires. Contractor Verde Energy provides complete service solar water heating systems and can provide technical assistance to your team.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You should know that there are federal and state incentives for solar energy use. Both contractors and consumers can benefit from solar powered water heaters. To find information about the incentives for your state, visit www.dsireusa.org.