search
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
    • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
    • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
    • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
    • TECHNOLOGY
    • WATER TREATMENT
    • PMC COLUMNS
      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
      • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
    • CONTINUING EDUCATION
    • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
    • FIRE PROTECTION
    • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
    • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
    • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
    • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
    • CODES
    • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
    • PROJECT PROFILES
    • COLUMNS
      • Codes Corner
      • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
      • Guest Editorial
    • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
    • PODCASTS
    • VIDEOS
    • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
    • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
    • DIRECTORIES
    • EBOOKS
    • PM BOOKSTORE
    • CE CENTER
    • MARKET RESEARCH
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
    • EMAGAZINE
    • ARCHIVE ISSUES
    • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
    • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
  • SIGN UP!
Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer Geothermal | Solar Thermal

Solar Thermal Report - Fall 2011: Solar shines in coal country

By Kelly Faloon
November 1, 2011
Kentucky homeowners are beginning to look at solar to lower their energy costs.

Financing options and a Kentucky residential tax credit of $500 helps alleviate homeowner concerns about the costs of installing a solar thermal system. (Photo credits: Ron Hoffman.)


Five years ago, when Ron Hoffman received a call from his friend Thomas Blake, he didn’t know he would be part of a solar revolution in Kentucky. Hoffman is president of Lexington, Ky.-based Golfwood Services, which supplies hardwood products to furniture, cabinet, store fixture, craft and moulding manufacturers. Blake and his company, Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Our Country Home, designed and supplied high-quality retail store fixtures - and was Hoffman’s best customer.

Blake was excited about a new venture he was starting - Solar Usage Now (www.solarusagenow.com), based in Hamilton, Ind. - and he wanted Hoffman’s help. “He explained about the solar energy industry and how it was growing rapidly,” Hoffman recalls. “He was going to become a solar products distributor. Thom is the kind of person you can’t say ‘no’ to, so I said I would help.

“At that point, I thought my involvement would be to provide names and phone numbers of some prominent mechanical, plumbing and HVAC contractors in the state of Kentucky. But before that process occurred, I received an email from Thom appointing me as his associate distributor for Kentucky.”

In its most recent “U.S. Solar Market Insight” report for the second quarter of 2011, the Solar Energy Industries Association (www.seia.org) notes the domestic solar water- and space-heating market has grown on an annual basis since 2004. Incentives such as tax cuts and rebates are still driving demand in major markets.

In 2010, solar-thermal installations increased 6 percent, reports the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (www.irecusa.org) in its “U.S. Solar Market Trends 2010.” The IREC report also says increased installations come about with increased incentives.

“The solar water-heating markets respond when federal incentives are increased but, unlike photovoltaic installations, market demand does not sustain high growth rates,” the report states. Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Wisconsin all provided rebates for more than 100 systems in 2010.

Surface-mounted collectors, such as these installed on Ron Hoffman's Lexington, Ky., townhouse, look like skylights and are more aesthetically pleasing than tilt-up units.

In coal states such as Kentucky that still have low electricity rates, it can be even more difficult to convert consumers to renewable energy.

“In Kentucky, we have 6 or 7 cents per kWh electric rates, so it’s somewhat challenging to introduce any new technology that may be seen as a threat to the coal industry here,” Hoffman says. “People are a little more resistant to trying something new.”

Yet solar is making small inroads into Kentucky energy. While more prevalent in commercial and institutional projects such as schools, Kentucky homeowners are beginning to look to solar thermal and other renewables to help lower their energy costs. Financing options available from installers and a state residential tax credit of $500 help alleviate homeowner concerns about the costs of installing a solar thermal system.

In addition, the Kentucky Solar Partnership (www.kysolar.org) and the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (www.maced.org) offer flexible loans for the installation of solar water heaters in eastern Kentucky. Loans cover the full equipment and installation cost.

“Slowly the technologies are improving,” Hoffman explains. “The new solar products are more efficient, which allows most installations to be done on a surface-mount base rather than the traditional tilt-up units. Homeowners associations in metropolitan areas have banned solar panels tilted skyward. With these new installs, you can show people they actually look like skylight installations. They’re very efficient in most instances without having that unsightly rack tilt-up mechanism.”

Consumer education on how solar thermal systems work, as well as financing options and tax incentives/rebates, is still a big part of the sales strategy.

“A few customers are asking for solar thermal systems, but a lot of our business is still education,” says Matt Partymiller of Solar Energy Solutions, a solar installation firm based in Lexington (www.solar-energy-solutions.com).

However, roughly 20 percent of Solar Energy Solutions’ business comes from residential jobs. “We have seen great reception from customers in the commmercial/institutional space,” he says. “Solar thermal is capable of meeting a larger percentage of hot water demand in certain applications when appropriately designed.”

The firm recently completed one of the largest solar thermal installations in the United States - about 170 solar thermal units at Locust Trace Agriscience Farm, an agricultural school located in Lexington.

The SUN mini Equinox drainback solar thermal system provides 100 percent of the water-heating and space-heating needs for Ron Hoffman's 2,500-square-foot townhome.

A customer, too

Hoffman not only distributes solar thermal systems, he has one installed on his townhome. In 2008, Solar Usage Now became a distributor for the SUN Equinox heating and hot water system. The system is pre-assembled and shipped to the jobsite, reducing the cost of installation.

Hoffman had the first residential installation of the Equinox system in the United States.

“I’m kind of a maverick,” he says. “If there is a new product or technology, I want to be the first in line to try it. I knew very little about the solar energy industry when Thom approached me, but I’m intrigued by it. I’m trying to learn more about it every day.”

The drainback solar thermal system provides 100 percent of the water-heating and space-heating needs for Hoffman’s 2,500-square-foot townhome. Installed in the home is the mini Equinox, which has an unpressurized, atmospheric 80-gallon storage tank made of impact-resistant plastic. The tank is filled only once with tap water (without additives), which is used for heat transfer. Domestic water is heated in the stainless-steel heat exchangers by the storage tank water.

Apricus evacuated-tube solar collectors were installed on Hoffman’s home; customers also may choose SolarHot flat-plate collectors to be installed with the Equinox system. Other system equipment includes a Quietside tankless water heater, two 115-volt nonsubmersible Grundfos pumps and a SolaStat GDF programmable controller.

For space heating, the Equinox system is connected to two First Co. 3-ton AquaTherm hydronic air handlers - one in the attic and one in the crawlspace. It also is connected to Hoffman’s existing air-conditioning system.

As the temperature in the residence falls below the setpoint, the thermostat calls for heat. The pump comes on and water flows from the Equinox tank to the hydronic furnace. The variable-speed, high-efficiency fan within the furnace turns on and provides heat.

Significant energy savings

Hoffman kept detailed records for the 12-month period after installation of his solar thermal system. During that period, he recorded an 18 percent reduction in his electricity draw and about a 38.9 percent reduction in his natural gas usage. He does admit those savings also include other energy conservation measures he undertook at the time of the solar installation.

“Whenever an installation like this is undertaken, we recommend a thorough energy audit to take care of other energy conservation issues,” he explains. “As a part of this program, I did augment my insulation values throughout my townhome. While a significant portion of the savings is in the new system, I have to recognize that a part of those savings was due to the improvements in the conservation area.”

Because of the significant energy savings it provides, Hoffman is proud of his solar thermal energy system. And while those coal lobbyists work in the state legislature to make sure that coal is king, Blake, Hoffman and Partymiller will continue to spread the solar energy message.

“Solar is becoming increasingly prevalent but is still a long way from developing critical mass in our Midwest markets,” Partymiller says.

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Kelly june 2015 200

Kelly Faloon was a former editor of Plumbing & Mechanical as well as the BNP Media Plumbing Group’s Integrated Content Development Specialist. She also was a former editor of the Radiant Comfort Guide the Radiant & Hydronics Report — both official publications of the Radiant Professionals Alliance — and twice-monthly Radiant & Hydronics eNews, an enewsletter for anyone interested in the world of heating with hot water.

Her editorial specialties included women in plumbing, recruiting for the trades, green construction techniques, water conservation, water treatment, hydronic heating, radiant heating and cooling, snow melt, solar thermal and geothermal.

After a 3½-year stint at sister publication Supply House Times, Faloon joined the PM staff in December 2001 as senior editor. She was named PM’s managing editor in 2006 and editor in 2013.

Previously, she spent nearly 10 years at CCH, a publishing firm specializing in business and tax law, where she wore many hats — proofreader, writer/editor for a daily tax publication, and Internal Revenue Code editor.

 A native of Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula, Faloon is a 1986 journalism graduate of Michigan State University. 

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Worker using the Milwaukee Tool SWITCH PACK drain cleaner

    Pipeline profits: Drain cleaning, pipe inspection create opportunities

    Drain cleaning and inspection services offer lucrative...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke
  • Uponor employee, Arturo Moreno

    The reinvestment in American manufacturing and training

    Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke and...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke and Natalie Forster
  • March 2024 Women in Plumbing hero image of woman engineer overlayed by circle of hexagon shapes with numbers from 1 to 10

    Celebrating 10 Influential Women in the Plumbing Industry

    Celebrating Women's History Month and Women in...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke
Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • eMagazine
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Plumbing & Mechanical audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Plumbing & Mechanical or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • J.J. Keller CMV vehicles on road
    Sponsored byJ. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

    The dash cam game-changer for small business safety

Popular Stories

Underfloor heating installation with drain sewer hole in bathroom close up on water floor heating.

Using hydronics to leverage time-of-use electrical rates

Watts Nexa mobile image

Behind the Wall: Where smart plumbing gets smarter

Six tankless water heaters that feed the nutraceutical manufacturer’s operations.

How to deliver large volumes of hot water quickly and intermittently

PMCE Home-X April 29 Free Webinar: From Legacy to Leadership: Preparing Your Home Services Business for the Next Generation

Events

November 13, 2024

Future Proofing MEP: Navigating the 2026 High Efficiency Water Heating Standards

Join our deep dive into DOE’s new standards so you can future-proof your MEP practice.

EARN: 0.1 ASPE CEU; 1 AIA LU/HSW; 0.1 IACET CEU*; 1 PDH

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Will business be up or down in 2025?

Do you anticipate business in 2025 to be up or down in comparison to 2024?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Water Came To A Stop

The Water Came To A Stop

See More Products

Download the FREE Water Conservation, Quality & Safety eBook: Plumbing Trends Increasing Safe Water Availability

Related Articles

  • Solar Thermal Report - Spring 2011: Sustainable Solution

    See More
  • Spring 2013 cover

    Solar Thermal Report- Spring 2013: Solar thermal resources

    See More
  • Solar Thermal Report-Spring 2012: Winning gold with solar

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • lost art steam heating.jpg

    The Lost Art of Steam Heating Revisited

  • 51EpbH0yOwL__SL210_.jpg

    We Got Steam Heat!

  • greening steam.jpg

    Greening Steam: How to Bring 19th-Century Heating Systems into the 21st Century (and save lots of green!)

See More Products
×

Keep your content unclogged with our newsletters!

Stay in the know on the latest plumbing & piping industry trends.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Supply House Times
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing