- We believe that you will be pleasantly surprised at how inexpensive and easy to install the Fireball 2001 is.
- If "Going Solar" has been one of your dreams, the time for that dream to come true is now!
- We also made the Fireball 2001 easy to purchase! Just follow the short list of pointers below to know:
What Do I Need to Go Solar?
- Because the sun rises in the east, crosses over the horizon on the south and sets in the west, you want your collector to face as much to the south* on your roof as possible. While less desirable, a west or even an East facing water heating system can work well especially with an additional collector. Naturally it is important that there not be any shading where the collectors will go!
- The collector angle (known as tilt) should be at least 15 degrees up from horizontal, (a typical roof angle is 15 to 32 degrees) additional tilt usually has little effect on total year round performance unless you are in an area with very sunny winters like Colorado. .
- You need a good "path" for your two solar lines to go from your tank to your south* facing roof. It is desirable that this "path" be under 30 feet (one way), but up to 70 feet (if well insulated) is OK.
- You may be able to use your existing electric water heater or you can add a low cost water heater for solar storage to your existing water heater. For efficiency, it is not recommended to hook up a solar loop to a gas water heater unless the gas will be turned off during sunny weather.
- For further information and details, see "Questions and Answers" or call us at (916) 481-7200 for personal help.
What System Do I Need?
FIREBALL 2001 solar systems come in two types,Systems 1, 2 and 3 are "Open Loops" that is, they are open to water pressure. These systems are excellent where there is anywhere from no freeze potential to where there is light freeze potential. Systems 4 and 5 are "Closed Loop" systems with the solar loop separated from water pressure by a sophisticated heat exchanger. These systems are not subject to freeze damage when properly installed.
Use the following "FREEZE" to guide you to the right system for your area and then see sizing your system:
NO FREEZE:
In areas not subject to any freeze at all (tropical), use system 1, 2 or 3.Summer homes or camps in areas subject to hard freeze conditions in winter, but not used in winter can use system 1, 2 or 3, as long as the solar water loop is drained before freeze conditions occur (solar panels can freeze by nocturnal cooling in temperatures as high as 40F!). The solar loop is designed to be easily bypassed and drained.
VERY LIGHT FREEZE:
In areas subject to rare and light freeze conditions (South Florida, Southern CA, rare temperatures not below 30 degrees F) use system 1, 2 or 3 with the FV01 Freeze Valve option.LIGHT FREEZE:
In areas subject to a few light freezes per winter and occasional temperatures as low as 20 degrees F (Central Florida, Southern CA, some areas of Arizona etc., occasional temperatures not below 20 degrees F ), systems 1, 2 or 3 with the FV01 freeze valve and FS02 or FS03 "Recirculation Freeze Protection" is a good choice.For Systems 1, 2, and 3, the standard, easy to make, installation connections are all made at the bottom of your tank. Simply drain the water out of the tank, remove the bottom drain, insert the connection components in its place and tighten. You will need enough room around the front area of the tank to allow for the installation of components, usually 8 inches is enough. If there is not enough room, a "top connect" kit is available.
HARD FREEZE:
For Systems 1, 2, and 3, the standard, easy to make, installation connections are all made at the bottom of your tank. Simply drain the water out of the tank, remove the bottom drain, insert the connection components in its place and tighten. You will need enough room around the front area of the tank to allow for the installation of components, usually 8 inches is enough. If there is not enough room, a "top connect" kit is available.
To PV or not to PV?
SRCC Rated systems 3 and 5 are powered by Photovoltaic Pumps (Circulators). They cost a little more but it is nice to know that your system operates 100% by the sun, and not be effected by power outages. PV is sometimes easier to install as it eliminates the need for a nearby 110 Volt power outlet. PV power is available as an option on systems 1 and 4.
Sizing Your System:
Note: Smaller system providing as little as 30% of your hot water can be very efficient and cost effective! If the budget is tight, consider getting a smaller system. More panels can be easily added later. The important thing is to take that important first step to go solar!General Sizing Guidelines:
Systems 1, 2 and 3: In warmer, sunny areas, use one solar panel for each two to three people in the household.Systems 4 and 5: In areas subject to hard freeze and a lot of clouds, start with two panels for the first two people and then one for every additional two people.
The above formula results in solar usually providing 60% to 85% of your hot water depending on the amount of sunshine in your area.
Storage:
You need at least 1 gallon of storage for each square foot of collector area. It is desirable that your storage tank be at least 50 gallons, although 30 to 40 gallon water heaters can work well with a single panel. Generally, the larger the water heater the better.The system 4 Thermosiphon heat exchanger uses natural thermosyphoning to heat the water and does not need a second pump for the closed solar loop. A small amount of soldering is required to hook up the Thermosiphon heat exchanger to your existing or to an additional water heater. The tank must also have a side mounted pressure relief valve, or use the top element port, or the tank must be raised 18" off the ground for the heat exchanger to work properly with a top connection.
Advantages
Fireball Features and Benefits
Fireball Advantages
Solar SavingsChoices
Fireball 2001: standard 12'x20" panels
Fireball 10-01: 19 lb. 6'x20" panels
Systems 4 & 5 for freezing climates
Systems 1, 2 & 3 for warm freeze-free climatesSpecifics
System Options and Prices
Technical Information
Sizing Your System
Installation
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