cusabo island cabin :: solar panels
Construction on the Cusabo Cabin continues with the installation of the PV Solar array, and the Solar Thermal system. The system is in working order, connecting the Photovoltaic Panels to the Batteries, and the Solar Thermal to the Hot Water Storage tank, both located in the Mechanical Room. The first photo below shows the PV panels, attached to the standing seams on the metal roof. The south facing roof is the optimum angle to get year round sun energy, continually charging the batteries in the Mechanical room.
The above tubes are solar thermal tubes which are mounted to the metal roof. These evacuated tubes are filled with a solar working fluid, which is pumped back to the manifold in the Mechanical Room, where heat is exchanged with the water in the Hot Water Tank. The resulting hot water is to be used for both Domestic Hot Water and for the Hydronic Radiant Heat in the floors. Note that this system will be efficient in the winter months, so should provide ample heat for the space.
