Directory of Systems

Registered systems have been selected on their ability to meet or exceed the rigorous requirements of industry recognized certification standards.

Below is a list of the solar domestic hot water systems that are currently registered for the SolarBC program through our registered SolarBC installers. Systems have been registered on their ability to meet or exceed the rigorous requirements of industry recognized certification standards such as Canadian Standards Association (CSA) F379.1-88 or Solar Rating Certification Corporation (SRCC) OG300. Where systems are not yet CSA certified, a detailed engineers drawing has been reviewed against the CSA standard and stamped by an independent engineer (Stantec). Drawings are available from our registered contractors. All systems include as a minimum, industry standard manufacturer warranties of 10 years for the solar collectors, 5 years on tanks and one year for all other system components and labour.

There are three Canadian standards that directly relate to solar water heating:

• CSA-F378-87 – Solar Domestic Hot Water collectors only. For a full list of CSA approved collectors visit: www.ecoaction.gc.ca
• CSA-F383-87 - Installation Code for Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems for single family dwellings.

For more information on CSA standards for solar domestic hot water visit www.cansia.ca

Average Annual Performance Ratings

This PDF contains information on the average annual performance ratings of systems conducted by Natural Resources Canada, CSA and CanmetENERGY as part of the system certification process for Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems. Please note these are estimations only. For the complete table and other information visit the Natural Resources Canada website.

Apricus

Apricus; Latin translation; Attracts the sun, or, Loves the sun.

The Apricus Evacuated tube system allows for seamless integration with domestic hot water, infloor and radiant heating systems and can even tie into pools, hot tubs, ice melts, and process heating applications on any scale. The modular design provides 15/10 year warranty on the manifold/tubes. The 360 degree collector surface performs earlier in the morning and further into the evening using passive solar tracking. A single piece of double walled borosilicate (pyrex) glass with a vacuum protects the system from heat loss regardless of outside temperature or wind conditions, click here to see a YouTube video of extreme cold performance. Gaps between the tubes allow for wind to pass through the collector, reducing the wind load on the structure of your roof. The Apricus collector has European Keymark certification, OG100 (SRCC) and engineer stamped drawing to say it meets the intent of CSA. These systems are in used in over 30 countries around the world providing end users with clean free energy from the sun.

CAREarth

CAREarth is a leading provider of integrated energy solutions with renewable energy products and energy efficient products. We offer cutting-edge solar products and services through a network of regional distributors and dealers in Canada and the United States. Our systems are designed with the highest quality components to ensure you receive many trouble free years of operation under most operating conditions. We serve the commercial, institutional, industrial and residential markets in the Greater Ottawa area and surrounding communities.

Enerworks

EnerWorks develops and manufactures proprietary renewable energy appliances for residential and commercial markets. EnerWorks one to four collector panel systems are fully CSAF379.1-88 approved for year round use. With this certification, inspector approvals are greatly simplified as is the homeowner's ability to obtain the appropriate insurance after the installation is complete. Through the SRCC, this system has also received OG300 certification. The system is designed and assembled in North America with tightly-controlled manufacturing, testing and quality processes and features a closed loop, flat plate, low flow system with freeze-protection to optimize performance in a wide range of climates.

GSE IP – 195

Globe Solar Energy Inc. Globe Solar Energy Inc. (GSE) is a Canadian solar company that designs and manufactures solar products, and specializes in meeting Canadian climate conditions and the needs of CSA. GSE focuses on the leading technology – Evacuated Vacuum Tube solar thermal products for the North American market. Over 700 systems have been installed in Canada with the earliest installations serving five winters already. GSE’s extensive experience and in-depth resources will quickly accelerate their solar thermal installations in Canada. GSE IP-195 is certified to CSAF379.1 for seasonal use only. The system is an integral pressurized tubes, packaged seasonal solar sot water system consisting of 24 evacuated thermal tube collectors connected to a 155 liter insulated pressurized water storage tank. The IP-195 is CSA certified for use at ambient temperatures above -10 Degree Celsius with two independent means of freeze protection. Complete draining of outdoor plumbing will minimize the risk of freeze damage during periods when outdoor air temperatures of -10 Degree Celsius, or lower, are likely. Optional CSA Approved heating cable can be installed for anti-freezing. Advantage of IP-195:

• No glycol – chemical fluid involved in the system
• Use city water pressure to run the water. No noise from pump. No extra electricity used for pump
• No moving parts – minimum Maintenance
• Easy installation - no extra space required in mechanical room for second solar tank

GSE SP-25

GSE SP-25 is designed in Canada for Canadian conditions and to meet CSA standards. It has passed the test of Canadian National Solar Test Facility which was conducted by Bodycote Testing Group. GSE OEM manufacturer in China has been certified to the European Solar Keymark Standards. The system features:

• Medium Performance
• With the cutting-edge vacuum-tube collecting technology, over 92% of sunshine energy is converted to thermal energy for heating.
• High Reliability
• The system is simply working with the city water, with no pumps. The possible failures are eliminated to the least.
• Medium Cost
• The lowest price of a solar water heating system in Canada, and payback as short as 5 years with governmental rebates.
• Year-round Operation.

Heliodyne

Founded in 1976, Heliodyne Inc. is proud to be among the oldest solar hot water companies in North America. Heliodyne’s continued focus on solar hot water has made us a true specialist in the industry, and a leading supplier of quality solar hot water systems throughout Canada and the United States. Our parent company, SolarCAP A/S, a global leader in solar hot water, gives Heliodyne access to the latest technology. Heliodyne systems feature the HPAK double wall heat exchanger with viewable leak detection, and heat transfer via unique counter flow design, which is 25% more efficient than conventional internal heat exchangers. Heliodyne systems have proven reliability with over 30 years of continuous operation in some cases. A Heliodyne system greatly reduces your home’s CO2 emissions by up to 30%, helping to preserve our environment for many generations to come.

Solar Supply Canada

Solar Supply Canada was formed to meet the growing demand for Green Energy in North America. After many years for supplying OEM product to other North American companies we decided to build our own brand. We specialize in solar application development for the North American market with a leadership team of industry specialists. Our R&D team design and builds the highest quality products to meet our growing market demand as well as Government agency approval.

Sunda

Beijing Sunda Solar Energy Technology Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leading manufacturer of evacuated tube solar collectors. Sunda was jointly founded by the Daimler-Benz Aerospace (DASA) and SUNPU. This co-operation of high-tech areas such as space aviation resolved at the cutting edge technology. In 1996, Sunda opened a new manufacturing plant with production capacity of more than 500,000 tubes per year and are supplying hot water in over 26 countries. Their extreme high efficiency and performance makes them applicable beyond the conventional use in domestic space and water heating. They have also successfully been applied in large projects in air-conditioning, commercial or industrial water heating such as 2008 Beijing Olympic buildings.

Swiss Sol-Viessmann

OG-100 Certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC). The entire system with all its components is designed and engineered for the Canadian climate and features a closed loop, low-flow with freeze-protection for year round operation. The solar controller will optimize performance and adjust to different climate conditions. This system has been approved for installation and features stamped engineer drawings.

Benefits at a glance:

• High performance flat plate collector at an attractive price, thanks to a highly-efficient, selectively-coated copper absorber.
• Rugged, high-quality construction using impact-resistant solar glass, copper, aluminum and non-degrading thermal insulation.
• Universal application including flat and sloped roofs or freestanding, vertical or horizontal installation and compatible with any DHW heating system for commercial or residential use.
• Maximum system performance and reliability with a full range of solar system components designed to integrate seamlessly.
• Fast installation with flexible connection pipes and quick-connect fittings. Prefabricated collector mounting hardware ensures easy connection to roofs.
• Suitable for any solar thermal application especially domestic hot water, space heating, support or pool heating.

Taylor Munro Suncoil

Taylor Munro Energy Systems Inc. has been operating here in British Columbia since 1995. Taylor Munro designs and installs solar water heating systems for residential and commercial applications. The Taylor Munro SunCoil system is a flat plate, drainback solar water heating system that provides hot water for showers, dishes, laundry, etc. The system can be customized to heat water for swimming pools, hot tubs, radiant floor space heating, as well as numerous commercial and industrial applications.

Thermo Dynamics Ltd.

Thermo Dynamics Ltd (TDL) is a Canadian company engaged in the research, development, production, distribution and installation of solar thermal equipment. The company has been involved in the solar thermal industry since 1981 and operates from its head office and in Nova Scotia, specializing in liquid, flat plate, glazed collectors with aluminum/copper absorbers. The system is a year-round domestic hot water pre-heat system with double freeze protection, using antifreeze and draindown, to protect the system in cold climates. In hot climates over temperature protection is provided by inhibited glycol coupled with draindown and thermostatic tank protection. The system is certified to meet the US SRCC OG300 standards, has passed the Canadian National Solar Facility tests and has recently achieved CSAF379.1 certification for year round use.

Thermomax

Made in the UK since 1979, Thermomax evacuated tube collectors are an original vacuum tube collector, with 30 years of continuous improvement behind the brand. Thermomax products have been engineered to contribute heat even in cold, windy or humid conditions. A properly sized system can supply most of your demand April through October, and more than you would expect in the winter. Common installation configurations include single tank solar plus supplemental heating, pre heat systems, and other approved configurations. The plug and play design of Thermomax collectors and racking, combined with modular design eliminates the need for heavy lifting equipment and makes one person installations possible, quick and easy. Hail impact test: 1” steel ball @ 50 MPH, SRCC certified OG100/300, CSA certifications in process; stamped engineered drawing(s) available.

Benefits at a glance:

• Deepest vacuum insulation in the industry (10 -6 mbar) means higher temperatures, and fast tank recovery time.
Low Maintenance: A proprietary temperature limitation device located in the tube’s condenser activates at 135°C to protect the system and circulating fluid, removing overheating problems due to power outages or other unforeseen occurrences.
• Mounting flexibility: panels can be roof, wall or yard mounted. Systems have been used as pergolas or awnings.
• East or west facing installations achieve 85% of the performance of an optimal south orientation.
• One 3 square meter collector is great for a family of up to 5. One 2 square meter collector for 1-3 people.
• 10 year collector warranty.

Veissmann

The Vitosol 200-F flat plate solar collector is attractive not only for its low investment cost but also for the energy it saves. With the new high efficiency Sol-titanium coating solar energy harvest is now even more efficient. Durable, corrosion resistant construction using materials such as powder coated aluminum, copper and stainless steel, as well as 3.2 mm special low-iron solar glass ensure a long service life and maintain high efficiency for years to come.

The benefits at a glance:

• Optimized collection of solar energy thanks to highly efficient Sol-titanium coating.
• Collector surface area: 25 sq.ft/2.3 sq.m. Two versions available for horizontal (SH2) or vertical (SV2) installation.
• High efficiency through selectively coated absorber, integrated piping and extremely effective thermal insulation.
• Flexible connection pipes facilitate short installation times. Up to 12 collectors can be quickly installed in series using a convenient plug-in system.
• Durable, corrosion resistant construction using materials such as powder coated aluminum, copper and stainless steel, as well as 3.2 mm special low-iron solar glass and non-degrading thermal insulation.
• Universal application: on flat and sloped roofs, on top of roof coverings, or for freestanding installations.
• Quality tested at SPF Institut, Rapperswil, Switzerland. Meets the requirements of the German "Blue Angel" certificate of environmental excellence.