Feb 2 2009
Industrial Nanotech, Inc., an emerging global leader in nanotechnology, announced today that the Company's patented Nansulate protective thermal insulation coatings are now incorporated into solar hot water heater and solar panel systems.
Universal Energy Group is utilizing Nansulate High Heat, Nansulate HomeProtect Clear Coat and Nansulate EPX on solar hot water heater and solar panel systems to increase heat retention and efficiency of the units. The Stiebel Eltron systems are certified OG300 and qualify for rebate programs in the states of California and Oregon.
“Nansulate is so important for solar thermal installations.” explained Kevin Lagorio, CEO of Universal Energy Group, Inc. “It is not only its great insulating ability for the tanks and piping, but its overall ability to work in the new high tech solar thermal installations where the new flat plate panels are combined with more expensive evacuated tube panels, which saves the customer money by lowering the overall cost of the system, but still boosts wintertime performance.”
Mr. Lagorio continues, “Evacuated tube panels are 60% to 70% efficient in cloudy winter weather, whereas flat plate panels only are 10% to 20% efficient. By treating the flat plate panels with Nansulate we have improved the heat retention of the flat plate solar panels which allows the evacuated tube panels to transfer more of the heat they produce in cloudy weather to be utilized by the end user. Furthermore they still can cool down the system and protect the evacuated tube panels if needed. During a maximum heat exchange the treated flat plate panel was 169.50 degrees F which was the same as the evacuated tube panels; the non treated flat plate panel was 123.80 F degrees. At night after the panels cool down they are the same temperature, but it is three to four hours before the treated panel cools down to the same temperature as the untreated panel.”
Solar water heaters typically consume between 50%-70% less energy than a standard gas or electric tank water heater, according to the Solar Rating & Certification Corp. Water heating is the second most energy-intensive activity in the home, just behind HVAC. California's Solar Hot Water and Efficiency Act of 2007 has created a goal of installing 200,000 solar water heaters in the state by 2017. Hawaii became the first state to require solar water heaters in all new homes with a bill signed into law by Governor Linda Lingle that requires the energy-saving systems in homes starting in 2010.