Solar energy incentives can pay up to 40-50% of your cost for solar electric, solar hot water heating, and solar pool heating systems. Please visit our incentives page for details. JEA and Progress Energy customers are eligible for special benefits on solar hot water heating systems.

Nuvis Solar Water Heater Systems for Florida Homes and Businesses

Wayne's Solar is the only solar dealer and contractor in the Central Florida area to offer the Nuvis brand of solar hot water heater. The warranty for the Nuvis sets it apart from other types of solar hot water heaters because the whole system is covered for ten years, as opposed to individual components. A properly-sized Nuvis solar water heating system will save your family 85-90% of your water heating costs by using the sun's FREE ENERGY instead of electricity. 

Typically 1/3 of the average electric bill is devoted to water heating, so this savings should result in about 30% reduction in your bill.  Although the Energy Guide sticker on your current hot water tank is good source of information, keep in mind that it is based on an 8 cents per KwH figure and that costs already have risen to 12 1/2 cents in Central Florida, and will rise more in the future. So a typical tank which is rated at $425 yearly electric expense is probably closer to $675.

Three Options for Your Solar Hot Water Heating System

Wayne's Solar offers three customized Nuvis systems for your hot water heating needs:

Direct Open Loop - This tank turns itself on and off using an automatic sensor, insuring that water stored in the tank is efficiently and dependably heated by the solar collector. Colder water is circulated through the solar collector for optimum heating, then returned to the tank for storage and use. The intelligent automation of the Nuvis hot water heater means that it is only working when there is solar power to be obtained; as soon as the heating process stops the valve is closed so that heat is not lost from the tank.

Indirect Drain Back - This solar tank is designed for climates where frequent freezing occurs. Water does not sit in the solar collector and a heat exchange system keeps potable water from low temperatures. Although very similar to the direct open loop hot water heating system, the indirect drain back solar hot water heater utilizes a second pump which simultaneously heats the water in the drain back tank while the first pump circulates it through the solar collector. If freezing occurs, the pump will have been automatically shut off and there is no water in the solar collector or solar plumbing.

Indirect Pressurized with Propylene Glycol - When an indirect drain back system is not possible, this solar hot water heating system for frequent freezing conditions utilizes the technology of a heat exchange coil and the addition of food grade propylene glycol to water circulating in the loop from solar collector to hot water tank. Also not very different from the direct open loop system, this indirect pressurized solar hot water heating system has the added benefit of heat exchange coil wrapped around the inner collection tank and freeze-proof water circulation.

How does it work? In both direct and indirect systems, water in the solar storage tank is flows through a roof mounted solar panel.  The solar panel absorbs the sun's heat and passes it on to the water as it circulates.
Our solar hot water heater systems are automatically controlled to maintain optimum temperatures. The solar storage tank has a back-up electrical element in case of inclement weather, and the solar panels include freeze protection against possible damage during the winter months.  The system size is based on your family's hot water requirements. Nuvis systems are available in 66, 80, or 120 gallon capacities.  Nuvis systems can also be retro-fitted to your existing hot water tank.  Please contact us for a brochure or for specific sizing information pertinent to your family's needs. You can also take a look at the gallery of solar hot water heating panel installations.

Please visit www.wiredsolar.net/demosites.php to see a live readout from a Wayne's Solar hot water heater system.

Go Solar for Domestic Hot Water Heating in New Construction

Investing in solar water heater equipment at the time of new construction is always a good idea.  Typically, the extra cost in your mortgage payment to cover the solar system is considerably less than the monthly savings, so solar energy investments will pay for themselves as soon as you move in.  Please contact us if you are building a new home and are interested in investing in solar energy.