Progressivtube passive solar water heaters are self-contained, single units that integrate the solar collector and storage tank, providing a simple and cost effective way to harness the sun’s free energy.
The Progressivtube batch heaters require no pumps, controls, or mechanical or electrical components. They need only local water pressure and heat from the sun to operate. In most applications, the ProgressivTube unit functions as a pre-heater to a conventional or instantaneous water heater. It can also be used as a stand-alone heater when no backup is required.
How It Works
The all copper collector/storage tank of a ProgressivTube unit absorbs solar radiation through its selective surface coating which raises the temperature of the water stored in the collector. It is well insulated with closed cell foam and the unit is double glazed for increased heat retention. The 4″ diameter copper tubes are welded into a series flow pattern so that the top of the lower tube feeds the bottom of the next tube. This allows the ProgressivTube unit to contain the colder replacement water in the lower tubes where it is heated by the sun as it flows from one tube to the next.
Each time hot water is used, the ProgressivTube innovative design eliminates the cooling down of the remaining heated water that normally occurs in other types of solar water heating systems. Not only does this design ensure the delivery of the hottest water, but it also provides more hot water at a higher temperature and with a faster recovery time than solar systems of similar capacity.
Once installed the system will operate automatically. When hot water is used in the household, solar pre-heated is drawn into the conventional water heater (reducing or eliminating electricity or gas usage for heating water) or directly to the tap. However, as with all solar water heaters, the total amount of solar contribution to the system is dependent upon the hot water consumption pattern, daily weather conditions, and variable amounts of available sunlight throughout the year.
Over the past two decades the ProgressivTube has earned a reputation of high performance and durable design assuring trouble-free maintenance and maximum savings.
- The ProgressivTube and its mounting systems have successfully passed static wind load testing to 180 m.p.h.
- ProgressivTube systems are OG300 certified and qualify for the California Grant Program Integrated collector storage (ICS) systems.
- Limited 10-year Warranty
