This Port Charlotte home is being outfitted with an array of solar energy products, but this picture shows the solar water heating panels. This is a 48 square foot Fafco Revolution 500 Series Solar Water Heating system, which includes three 2’x8′ solar panels, an expansion tank, integrated circulation module, and photovoltaic module for circulation pump operation. It was retrofit the the homeowners existing electric water tank.

In a power outage, like Port Charlotte experienced after past hurricanes, this homeowner will have hot water because the water in the existing electric tank will be heated by the sun using a hot transfer fluid from the solar panels in the heat exchanger that operates using solar electricity.

One of the greatest advantages of the Fafco Revolution system is that the panels are made from a UV stabilized polymer rather than the traditional copper and glass solar panels. These traditional collectors are prone to glass breakage during storms and are much heavier on the roof, possibly causing further damage. Also, because your potable water flows through a copper collector, if a leak develops on the roof, you may need to shut off your hot water until it is repaired.

The solar water heating collector, paired with solar pool heating, solar electricity, and solar attic fans will save the homeowner tremendously on their electric bill. During the winter months, it is likely that they will be selling electricity back to FPL.