Products/Services: FAQ

Glossary of Terms

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a solar site assessment?

A solar site assessment is designed to provide prospective solar energy system owners with site-specific information on how renewable energy systems can help meet energy needs. An expert in renewable energy, the certified site assessor will visit your home, provide in-depth information about your specific location and create a detailed report of the findings.

How can solar help heat my home?

Solar energy is easily adaptable to most home heating systems. The most common heating system used with solar is hydronic, better known as radiant heating. Another common heating system is the solar air collector. These systems blow hot air directly into your structure. Finally, solar thermal collectors can be used with a forced-air furnace by circulating the hot fluid through a hot water coil, which works similarly to an automobile’s radiator. When the furnace thermostat calls for heat, the air is forced through the coil, preheating the air before it is distributed by the furnace. This method can also be adapted to a stand-alone air convector, like a fan, to individually heat rooms.

Will a thermal heating water system freeze?

Although some systems that are not properly protected can, and do, freeze in cold Wisconsin winters, ours do not. Unlike other systems, our solar thermal water heaters utilize food-grade antifreeze fluids that, if properly cared for, prevent freezing and overheating. The fluid is a mixture of water and glycol that will not freeze until it reaches -50 degrees.

How does a solar thermal system work?

Solar thermal water heating was actually the first residential water heater created. It used to be as simple as a black painted barrel that sat in the sun. Today, systems are a bit more complex, ensuring that you get the maximum benefit and return on your investment. Essentially, the thermal collectors are radiators, like the ones in your car. They are designed to collect as much heat from the sun as possible and then transfer it to a fluid inside the collectors and piping. Piping runs from the collectors down to a fluid storage tank, which connects to your regular hot water heater. A solar-powered pump circulates the fluid to make sure it does not overheat and allows the heat to be transferred more rapidly. Operating much like the cooling system in your vehicles, a heat exchanger transfers the heat from your piping into your water storage tank. Although, the solar fluid is food-grade fluid, the heat exchanger ensures that it never touches the water with which you bath or eat.

What about the appearance of a solar collector on the roof?

Solar collectors are typically integrated into the slope of your roof.  This method of installation gives the solar collector the appearance of a high-quality, opaque-glass skylight, which actually enhances the appearance of a home. Additionally, solar collectors can act as an awning for a window, be installed on a garage, or be ground mounted in your yard. To aid in the decision-making process and to help you understand how and where a solar collector should be placed on your property for optimum performance, GreenSky Energetics can perform an in-house, certified site assessment to determine your needs.

How can I afford this?

All banks and financial institutions are interested in loaning money towards the purchase of a solar heating system and the savings generated often will be close enough to make the monthly payments. The great news is that the Federal Government is currently offering a tax credit for a real savings of $2000! Even better, the State of Wisconsin has a program called “Focus on Energy” that is offering a 25 percent discount, or up to a $2500 rebate, off the purchase of a solar thermal hot water system. Act fast to determine if you're eligible for these programs as they may end at any time!

Take advantage of Nature’s Energy Solutions and create a better world-for you and for future generations! Join the environmentally conscious movement-choose GreenSky and "go green" today.

Glossary of Terms

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Glycol Solution

a nontoxic antifreeze solution that is pumped in a loop between the solar collectors, a heat exchanger, and your storage tank. The glycol is contained in a closed system that transfers the heat from the collectors to your hot water.

Greensky Energetics

GreenSky Energetics is a premier installer of high efficiency solar water and air heating systems. We take great pride in providing the top of the line products and superior customer support.

Heat Exchanger

A device used to transfer heat from one fluid to another without direct contact of the fluids. Heat exchangers usually maximize the transfer of heat by maximizing the contact surface area between fluids, as when the warmer fluid is passed through a series of coils or thin plates.

Photovoltaic

“Photo” refers to light, and “voltaic” refers to electricity. Light electricity. Electricity from light. Electricity from the sun.

Renewable Energy

Any naturally occurring, theoretically inexhaustible source of energy, as biomass, solar, wind, tidal, wave, and hydroelectric power, that is not derived from fossil or nuclear fuel.

Solar Collector

A device designed to capture the suns solar radiation and use it for heating air or water.

Warranty

All our labor and workmanship is covered under a 5-year standard warranty.