Have you ever wondered how Solar Collectors work? Or how much a Solar Hot Water System might cost you? Or maybe you have questions about how to Install a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System, or what size system you would need. Maybe you want to know what you can use a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System for...

Our customers, dealers and partners ask great questions everyday, learning more and more about the benefits of Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems along the way. Here are the questions that we get asked the most - perhaps you have some of the same questions - if you do, we hope these answers help you out.



Solar collectors
Q: What type of Solar Collectors does Lisheng Manufacture?
Lisheng manufactures a number of industry-leading Solar Hot Water Collectors. Lisheng Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors are available in 16, 20, 25 and 30 tube collectors, as well as in 15,20,25 and 30 U-Pipe Collectors.

Q: What are Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors and How do They Work?
Lisheng Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors are built with series of clear glass, vacuum sealed tubes with a special selective coating that allows solar radiation to pass through from the outside and traps it inside. This 360 degree collector design is the key principle advantage of Evaucated Tube Solar Collectors - it allows for great absorption earlier and later in the day when the sun is at odd angles for most solar collectors - leading to increased overall system efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The solar radiation then heats the copper heat pipe within the Evaucated Tube, which transfers its heat upward where it is passed to the water moving through the manifold through the specially designed condenser. Please look here for further information on How Lisheng Evacuated Tubes Work.

Q: What are U-Pipe Solar Collectors?
Lisheng U-Pipe Solar Collectors are a form of Evacuated Tube Solar Collector. The main difference is that where the standard Lisheng Evacuated Tube Solar Collector has straight heat pipes with a condenser bulb at the top for heat transfer, U-Pipe Heat Pipes are exactly that - a U-Shaped Pipe that sends cold HTF (Heat Transfer Fluid) down one side - it is then heated within the evacuated tube - and then transferred back to the manifold up the other side of the pipe. The key advantage of Lisheng U-Pipe Solar Collectors is that they can be installed totally flat (0 degrees installation) or vertical (90 degree installation) - which no other solar collector allows.

Q: What are Thermosyphon Solar Collectors?
Lisheng Thermosyphons are not actually solar collectors - they are actually a complete Solar Hot Water System. Each Lisheng Thermosyphon Solar Hot Water System includes a direct flow Evaucated Tube Solar Collector - water is heated directly within the evacuated tube (not indirectly through a heat pipe and condensor) and an integrated Solar Hot Water Storage Tank mounted directly to the top of the solar collector, where the manifold would be on a traditional Evacuated Tube Solar Collector. Lisheng Thermosyphon Systems are closed loop - the potable water in the storage tank is separated from the HTF by a Heat Exchanger, which allows for the use of Glycol - this revolutionary step forward allows Lisheng Thermosyphon Systems to be used in Northern, cold climates where they never could before.

Basics and Design
Q: What can Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems be used for?
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems are used across the United States and around the world for nearly every water heating application imaginable. Whether your application is residential, commercial, industrial, municipal or agricultural, Lisheng Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors and Flat Plate Solar Collectors are perfect for the job. Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems shine in systems designed for Domestic Hot Water production, Radiant Floor and Space Heating, and Solar Pool and Spa/Hot Tub Heating.

Q: How can I use Solar Hot Water at my Home?
There are many great ways that you can use Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems at your own home to save hundreds, or thousands, of dollars every year on your heating and energy bills. Everyone uses hot water - in fact, through showers and cleaning, the average people uses 20 - 30 gallons of hot water every day - Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems can offset between 60 and 80% of your domestic hot water needs. Additionally, a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System can be designed to provide 60 to 80% of your home heating needs - this can be done through radiant floor heating, baseboard radiator heating, and through forced hot air with an air-over heat exchanger. Lastly, if you have a pool or hot tub/spa, a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System can be used to dramatically reduce the amount of electricity, propane, gas or heating oil that you use to heat it. Any number of these applications can save you hundreds of dollars, or more, every year.

Q: Can Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems be used at my Office?
Yes, you can use Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems at your office or other business location. In fact, any of the above residential uses can also apply to a commercial solar hot water application.

Q: Will a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System Work on a Cloudy Day?
Yes, to an extent. Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems to not only work with direct sunlight, but also with Solar Radiation. Even on cloudy days, there is ample solar radiation, which allows Lisheng Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors to provide significant performance, even in these conditions. However, the performance of the Solar Collector will be less than it is on a bright, sunny day.

Q: Will a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System Work in the Northeast or Northwest?
Yes. For these climates, we recommend that customers use Lisheng Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors. During a significant portion of the year in these locations, the sun is at low angles in the sky, the days are extremely short, and the temperatures are often freezing, or barely above. Because of their design, Lisheng Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors are particularly well suited for these conditions - their unique 360 degree collection area makes them very good at capturing sunlight at many angles, increasing the period of optimum absorption, and their incredible freeze protection, coupled with a closed-loop glycol system provide adequate freeze protection for all but the harshest temperatures.

Q: What are the Components in a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System?
There are a number of significant components that are required to make a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System operate as efficiently as possible. These components include:
Solar Collectors
Solar Hot Water Storage Tank with Internal Heat Exchangers
Or, an External Heat Exchanger
Automatic Differential Temperature Controller
SHW Circulator Pump
Expansion Tank (on Pressurized Closed Loop Systems)

Other Balance of the System Components:
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves
Automatic Air Bleeders
Temperature and Pressure Gauges
Copper Piping and/or PEX Tubing
Connections and Other Basic Plumbing Hardware

Domestic water
Q: What is Domestic Hot Water?
Domestic Hot Water is the water that you use around the house or office for everyday applications. This can include any of the following:
Showers, Baths and Personal Grooming
Cooking
Cleaning Around the House
Doing Laundry
Washing Dishes

Q: Why Should I use a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System for my Domestic Hot Water?
There are many important reasons that you should use a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System. These include:
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems are good for environment, and will help maintain a healthy earth for generations to come
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems are extremely affordable, and priced hundreds of dollars lower than national competitors
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems can save your hundreds, or thousands, of dollars every year
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems are extremely efficient and cost-effective - generally our systems pay for themselves in 5-6 years OR LESS
You are already paying for a Solar Hot Water System - and will continue to do so - by paying a monthly hot water bill to your utility company or heating fuel provider - without any possibility of a payback
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems are SRCC Certified and Qualify for all major Federal and State Solar Incentives and Tax Credits

Radiant Heating
Q: How do Radiant Heating Systems Work?
There are several different ways that Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems can be used to provide home heating - offsetting the amount heating oil, propane, natural gas or wood that you use. These Include:
In-Floor Radiant Heating - a series of PEX Tubing Loops are installed under your floorboards. As Hot Water passes through them, they transfer their heat up, through the floor, providing space heating
Baseboard Radiator Heating - this type of heating uses baseboard radiators which transfer heat throughout the rooms where they are located. By running Solar Hot Water through these radiators you can significantly reduce the cost of heating
Forced Hot Air Heating - this is one of the most popular forms of heating, and many homes today already have these systems in place. By linking your Lisheng Solar Hot Water System to an air-over heat exchanger you can reduce the amount heating fuel used for heating your home, and therefore your annual heating bills

Q: How Much Fuel Does Heating My Home use?
Again, this is really determined by many factors about your particular home. These factors include:
The size of your home (or the space you are heating)
Your home's insulation levels
How drafty your doors and windows are
How cold is it on average where you live

It is a safe bet to say that a single family home in a Northern Climate can use 4 or more 250 gallon heating oil tanks worth of heating fuel throughout a single year. With the price of heating oil today, this is tremendous cost and burden on most homeowners - but one that can easily be alleviated with a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System.

Q: What do I Heat My Home with Now?
Most people heat their home with a variety of different fuel sources. The most common fuel sources include:
Heating Oil
Propane
Natural Gas
Wood

The problem is that these fossil fuels are extremely dirty and bad for the environment. And, additionally, they are becoming extremely expensive, especially with the credit crunch that many Americans are facing today.

Q: How Much Money Does the Average Household Spend on Heating ?
Home Heating can account for more than 20% (and sometimes more than 30%) of your total annual energy costs.

Q: Why Should I use a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System for my Home Heating ?
There are many important reasons that you should use a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System. These include:
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems are good for environment, and will help maintain a healthy earth for generations to come
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems are extremely affordable, and priced hundreds of dollars lower than national competitors
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems can save your hundreds, or thousands, of dollars every year
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems are extremely efficient and cost-effective - generally our systems pay for themselves in 5-6 years OR LESS

You are already paying for a Solar Hot Water System - and will continue to do so - by paying a monthly hot water bill to your utility company or heating fuel provider - without any possibility of a payback
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems are SRCC Certified and Qualify for all major Federal and State Solar Incentives and Tax Credits

Pool, spa heaters

Q: Can I use Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems to Heat my Pool or Spa?
Yes. In fact, Pool Heating is considered one of the most affordable, efficient and cost-effective uses of Solar Hot Water Systems today. Heating a pool or spa can require a significant amount of propane, natural gas or electricity, and as energy prices continue to rise, it is becoming a more and more unnecessary and unaffordable expense. However, a heated pool often provides the benefit of being to swim earlier in the spring and later in the fall in all locations, and even all year round in some locations.

Q: What Components are needed for a Lisheng Solar Pool Heating System?
As with any other Lisheng Solar Hot Water System there are a number of key components that are required for a Lisheng Solar Pool Heater to work efficiently and properly. These components include:
Solar Collectors
Solar Loop Circulator Pump
Shell & Tube Heat Exchanger (Closed-Loop Systems only)
Automatic Controller
Actuator and 3-Way Valve
Your Existing Pool System: Timer, Pump, Filter, etc
Other Basic Plumbing Hardware: Pipes, Joints, Valves, Gauges, etc

Q: Why Should I use a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System for my Pool or Spa Heating?
There are many important reasons that you should use a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System. These include:
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems are good for environment, and will help maintain a healthy earth for generations to come
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems are extremely affordable, and priced hundreds of dollars lower than national competitors
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems can save your hundreds, or thousands, of dollars every year
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems are extremely efficient and cost-effective - generally our systems pay for themselves in 5-6 years OR LESS
You are already paying for a Solar Hot Water System - and will continue to do so - by paying a monthly hot water bill to your utility company or heating fuel provider - without any possibility of a payback
Lisheng Solar Hot Water Systems are SRCC Certified and Qualify for all major Federal and State Solar Incentives and Tax Credits

Install and sizing
Q: Can I Install my Lisheng Solar Hot Water Heater Myself?
Generally, if you have some basic plumbing knowledge, are comfortable working on the roof, and can handle some minor tasks, it is likely that you could install your Lisheng Solar Hot Water System yourself. In fact, assembly and installation of a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System requires the following skills or experience:
Assembly of Pre-facbricated Hardware
Basic Plumbing Design and Installation
Sweating Copper Pipe or PEX Tubing
Connection of AC Controller and Pump

Despite the relative ease of installing a Lisheng Solar Hot Water System, Lisheng still recommends that a trained plumber or solar installer install your solar hot water system, particularly if your system is for radiant heating, or a particularly large domestic hot water system.

Q: What Size Lisheng Solar Hot Water System do I Need?
This varies by every job and application. Here are some basic guidelines for sizing your Lisheng Solar Hot Water System:
Domestic Hot Water: The average person uses 20 gallons of hot water per day. Multiply this by the number of people who live in your home - this is the total hot water use of your household per day. Each Lisheng 20 Evacuated Tube Solar Collector will heat approximately 40 - 50 gallons of hot water each day. You can do the math from there.

Solar Pool Heating: The typical rule of thumb is to take 50 - 100% of the area of your pool. Your total collector area for your solar pool heater should be within this range. For more information, please see our Sizing Solar Pool Heaters Page on our sister site.

Q: What is the Best Angle to Install my Lisheng Solar Collectors at?
The general rule of thumb is to install your Lisheng Solar Collectors at your Latitude plus 15 degrees. However, if your roof's pitch falls within 5 - 10 degrees of this measurement, you can still simply flush mount your solar collectors to your roof without any loss of efficiency. Additionally, there are special installation angles designed to balance the performance of your systems between summer and winter operation. View these instructions here.

Q: What Direction Should I Install my Lisheng Solar Collectors?
You should install your solar collectors according to the following directions:
Northern Hemisphere: Install facing South
Southern Hemisphere: Install facing North
You should also know that your collectors should be installed facing "True South" not "Magnetic South" - this is know as your Azimuth, and a quick search online can tell you how many degrees plus or minus you need to move from magnetic south to true south.

Lisheng Commitment
Lisheng isdedicated and committed to delivering our customers:
The best Solar Hot Water Heaters, Systems, and Accessories
The most affordable and cost-effective prices on Solar Hot Water Heater Technologies
New and improved Solar Hot Water Heater Technologies
The information and education needed to choose the correct Solar Hot Water Heater for your application, location, and budget
Cutting edge technologies and product designs as they become commercially viable and available
A cleaner, more eco-friendly and cost-effective way of life to lower the ever-growing costs of living that will become more of a factor in our quality of our life

Thank you for choosing Lisheng Solar. Thank you for living cleaner!