Solar Sheet

Solar Heating: 60% to 65% of the total energy consumed by a household in the Northeast is for heating. Space heating is the single largest component of the household energy bill. Solar space heating systems vary widely in size, depending on the level of insulation in the house and the percentage of solar heating desired. For example, in a building with average insulation, a solar collector area equal to 8%-15% of heated floor space may provide 15%-25% of annual heating needs. This system also will provide all of the domestic hot water required during the summer. If the same system is also used to heat an outdoor swimming pool during the summer, the system is even more cost efficient.