FAQ - Apex Renewable Energy Systems

Solar | Ground Source |

Solar Thermal Energy

Q. It is not very sunny today. Will the Apex system work?

A. Although they work best in direct sunlight, very good performance will be given in the indirect light (or diffuse radiation) of a cloudy day.

Q. Will the system work at night?

A. No, the system only works in daylight. At some times of the year there is insufficient daylight and that is why your system has a fossil fuel back up that will cover your needs at these times.

Q. I have heard that global warming is caused by carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. How much of these gases does my Apex Solar Hot Water System produce?

A. Your Apex Solar Hot Water System produces no emissions whatsoever. It is entirely without any discharge of greenhouse gases or other pollution.

Q. How much carbon dioxide does my system save?

A. We estimate that your system will save one ton of carbon dioxide a year. Over the life of the system each system will have saved dozens of tons.

Q. Surely energy was used in order to make the collectors?

A. Yes it was but the energy used in manufacturing the system will be recovered after only two years use in this country.

Q. Will the system still work in very cold weather?

A. Yes, the system will work in much colder temperatures than we experience in this country. However, it will not work if the panel is covered by snow as this will prevent light striking the absorber plate. Some of our collectors are fitted to Alpine Hotels where really cold weather is experienced and they work perfectly in conditions of up to minus 30 degrees Celsius.

Q. What should I do if it snows?

A. Nothing. If snow collects on the glass surface of the collector it will rapidly melt. In fact the design is such that it will melt more rapidly from the collector surface than it will melt for other parts of your roof.

Q. I have noticed some bird droppings or dust or other dirt on the collector; shall I wash them off?

A. There is no need to. They will not significantly impair performance and when it next rains they will be washed off.

Q. Shall I switch off the Solar System when I go away on holiday?

A. No – it is better to keep it on.

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)

Q. How efficient is a GSHP?

A. The GSHP is one of the most efficient residential heating and cooling systems available today, with heating efficiencies 50 to 70% higher than other heating systems and cooling efficiencies 20 to 40% higher than available air conditioners. That directly translates into savings for you on your utility bills.

Q. Can one system provide both space heating and cooling for my home? And what about heating hot water?

A. Yes. A GSHP can be a combination heating/cooling and hot water heating system. You can change from one mode to another with a simple flick on your indoor thermostat. Using a desuperheater, some GSHPs can save you up to 50% on your water-heating bill by preheating tank water.

Q. How does a Ground Source Heat Pump system heat water for my home?

A. Using what is called a desuperheater, GSHPs turn waste heat to the task of heating hot water. During the summer, when the system is in cooling mode, your hot water is produced free as a byproduct of the thermal process. In winter, with the heating mode, the desuperheater heats a portion of your hot water. Desuperheaters are standard on some units, optional on others. Stand-alone systems that will heat water all year around can be purchased.

Q. How much space does a GSHP unit require?

A. Most of a GSHP installation is underground. Inside the house, the heat pump units are about the same size as a traditional heating and cooling unit.

Q. How long will my GSHP system last?

A. GSHPs are durable and highly reliable. The GSHP contains fewer mechanical components, and all components are either buried in the ground or located inside the home, which protects them from outside conditions. The underground pipe carries up to a 50-year warranty.

Q. How noisy is the Ground Source Heat Pump unit?

A. GSHPs are very quiet, providing a pleasant environment inside & outside of the home.

Q. How safe are GSHPs?

A. GSHP systems are safe and protected. With no exposed equipment outdoors, children or pets cannot injure themselves or damage exterior units. GSHPs have no open flame, flammable fuel or potentially dangerous fuel storage tanks.

Q. What about comfort?

A. A GSHP system moves warm air (90-105F) throughout your home or business via standard ductwork. An even comfort level is created because the warm air is moved in slightly higher volumes and saturates the building with warmth more evenly. This helps even out hot or colds spots and eliminates the cold air blasts common with fossil fuel furnaces.

Q. How effective is this underground system?

A. The buried pipe, or ground loop, is the most recent technical advancement in heat pump technology. Recently, new heat pump designs and improved buried pipe materials have been combined to make GSHP systems the most efficient heating and cooling systems available.

Q. Are GSHP systems guaranteed?

A. Nearly all GSHP system manufacturers offer a warranty for major components that is equivalent to the warranties for conventional heating and cooling systems. Manufacturers of plastic pipe used for ground loops warrant their products for 50 years.
Can these systems be used for commercial, industrial, or apartment requirements?
Yes! Many GSHP systems are being installed using a multitude of systems hooked up to an array of buried vertical or horizontal loops. This simplifies zone control and internal load balancing.