VELUX Introduces Solar Water Heating System to Canada

    
    Proven Green System Offers Durability - High Performance -
    Easy Installation
    

TORONTO , Nov. 24 /CNW/ - VELUX Canada Inc. is introducing a solar hot water heating system that has proven successful through years of service in the U.S. and Europe .

Nels Moxness, President of VELUX Canada , says that every solar water heating system installed in North America will help to reduce the nation's reliance on fossil fuels while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. "Solar water heating is another opportunity for individual homeowners to support the green movement in our country while realizing benefits now and for years to come," Moxness says.

VELUX, long a global leader in skylights and other solar control technology, designed its solar energy roof collectors to be aesthetically pleasing and to integrate well with rooflines while delivering exceptional energy collection capabilities. The units also integrate seamlessly with VELUX skylights. The collectors are certified by independent testing agencies and installers have completed advanced training to assure reliable installations.

The cost of installed systems will vary depending upon the volume of heated water required in a home. Two or three rooftop solar collector panels will usually be installed and solar hot water holding tanks are available in 80 and 120 gallon sizes.

Moxness says Federal, Municipal, and Provincial tax credits can offset thousands of dollars toward a system, varying by location across Canada . This, combined with savings on home energy bills, should result in an anticipated payback period of 3-7 years in most areas depending on geographic location, utility rates and other factors.

Richard Brunet , National Sales Manager, says that the systems can provide up to 75 percent of the demand for heating hot water in a home while replacing or adding on to an existing water heating system. Also, because the sun is free, you're protected from future fuel shortages and price hikes.

Solar energy systems can take advantage of this free energy source throughout the year as solar energy can be produced even at low temperatures. According to Brunet, the capacity for widespread use is a particularly attractive feature of the VELUX system. "We use a potable glycol in our system," Brunet says, "so it's suitable for use anywhere in Canada which is not the case with all solar water heating systems."

Brunet says that the VELUX system has a much lower system and installation cost than solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. "Basically, our system utilizes low-profile roof-top solar energy collectors to gather heat. An electronic controller activates a pump to feed the heated solution through insulated tubing to a solar hot water tank. The heat is transferred from the solution, through a heat exchanger, to the water in the insulated tank, where it is held until needed, and the potable glycol solution, which never enters the water supply, is returned to the collectors to be reused," said Brunet. He also points out that the solar collectors utilize the same proven flashing materials and techniques employed to install VELUX skylights.

VELUX is the world leader in skylights and roof windows and is one of the strongest brands in the global building materials sector. Consumers can access complete product information and can locate local suppliers and installation information, at www.velux.ca or by calling 1-800-888-3589. VELUX will mail consumers literature on the benefits of bringing more natural light and ventilation into the home and workplace and on skylight selection, as well as on solar water heating systems.

For further information: on the VELUX solar water heating system or to schedule an interview with a company spokesperson please contact: John Lindo, Public Relations, Cell: [phone], Email: [email protected]