Low Wisconsin Temperatures Clears Sky for Sunny Weather...Excellent for Solar Thermal!

Have you ever noticed that the coldest days in Wisconsin also are relatively SUNNY? These conditions are perfect for a solar thermal heating system. The lack of relative humidity, on bitter cold days, causes the skies to be free from haze (from water vapor) and cloud cover. Warmer air has the ability to hold more moisture.

For example the temperature outside in West Central Wisconsin today is 10F at 11am. It is a crystal clear sunny day. The temperature of solar fluid from a 10 panel array was 126F at 10am, is 142 at 11am, and it will continue to rise until 1pm. This hot solar fluid is sufficient to provide solar domestic hot water production and comfort space heating for the average Wisconsin home with no additional back-up space or water heating needed on this sunny day. This system will continue to resonate heat for a full 24 hours.

Clear skies and a high panel tilt to match the low winter sun angle gives the system the ability to have a higher temperature differential in winter than in summer. In winter, the system is producing 140F-160F degrees higher temperature than the outside air temperature. During summer operation the temperature differential is 110F-130F degrees above the outside air temperatures.

Solar heating, in Wisconsin, in the winter, is AWESOME!!
The above 8 panel system heats an indoor pool, domestic hot water, and radiant floor heat.

Above...panels with morning frost...below...frost quickly melts away...even in sub zero temperatures.