Here's a short education on how it works:

A southern facing position of your sunroom is preferred, however, east or west facing will be able to take advantage of the sun rising/setting

During the Fall/Winter/Spring seasons, the sun stays low in the sky allowing free heat into the vertical walls of your solar collector sunroom. The "Heat Repellent" series roof glazing traps the solar heat in the upper area of the room.

A thru-the-wall fan placed high in the sunroom is added to the room design, along with a thermostat and seasonal shutoff switch

The thermostat will automatically cycle the fan on when the sunroom temperature reaches about 75 degrees, delivering free heat to your home

A separate sunroom zone heat source may also be installed

with a lower temperature setting so you may also enjoy your sunroom addition on those cold winter nights

Space Heating

A solar space-heating system can consist of a passive system, an active system, or a combination of both. Passive systems are typically less costly and less complex than active systems. However, when retrofitting a building, active systems might be the only option for obtaining solar energy.

Passive Solar Space Heating

Passive solar space heating takes advantage of warmth from the sun through design features, such as large south-facing windows, and materials in the floors or walls that absorb warmth during the day and release that warmth at night when it is needed most. A sunspace or greenhouse is a good example of a passive system for solar space heating.

Passive solar design systems usually have one of three designs:

• Direct gain (the simplest system) stores and slowly releases heat energy collected from the sun shining directly into the building and warming materials such as tile or concrete. Care must be taken to avoid overheating the space.

• Indirect gain (similar to direct gain) uses materials that hold, store, and release heat; the material is located between the sun and living space (typically the wall).

• Isolated gain collects solar energy remote from the location of the primary living area. For example, a sunroom attached to a house collects warmer air that flows naturally to the rest of the house.

Federal Solar Tax Credits Extended for 8 Years

US Poised to Become Largest Solar Market in the World

Solar Energy Industries Association www.seia.org

October 3, 2008 News Release

Home Solar Energy Tax Credit. Bush Signs Energy Bill with $14.5 Billion in Tax Incentives: The bill would allow a 30% tax credit to homeowners (up to a maximum of $2,000) for installing solar energy equipment. The law both increases tax credits for commercial solar installations and offers individual home owners a credit for the first time in 20 years. (An earlier personal-use solar credit was in effect from 1979 to 1985.)

Interested in claiming a credit? Act fast. To hold down the projected cost, Congress authorized the solar credits for only two years--from Jan. 1, 2006, through Dec. 31, 2007 has now been extended 8 years

click here to read article.

Scroll to the bottom for more links and tax credit information.

115 KAR 2:020. Income tax credit for active solar, passive solar, wind, and geothermal energy systems.

SEE SECTION 3 BELOW FOR GUIDELINES.

Section 3. Passive Solar Systems. (1) To qualify as a passive solar system, the system must consist of south facing glazing, storage mass where necessary to prevent overheating, and a method of isolating the storage mass from the outdoor climatic conditions. A passive solar system must utilize the materials which form the enclosure to collect, store, and distribute the solar energy, usually by nonmechanical means. Qualifying systems must be one (1) of the following types - direct gain passive solar systems, indirect gain passive solar systems, or attached solariums.

      (a) To qualify as a direct gain passive solar system, the following conditions must be met:

      1. The glazing must face within thirty (30) degrees of due south (except when the glazing is slanted, then the angle deviation from due south may be such that the equivalent solar radiation between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. (solar time) is at least equal to vertical glazing facing within thirty (30) degrees of due south);

      2. Sufficient storage mass must exist which represents the minimum heat storage capacity required by the ratio of the passive solar glazing area to the floor area of the direct gain space. The minimum heat storage capacity must be equivalent to .06 cubic feet of concrete or masonry, or .17 gallons of water per square foot of floor area of the direct gain space. Where the ratio of the passive solar glazing area to the floor area of the direct gain space does not exceed sixteen (16) percent, additional storage mass beyond normal home furnishings and wall finishes is not required; and

      3. Movable insulation of at least R-3 value must be available to shield the glazing, or the solar collection surface must be double glazed.

      (b) To qualify as an indirect gain passive solar system, the following conditions must be met:

      1. The glazing must face within thirty (30) degrees of due south (except when the glazing is slanted, then the angle deviation from due south may be such that the equivalent solar radiation between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. (solar time) is at least equal to vertical glazing facing within thirty (30) degrees of due south); and

      2. Indirect gain passive solar systems include but are not limited to thermosiphon collectors (also known as dayheaters) and Trombe walls.

      (c) To qualify as a solarium, the following conditions must be met:

      1. The glazing must face within thirty (30) degrees of due south (except when the glazing is slanted, then the angle deviation from due south may be such that the equivalent solar radiation between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. (solar time) is at least equal to vertical glazing facing within thirty (30) degrees of due south);

      2. A mechanism must exist to transport the excess heat to the conditioned environment;

      3. Sufficient storage mass must exist which represents the minimum heat storage capacity required by the ratio of the passive solar glazing area to the solarium floor area. The minimum heat storage capacity must be equivalent to .33 cubic feet of concrete or masonry, or 1.04 gallons of water per each square foot of glazing; and

      4. The solarium must be thermally isolated from the conditioned space by an equivalent R-3 insulation, or R-3 movable insulation must be available to cover the glazed area, or the glazed area must be double glazed.

      (2) Any components which are designed as part of the passive solar systems as described in this section and are reasonably necessary for its efficient and useful operation will qualify. Such components may include but are not limited to the following:

      (a) Glazing materials and other materials to seal the glazing, and the supporting structure for the glazing.

      (b) Storage mass may include:

      1. Floors if built of masonry, slate, or other appropriate materials, if insulated around the perimeter or underneath the floor.

      2. Walls if built of masonry, water, or other thermal storage materials.

      (c) Movable insulation if it has an equivalent of R-3 or greater insulating value and is sealed around the edges. Included are ropes, tracks, pulleys, motors, and other devices for the movement and/or storage of insulation, provided that the sole purpose of these items is to move and store the insulation.

      (d) Devices for controlling heat loss or heat gain, or for distributing heat. Such devices may include awnings, overhangs, shade screens, attached lattice work, and fans.

Designed into every Sierra is the highest degree of thermal integrity possible. Which translates into an incredible energy efficiency up to 200% better then other sunroom type rooms.

Here's why. Most manufacturers start with a reasonably well-insulated design, then put their units together with metal screws or bolts! Each one of these hundreds of fasteners conducts heat and cold right through the so called thermally broken frame, and hapless homeowners lose money trying to stay comfortable. Moreover, if just a few of the screws or bolts are tightened too much or too little, stresses are created in the frame & glazing which can result in drafts or worse.

Sierra's exclusive nylon clip assembly system is proven thermally broken. The clips enable Sierra to go together faster, more easily, and with even pressure between frame, gasket & glass. The thermal break is preserved, and your heating bills will reflect it.

• Heavy gauge ridged framed extruded tubular aluminum
  
• Stainless Steel hardware
  
• Heavy-duty E.P.D.M 5-fin gasketing around each pane of glass
  
• Bronze or White Polycron Frame Finish
  
• Curved or Straight-eave design
  
• Over 300 standard models
  
• Only SAFETY glass is used
  
  

Also available:

• Sun-Clean Self cleaning glass by PPG
  
• High-Performance Glazing for maximum comfort & efficiency
  
• Custom color frame finishes
  

Can't Install a Fan in the Ceiling? Don't Worry

This WhisperWall fan was designed specifically for through-the-wall mounting to provide ventilation in rooms where a ceiling mounted fan is not possible. An exterior hood with a backdraft damper is included to finish off the job.

So Quiet You Might Not Know it's On
This fan features a totally enclosed condenser motor and a large, double suction blower wheel to quietly move air. A small wheel turning very fast will create more noise than a large wheel turning more slowly for a given airflow. Our fan uses a wide blower wheel that moves a large amount of air at reduced RPMs. The blower wheel is also designed to draw air in from both sides, which helps keep the noise down, as there is more area for the air to enter the wheel. In fact, it is quiet enough that you might not even know it's on.

Continuous, Trouble-free Operation for Many Years

This fan is designed to give you continuous, trouble-free operation for many years thanks in part to its high-quality components and permanently lubricated motors which wear at a slower pace. Also, since heat is always detrimental to motor life (the cooler the environment, the longer the motor will last), we designed the electrical configuration of this model's condenser motor to allow it to operate at lower temperatures, increasing the life of the motor and bearings. And, the fan housing is made of heavy-gauge zinc galvanized steel and painted to protect it from rust.

Energy Starr® Qualified for Energy Savings

Energy Star qualified products feature super-quiet operation and high CFM-to-Watt efficiency. The Energy Star program was created to help consumers identify products that can save them money and protect the environment by saving energy. As an Energy Star partner, all our fans are Energy Star qualified and labeled accordingly.

Tired of Cold Air Coming Through Your Ventilation Fan?

This fan has a built-in damper to prevent backdraft, which helps to prevent outside air from coming through the fan. Also, thanks to our efficient, cool running motors and fluorescent bulbs, it does not create excessive heat-a common problem with recessed lighting fixtures and some competitors' fan/light combinations. Loose fill or batt insulation can be placed directly over the fan housing to prevent heat from escaping.

• Super quiet operation.
• Energy Star qualified.
• Easy installation.
• Contemporary grille design.
• Totally enclosed condenser motor for long life-rated for continuous run.
• Rust proof paint treatment on galvanized housing.
• Built-in damper to prevent back draft.
• UL listed for tub/shower enclosure when used with a GFCI branch circuit wire.
• Thermal fuse protection.
• Meets Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code.
• Hood with back draft damper included.

Additional links for more info about Solar Collectors

http://www.makeitsolar.com/solar-energy-information/03-solar-power.htm

http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/info/documents/pdfs/29236.pdf

http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/construction/solardesign/greenhouses.html

DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Choose one or both databases to search:

http://www.dsireusa.org

Click Here to see a small sample of our 600 standard sizes.