Solar Vacuum Tube Domestic Hot Water Heater 40 Gal Start Price USD 1,749.99 Current Price USD 1,749.99 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, July 23, 2008 End Time Sunday, July 27, 2008 Location New Orleans, Louisiana See more about 'Solar Vacuum Tube Domestic Hot Water Heater 40 Gal' Description All Stainless Steel Vacuum Tube Solar Water HeaterYou are bidding on a vacuum tube type all stainless steel solar water heater, model RSTC20. This is the latest and by far the most efficient solar water heater technology. The collector area consists of 20 double walled vacuum insulated borosilicate (same as Pyrex) glass tubes approximately 60 inches long. Basically, the tubes function like thermos bottles. The outer wall is transparent, while the inner wall has a dark solar absorbtive coating. Between the two walls is a vacuum. Sunlight passes through the outer wall and is absorbed by the dark inner wall, thereby heating it. In the middle of the tube is a heat pipe, which conducts the heat to the water in the super insulated storage tank. Because of the vacuum, heat cannot be conducted back out through the collector tubes, so all the collected heat can only go into the water.Because of the heat pipes, there is no water in the glass collector tubes, so even if one breaks, the water will not leak out, and the system will continue to function normally, although with slightly less efficiency. The tank is tested to 150 PSI at the factory, and has a working pressure rating of 87 PSI. Normal house pressure is generally around 30-45 PSI. Each system includes a thermostatic mixing valve (sometimes called a tempering valve) which automatically mixes the heated water from the storage tank with incoming cold water to keep the delivered water at a constant temperature. This valve can be set to any desired temperature between 90 and 130 degrees F.Unlike the standard water heaters you can buy anywhere, these are constructed of 100% food grade (304) stainless steel, even including the stand and mounting bolts. Regular water heaters generally have a 5 year warranty, which is about how long they last before rusting out. These should last indefinitely (they have a 20 year factory warranty), and furthermore, you never have to pay for gas or electricity to run them. We have been installing these systems in Central America for the past two years, and are now making them available for use the USA.You will receive 1 40 gallon superinsulated all stainless steel water storage tank with thermostatically controlled 1.5 KW 220V backup heating element installed 1 all stainless steel mounting stand with reflector and stainless hardware 20 double wall evacuated glass tubes plus 2 spares 20 heat pipes 1 thermostatically controlled mixer assembly with safety pressure relief valve and necessary fittings detailed instructionsClick --HERE-- for some more info.And --HERE-- for yet more.And --HERE-- for yet more information and photos.And --HERE-- for a brief explanation of how the system works.Also --HERE-- for some answers to frequently asked questions.If you install one of these systems, you may be eligible for tax credits or or other incentives, which vary by location. Click --HERE-- to see details of an index of incentives by state. Shipping will be by motor carrier, or you can pick up your system in New Orleans. Email us for a shipping/packing quote. The cost will probably be under $375, depending on location. If it can be delivered to a commercial address with a loading dock, the cost will be lower than to a residential address.If you want to spend less money and get much less quality, Click --HERE-- to see the Northern Tool offering. It is the same idea, except non pressurized not stainless only 26 gallon tank no heat pipes only 14 tubes no thermostatic mixing valve no reflector no technical assistanceThis is a photo of a system we installed at 1001 Broad Street, New Orleans. It is identical to what you are bidding on. This is one on a home in Chimaltenango, Guatemala: And here is one on a hospital in Zaragosa, Guatemala: This is a separated system 24 tube collector assembly: Place a Bid!