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Solar is really hot in the residential market right now (no pun intended). With everyone looking to cash in on federal and state tax credits, remodelers are faced with the challenge of weighing their options and offerings for homeowners. Among what can be done in the solar arena, FAFCO is bringing in simple solutions for solar hot water.
In the April issue of Qualified Remodeler, we brought you FAFCO's Hot2o system. This solar hot water system can save homeowners up to 50 percent on water heating bills and uses polymer solar collectors to channel water and absorb heat from the sun. The circulation module transfers the heat from the solar collectors to the homeowners' hot water tank. The solar heated water in the hot water tank is then available for use. When not in operation, the water in the solar collectors drains back to the wall-mounted drainback tank to prevent any chance for the water to freeze.
"Our products all address the need of our country to increase our use of renewable energy and recognize that solar water heating can play a significant part," says Freeman Ford, president of FAFCO in Chico, Calif. "They also seek to correct the degree to which our country has fallen behind other countries in taking renewable energy leadership."
Founded in 1969 by Freeman A. Ford and Richard O. Rhodes, FAFCO was launched as a solution to expensive solar pool heating that utilized glazed copper collectors. With annual sales exceeding $18 million, FAFCO prides itself on providing high-quality, long-lasting products that help customers save money on energy costs and reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional energy sources.
"FAFCO's solar hot water systems are unique in that our 10-year collaboration with the Department of Energy resulted in a complete 'System in a Box,' says Ford. "Furthermore, this box can be shipped to any geography, through any channel to all markets for a cost of shipping of less than $50."
Revolution is FAFCO's commercial-grade solar system which provides contractors with an eco-friendly solar solution that installs in half the time of traditional solar products. Two to three of these units can be installed per day. FAFCO's next step is to increase performance of these existing systems and to adapt its current technology to commercial applications where the energy demand is much higher as in fitness clubs, textile mills, etc.
"Remodelers can reduce the amount of time they spend on a solar energy system installation, increase their profit margins and provide greater value to their customers," says Ford.