Solar Information Library

Thank you for your interest in our solar energy systems. We have found that the following materials are useful to the customer who wants a deeper understanding of the things that affect the utilization of solar energy. Some of the publications are written in technical or scientific language and other are written in layman’s language.

Some of the documents are in PDF format which requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
You many download the latest version here.

Radiantec Publications

Solar Energy and the Environment

A position paper by Robert Starr that illustrates our environmental challenges and the role of the direct utilization of solar energy in their remediation.

Solar Energy Fundamentals

The basics about solar energy phenomena including the solar energy resource, solar collector design, solar storage, heat transfer cooling, etc.

The Basic Solar Domestic Water Heater Installation Manual

The “Radiantec Basic Solar Domestic Water Heater” is a pre engineered “packaged” residential solar water heater that will provide abundant quantities of domestic hot water for a typical residential family. The “Radiantec Basic Solar Domestic Water Heater” can also serve as a point of departure for more versatile solar energy systems that will also provide underfloor radiant heat, snow melting, pool heating and solar assisted gardening. This system is designed to meet the requirements of various tax credit authorities

The Basic Solar Domestic Water Heater Owners Manual

The “Radiantec Basic Solar Domestic Water Heater” is a pre engineered “packaged” residential solar water heater that will provide abundant quantities of domestic hot water for a typical residential family. The “Radiantec Basic Solar Domestic Water Heater” can also serve as a point of departure for more versatile solar energy systems that will also provide underfloor radiant heat, snow melting, pool heating and solar assisted gardening. This system is designed to meet the requirements of various tax credit authorities

The Radiantec Commitment to Research & Development

The Radiantec Commitment to Research & Development” is a summary of findings related to the following questions:

 

  1. What is the most effective tubing size and circuit length? How does this affect performance?
  2. Should you use aluminum heat transfer plates? What is the effect on performance? How thick should they be?
  3. How can you maximize heating performance and efficiency?
  4. How can you lower pumping costs?
  5. How can you control back losses so that heat goes in the right direction?

Evaluation Reports (technical language)

US Department of Energy Report

A detailed technical evaluation of the Solar Option One Heating System by Radiantec Company that uses solar collectors to heat a radiant solar panel slab. The report shows a considerable improvement in terms of efficiency, performance, initial cost and architectural flexibility.

Performance Evaluation Of A Hybrid Solar Heating System Having A Radiant Panel Slab

This is a four page scientific paper that provides a concise summary of the DOE Report.

Magazine Articles (layman’s language)

Rodale’s NEW SHELTER Article

This is an important article by Fred Langa, Senior Editor that describes in layman’s language the Solar Option One solar heating system and goes on to relate the general principles behind the successful construction of a solar heating system.

Solar Engineering and Contracting Article

A slightly more technical description of the Solar Option One heating system by Radiantec, for engineers and contractors.

Other Resources

US Solar Radiation Resource Maps

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory predicts the average amount of solar energy available on a monthly basis.

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