TrendSetter's main product, complete fully integrated Solar Hot Water Systems are actually a combination of product and service. The solar hot water systems are unique in their scalability from 100 gallons to 1800 gallons of storage. TrendSetter systems have an SRCC solar efficiency factor of up to 10 times greater than their competitors.

Piggyback System

• Saves space
• Transfers solar heat 24 hours a day by natural convection
• Uses no electrical power from the grid
• Passively optimizes solar storage capacity
• Provides damping of temperature swings

Solar Operation

The generic description of the system is classified as a drain-back system. The non pressurized solar storage tank (1) contains 40 gallons of tap water initially filled from a garden hose or the fill line. The level gage (12) shows when the tank is filled to the proper level. The tank water does not mix with the potable hot water discharged at the fixtures. When the sun comes up, the PV panel (2) receives sunlight. The controller (3) conditions the voltage and provides power to the dc pump (4) for a soft start and maximizes the power output of the PV panel (2). The water in the tank gradually heats up as water is circulated from the tank through the 5 micron filter (13) to the solar collector (6) and back to the tank. The phase change material (7) will melt as the water in the tank begins to exceed 115oF. This process will significantly improve the thermal performance of
the system.

Transfer of Solar Heat to the Water Heater

Cold water normally enters the water heater (8) through the cold inlet at the top of the tank. The ball valve (11) blocks off this path and diverts the cold water through the heat exchanger (9) to “solar heat” the water before it enters the tank at the P&T valve (12) location near the top of the tank. The check valve (5) prevents the cold water from entering the tank at the discharge port at the bottom of the tank.

Natural Thermal Convection

The water heater (8) is also passively thermally coupled through the heat exchanger connections at locations P&T valve (12) and check valve (5). The normal temperature of water heater (8) is 120oF. Normally the temperature at the bottom of a tank type water heater would be approximately 90oF when the top of the tank is 120oF. Hot water wants to rise to the top because it is less dense than cold water. We use this principle to transfer the solar energy from the solar storage tank (1) to the water heater (8) once the temperature in the solar tank exceeds the water temperature at the bottom of the water heater tank.

Apricus Solar

Apricus Evacuated Tube Solar Collector (Thermal solar heating)

The Apricus Solar Collector or Solar Water Heater is a device that absorbs thermal energy from the sun and converts it into usable heat. The heat is normally absorbed by water, or a freeze resistant water mix, which can then be used to supplement hot water heating, space heating and even space cooling via use of an absorption chiller or dessicant cooler technology.

Below are the key features of the Apricus Solar Collector design.

1. Internationally certified product
2. Reliable, efficient, twin-glass evacuated tubes
3. Copper heat pipes for rapid heat transfer
4. Easy plug-in installation
5. Maintenance Free
6. Suitable for mains pressure water (up to 8 bar/116psi)
7. Corrosion resistant silver brazed copper header
8. All stainless steel frame (439 grade SS)
9. Black or Silver aluminium casing
10. Stable solar conversion throughout the day (tubes passively track the sun)
11. The perfect solar collector for domestic solar water heater systems
12. Ideal for commercial solar water heating applications
13. Comprehensive 10 year limited warranty

The operation of the solar collector is very simple.
1. Solar Absorption: Solar radiation is absorbed by the evacuated tubes and converted into heat.
2. Solar Heat Transfer: Heat pipes conduct the heat from within the solar tube up to the header.
3. Solar Energy Storage: Water is ciruclated through the header, via intermittent pump cycling. Each time the water circulates through the header the temperatures is raised by 5-10oC / 9-18oF. Throughout the day, the water in the storage tank is gradually heated.

Tankless Water Heaters

Each tank comes standard with one heat exchanger for domestic hot water pre-heat. Any number of heat exchangers can be added to the tank to increase capacities or can be mounted high and low in the tank to perform a variety of functions like spa heating, closed loop radiant floor heating or even snow melting. Tanks also include tank level indicators, 10K sensors (one high and one low) in water tight dip tubes, a pump flange for a solar pump with fill and drain port and a passive vacuum breaker and condensate breather system for low maintenance. Tanks are lined with seamless EPDM have a 20 year warranty against leaking. These tanks have an indefinite life expectancy and may be located outside.