Standard/Direct Kit ProgressiveTube system uses a stand-alone configuration as the single source for providing hot water.
Function: When hot water is required, solar heated water is drawn from the collector unit and distributed directly to the points-of-use.
Applications: Best suited for use in equatorial and tropical type climates where hot-to-very-hot temperatures exist year round
[such as the Caribbean, Central Africa, northern South American] and conventional water heaters are rarely used, or electrical power
is unavailable - but free hot water is desired or required.
Performance: Hot water output is dependant on available solar radiation, and may be temporarily interrupted by inclement weather.
Control Valve: No control valve is necessary.
Deluxe/2-Way Kit ProgressiveTube system used in conjunction with a conventional water heater, or an instantaneous water heater.
Function: When hot water is required, solar heated water is drawn from the unit directly into a conventional or tankless water heater, thus eliminating or reducing electricity or gas usage required for heating water. Hot water is then distributed directly to the points-
of-use. The water heater must remain turned on to provide backup heat as required, and to maintain a ready supply of hot water.
Applications: Well suited for use in tropical, sub-tropical "SunBelt", and temperate type climates where mild-to-hot temperatures exist year round and conventional water heaters are always used - and free hot water is desired or required.
Performance: Hot water output is dependant on available solar radiation. Backup provides constant supply when solar performance is temporarily interrupted by inclement weather.
Control Valve: A manual 2-Way plumbing configuration allows for isolation of the ProgressivTube system for maintenance or winterizing, and is typically adjusted on a seasonal basis only.
Premium/3-Way Kit ProgressiveTube system used in conjunction with a conventional water heater, or an instantaneous water heater.
Function: When hot water is required, solar heated water is drawn from the unit directly into a conventional or tankless water heater, thus eliminating or reducing electricity or gas usage required for heating water. Hot water is then distributed directly to the points-
of-use. The water heater must remain turned on only when in the backup mode to provide heat as required, and to maintain a ready supply of hot water.
Applications: Well suited for use in tropical, sub-tropical "SunBelt", and temperate type climates where mild-to-hot temperatures exist year round and conventional water heaters are always used - and free hot water is desired or required. It allows the selection of direct solar or solar with backup heater.
Performance: Hot water output is dependant on available solar radiation. Backup provides constant supply when solar performance is temporarily interrupted by inclement weather.
Control Valve: A manual 3-Way plumbing configuration allows
direct operation during periods when there is sufficient solar energy and no backup is required, and is typically adjusted when sporadic inclement weather conditions reduce solar effectiveness.
This maximizes overall operating efficiency and eliminates standby heat loss from the backup heater. The valves also allow for isolation of the ProgressivTube for maintenance or winterizing.
Single Collector Panel does not include any plumbing or control components [purchased separately in the Parts & Supplies section].
It is intended for:
add-on collector panels to Standard, Deluxe, or Premium System
Kits when additional panels are desired to increase capacity
large commercial projects requiring multiple collector panels
replacement change-out of damaged or obsolete collector panels
custom applications requiring only the use of collector panels
Cold Climate Applications:
Although ProgressivTube is ideally suited for equatorial, tropical,
sub-tropical, and temperate applications, all ProgressivTube kits can also be installed in colder climates as a "Three Season" system.
During the summer, and even in the early spring and late fall seasons, a ProgressivTube system continues to provide total, or
a substantial portion, of hot water requirements. Simply drain the system during winter months when freeze proofing is required,
and low sun levels do not allow for efficient operation.
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System Selection ป Unit Sizing Chart
Kit Contents Single Collector Panel w/Panel Mounting Kit includes:
ProgressivTube Solar Collector Unit
Mounting Hardware Kit - choose from flush, fixed, or tilt
Mounting Selection:
Flush Mount - underside of unit attaches directly to the mounting surface. For tile roof applications where the tile roofing is installed around the unit, or use with angled rack mounts.
Fixed Mount - aluminum frame supports unit slightly above mounting surface. For shingle or tile roof applications where a space is desired between the mounting surface and the unit to allow for air flow and rain runoff.
Tilt Mount - aluminum frame supports unit slightly above mounting surface, plus tilts collector to desired angle for increased solar performance. Can also be used for ground mounts applications [cement pad or footings required].
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ProgressivTube is made by Thermal Conversion Technologies, Americas oldest manufacturer of solar heating systems, and the leader in integrated solar energy solutions since 1985. Their unique passive design offers lower initial costs, simplified installations, and excellent savings potential over the 25 year + design life.
ProgressivTube Advanced Features:
The ProgressivTube passive solar heater is a self-contained unit that acts as a solar collector and storage tank integrated into one unit.
In a typical installation, most ProgressivTube systems utilize the panel unit as a pre-heater to a conventional or instantaneous water heater. ProgressivTube systems can also be used as a stand-alone heater when no backup is required.
Unique Attributes ProgressivTube is rated as a passive system because it has no moving parts - and operates using the local water pressure and solar radiation. There are no pumps or controls to maintain and no electrical energy is required to make it function. ProgressivTube systems circulate the heat cost free on the basic principle of physics - hot water rises and cold water falls.
The highly effective collector/storage tank of the ProgressivTube absorbs solar radiation through its high tech surface coating - which rapidly and dramatically raises the temperature of the water stored in the collector.
Superior Technology ProgressivTube collectors are highly insulated with special closed cell foam, and the unit is double glazed for maximized heat retention. Eight copper tubes are welded into a "series" flow pattern - so that the top of the lower tube feeds the bottom of the next tube. This allows the ProgressivTube to contain the colder replacement water in the lower tubes where it is heated by the sun as it flows from one tube to the next.
Innovation Each time hot water is used, the ProgressivTube's innovative ICS design [Integrated Collector Storage] eliminates the cooling down of the remaining heated water that normally occurs in other types of batch heaters. Not only does this design ensure the delivery of the hottest water, but it also provides more hot water, at a higher temperature, and with a faster recovery time, than other brands with similar capacity.
ProgressivTube Highlights:
Glazing Gaskets A continuous gasket made of special long life EDPM synthetic rubber is compressed by the glazing caps to seal out the weather. The inner glazing spline is made of high-temperature tolerant EPDM.
Glazing Outer glazing is a tempered low-iron solar glass with
91% transmittance. Inner glazing is Teflon film, known for its high temperature tolerance [525ฐF] and its long term durability and stability, with 96% transmittance. The 3/4" air space between glazings reduces heat loss.
Fluid Connection Inlet and outlet connections are made of
3/4" diameter Type L hard copper pipes. This allows for fast,
leak-free "sweat fit" soldering of plumbing connections.
Absorber / Storage Tank Constructed entirely of copper, the
4" diameter tubes are welded to the interconnecting pipes to form a "series" flow pattern. Each tank is pressure rated to 300 psi and is coated with a high-temperature selective solar radiation absorption surface that maximizes heat gain and reduces heat loss.
Insulation Rigid closed cell polyisocyanurate foam board, the most efficient available, is used to maximize heat retention. Sides and ends of the unit have 1.5" board, R-value 10; bottom has 2" board, R-value 14; between tubes have 1.5" board, R-value 10.
Collector Case The baked-on bronze acrylic finish of the [hard temper T6] extruded aluminum frame wall, and glazing caps [alloy 6061], assures years of attractive rust-free appearance. All rivets and bolts are aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum .025" back.
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Installation: An average skilled handy person can easily manage a new installation, a custom installation, or a basic replacement panel change-out using the SINGLE PANEL Kit w/Panel Mounting Kit.
The Standard, Deluxe or Premium Complete Kit models are designed specifically to accommodate the average do-it-yourselfer, and are highly recommended for most residential installations. Complete Kit models offer a inclusive parts list that incorporates the plumbing and manual control components necessary for a hassle-free installation.
Plus Deluxe and Premium kits allow easy connection to most major water heater manufacturers: GE, Rheem, State, etc.
IMPORTANT Installation Note:
The best time to install a solar heater is when a home is being built.
The homeowner will immediately be in a positive cash flow position because the utility savings are far greater than the mortgage payment increment for the solar water heater.
[Read the "Benefits of Solar" section at the end of the scroll].
Download ป ProgressivTube Installation Manual PDF Format
Download ป ProgressivTube Warranty PDF Format
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Function: Raises water temperature as high as 140+ degrees
Benefits: Heats water by capturing the suns natural FREE heat
Product Applications:
All kits suited for residential and commercial use
Easily connected to most existing hot water heaters
Can be installed on almost any residence as a retrofit
System panels can mount to roof, ground, or ground rack
Installs on all roof types: shingle, wood shake, metal, and tile
Structural options: flat or pitched roof, balcony, or facade
Excellent for residential, condo, resort, hotel, marina,
vacation cabin, sports complex, summer camp, industrial site,
any outdoor / remote location, anywhere electricity is not
available for heating water, or where green technology is
desired, or specified by building or engineering codes, plus
large agricultural, commercial and industrial facilities, plus
large sail boats, catamarans, luxury motor yachts, etc.
Product Features:
Provides a generous supply of hot water for average size family
Heater reaches temperature up to 140ฐF+, stores 30-50 gallons
Hot water storage constantly renewed throughout the day
Generates solar heat worldwide, even in colder climates!
Captures FREE energy from totally natural source the Sun!
Zero operating costs - and requires little to no maintenance
Eco-friendly, economical, straightforward, and trouble-free
Collector unit blends to roofline with sky-light appearance
Do-it-yourself friendly project; average 6-8 hour installation
Easy to read installation manual; step-by-step diagrams
Project feasible for average handy-person using basic hand tools
Simplified connections to any water heater reduces installation's
labor time and/or need for custom engineering inside of structure
System utilizes the basic principle of physics - hot water rises
and cold water falls - to circulate water within unit
10-Year Factory Warranty - including freeze protection
Top rated by FSEC - and certified for passive solar heating
performance by the Florida Solar Energy Center
System rated to resist hurricane force 120mph wind load -
actual installations were undamaged by Hurricane Hugo's
sustained 180 mph winds and gusts in excess of 230 mph
No or minimal repair bills over system's 25 year design life -
original systems are still in operation since 1985!
Proper kit selection supported by customer service agent
Installation supported by solar engineer tech assistance
Toll-Free help line and/or online e-mail tech support
Worldwide shipping delivered right to your doorstep
Product Specifications:
ProgressivTube - highest quality water heater in solar industry
Backed up with best customer warranty offered today
Panels designed to exceed commercial grade specifications
Highest panel life expectancy; typically lasts 25+ years
Anti-corrosive - resists oxidation by salt air of seaside climates
Heat absorbed by high-tech thermal conductive cylinders
LINK ป PT Series Technical Specifications
Model numbers and Metric / US specs
Volumetric Capacity, Gross Area, Dry/Wet Weight
Transparent Frontal Area, Test Pressure, Design Pressure
Maximum Design Temp, Normal Operating Temp
Installation, Roof Mounting, and Plumbing Diagrams
Manufacturer: Thermal Conversion Technologies
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Benefits of Solar: A properly sized ProgressivTube solar system will raise water temperature as high as 140+ degrees.
In addition to heating the water, your hot water reserves can be increased by as much as 50 percent, if the system is combined with
a conventional or instantaneous gas or electric heater serving as a backup unit.
Other benefits include increased equity in the home, a 25% return on your investment, plus the BONUS of hot water during power outages!
Additional financial/ethical benefits of solar water heating to consider;
Reduce monthly household operating expenses
Free-up cash for discretionary purposes, savings, etc
Save money without reducing comfort or convenience
Conserve resources and reduce air pollution
As with all solar water heaters, the total amount of solar contribution to the system is dependent upon the hot water consumption pattern, daily weather conditions, and variable amounts of available sunlight throughout the year.
Energy Cost Savings and Return on Investment [ROI]:
An average family of four uses 70 gallons of hot water per day -
at a cost of $640 per year*
The typical solar water heater will save 80% of heating costs -
or $512.00 per year
A typical heater with hardware will cost:
Do-it-yourself Kit - $2900
Contractor installation - $4500
The tax-free return on investment would be:
Do-it-yourself Kit - 25.2% ROI [$512 / ($2900 less 30% Federal Tax Credit)]
Contractor installation - 16.3% ROI [$512 / ($4500 less 30% Federal Tax Credit)]
*Based on 72ฐF incoming water heated to 140ฐF in Florida with an electric rate of $0.12 per kilowatt plus standby heat loss from a new water heater. Your savings may vary based on your usage, temperature, climate and electric rate.
Calculate your own Tax-Free Return On Investment [ROI]:
$ _____ Estimated Savings
$ _____ Divided by Unit Cost
%_____ Equals ROI
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Delivery Information: ProgressivTube Kits are engineered to fulfill each customer's specific installation requirements. Please allow 3 - 5 days for processing plus standard transportation time to your location from Florida. This applies to PT40 and PT50 models; PT 20 and PT30 may take up to 6 weeks depending on inventory availability; orders for more than two units may require additional time (call for current status).
NOTE: There is currently a delay in Factory production; ALL models will require up to 6 8 weeks for processing. For new construction or time sensitive projects, we offer immediate shipment of installation parts to allow for pre-plumbing and roof hardware installation for a nominal additional fee; ask for details.
ProgressivTube Shipping ป weights and dimensions
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Our Star Rating system is the direct result of experience with well over 4000 actual units in the field in the homes of our customers.
The criteria are:
Quality of Materials and Workmanship
Reliability and frequency of repairs
Factory response to service or warranty issues
Strength of the warranty
Customer satisfaction
Efficiency [verifiable rating certification by industry accepted test
facility]
Longevity
