04-12-09 The information, pricing and shipping on this product is currently being updated.

ProgressivTube is so
simple to operate, and
saves so much on your
energy costs - you’ll
wonder why you didn’t
install one years ago!!!

The Energy SuperMarket's
best selling water heater,
the unique design of the
ProgressivTube earns it
5 star plus rating in our
Consumer Value guide! 

  And...
The Energy SuperMarket
offers the lowest on-line
factory direct pricing
available! Guaranteed.

Premium Complete Kits 
w/Tankless Heater are configured for use in conjunction with the included tankless backup water heater. The Premium Kit is best suited for use in tropical and sub-tropical "SunBelt", and temperate type climates where mild-to-hot temperatures exist year round. The Premium/3-Way Kit combines the operational features, and benefits, of the Standard/Direct and Deluxe/2-Way kits.

Tankless Heaters provide unlimited on-demand hot water, maximize overall operating efficiency, reduce standby heat losses, and eliminate the need for a space consuming inefficient conventional water heater tank. A compact space saving device, this state-of-the-art unit easily mounts almost anywhere.

• Tankless Heater Options: 
• Available in electric or natural/propane gas models.

Solar PreHeat Mode: Plumbing from the ProgressivTube solar heater connects to the tankless water heater, which will stay inactive as long as the preheated water coming in is as hot, or hotter, than the temperature setting on the water heater unit. When the hot water provided by the solar collector falls below the set temperature, the water heater automatically turns on to heat water to required temperature.

Solar Direct Mode: A manual 3-Way plumbing configuration also 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.

Solar Off Mode: The valves also allow for isolation of the ProgressivTube for maintenance or winterizing.

This system requires no pump, electronic controller, or appliance timer to operate the circulation of heated water from the collector panel into the tankless heater.

Note: If a conventional or tankless heater gas or electric heater is not available, or will not be used in heating operation, please review the Standard Complete Kit model or the Single Collector Panel Kit.

ProgressivTube® solar domestic hot water heaters are designed to significantly reduce your power utility costs by using solar energy to heat water by capturing the sun’s natural FREE heat.

Passive solar power is a highly efficient, non-polluting alternative energy source that requires zero operating costs. Passive solar water heaters perform well worldwide - even in cooler climates, require little to no maintenance, and a ProgressivTube System typically lasts 25+ years. [For additional information on solar heating, read the next story, plus the "Benefits of Solar" section at the end of the scroll].

Meter Reading Sample:
The performance of the ProgressivTubes is unquestionable. See a typical sample - provided by the local Electric Company - of the total thermal output in a residence of five.


READ » Success Story for Major Non-Profit
• Massive seven unit BSA facility incorporates solar energy
• Results: Dramatically reduced operating expenses!
• Showcases the latest environmentally friendly technology
• that reduces energy costs on a large scale, or in your
• home, business, condo, motel, or resort!

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ProgressivTube Batch water heaters systems are OG300 certified
and qualify for the California Grant Program
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HELP » Contact Customer Support
• Toll-Free help line offering unit sizing support
• Online e-mail technical and installation support
• Brand and cost-of-operation comparisons


Kit Selection: Choose a Standard, Deluxe, or Premium System Complete Kit, or a Single Collector Panel Kit.

Standard, Deluxe, or Premium System Complete Kits offer an inclusive parts list that incorporates the plumbing and manual control components necessary for a hassle-free installation.

Detailed description of kit variations and differing functions:

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 

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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. 

Technical Note for PT installations in colder climates:
• If using a FPV Freeze Protection Valve, use a FP35.
• A check valve must be used if a freeze prevention valve is installed. It should be installed in the return solar loop piping below the boiler drain to prevent short circuiting of the freeze prevention valve during cold weather. Use a check valve that is designed for back-flow prevention when installed in a vertical position.
 
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System Selection » Unit Sizing Chart


Kit Contents – Complete System includes:
• ProgressivTube Solar Collector Unit 
• Mounting Hardware Kit - choose from flush, fixed, or tilt 
• Roof Flashing Kit - copper fittings and flashings for pipe-through-
• roof plumbing penetrations 
• ThreeWayFlo Plumbing Kit - copper fittings, AquaMix anti-scald
• mixing valve, vacuum breaker valve, pressure relief valve, 2 boiler
• drain valves
• 3-Way configuration of 1 2-way ball valve and 2 3-way valves
• Tankless backup water heater - electric, or natural/propane gas
• Takagi TKJR, Takagi TK3, Seisco RA28 

Optional:
• 50-100 feet 3/4" flexible copper pipe, and 48ft of pipe insulation
• Freeze protection valve available for colder climates

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, America’s 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 [525°F] 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 ProgressivTube Installation Manual PDF Format
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Function: Raises water temperature as high as 140+ degrees
Benefits: Heats water by capturing the sun’s 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 140°F+, 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 » 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 $480 per year*
• The typical solar water heater will save 80% of heating costs - 
• or $384.00 per year
• A typical heater with hardware will cost:
• Do-it-yourself Kit - $1750
• Contractor installation - $2700
• The tax-free return on investment would be:
• Do-it-yourself Kit - 21.7% ROI [$384 / $1766]
• Contractor installation - 14.2% ROI [$384 / $2700]

*Based on 72°F incoming water heated to 140°F in Florida with an electric rate of $0.09 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 5 - 7 weeks for delivery.

ProgressivTube Shipping  » 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