Inverness County, NS
Whycocomagh
Keywords: active, air space heating, retrofit, CanSolAir, Solar furnace
Utilize solar energy directly as a heat source for the house on sunny or partially sunny days. The intention of the owner was to reduce reliance on oil for heating the upstairs of the home, but the CanSolair unit provides enough heat to heat the basement as well. The solar furnace is also a cleaner source of heat which improves the air quality of the home.
Exact figures have not yet been determined regarding financial savings. When the solar furnace is in operation, the oil furnace is available as back up on partially sunny days. On a day with full sun, the solar unit heats the main floor and basement for 5 to 6 hours with few interuptions. The fan in the CanSolair unit operates on approximately 31 watts, like the power draw of a low-wattage lightbulb. The fan draws cooler air from the floor of the house, sends it into the exterior unit to be warmed by the sun, and passes it back into the house once it reachs 110 F. The heat provided is comparable to a slight and warm summer breeze. The house maintains a comfortable temperature throughout.
1.89 acre semi-wooded, sloping lot, house near road, house has South-East and South-West facing walls, 26 x 40 bungalow style house
CanSolair unit is made in Newfoundland, Canada and provides heat for the entire house whenever the sun shines for at least 15 to 20 minutes. The existing unit is located on the South-East facing exterior wall and was installed in December 2004. Many days it is on for 5 to 6 hours from sun up until after lunch. A second panel will soon be installed on the South-West exterior wall to provide heat from before lunch until sundown. The CanSolair unit uses recycled popcans with black paint and has a lexan cover with a steel frame for durability. The unit measures 4'w x 7'h.
Jim Meaney, Colliers, Newfoundland www.cansolair.com,
Jim Meaney installed my unit but it can be self installed or installed by a trained HRV installer
We are very pleased with the CanSolair solar furnace system and encourage others to do the research and see if this type of system would be appropriate for your home or business. This system is self-contained, low-maintenance and eligible for the Home Energy Assessment Grant. It's also designed and made in Canada. The CanSolair unit is available in AC and DC units, wall or roof mounted and can be installed on walls that are South-East, South or South-West facing. Referral rebates are available, please mention my location or name to Jim Meaney if you decide to buy a CanSolair unit.
Contact me by email to arrange to view the house. karlena@ns.sympatico.ca
Buy two right away and have them installed on the same day, one on the South-East side and one on the South-West side.