FAQ

What size systems are available?

Solar Dynamics sells different models of hot water systems, based on gallon and size and square feet of collector.

40 gallon

Model 4020 – 40 gallons / 20 square feet of collector / 2 inches of insulation
Temperature:  135 F.

50 gallon Sizes

Model 5020 – 50 gallons / 20 square feet of collector / 2 inches of insulation
Temperature: 130 F – 135 F

Model 5025 – 50 gallons / 25 square feet of collector / 2 inches of insulation
Temperature: 135 F – 140 F

65 Gallon Sizes

Model 6525 – 65 gallons / 25 square feet of collector / 2 inches insulation
Temperature: 130 F -135 F

Model 6533 – FSEC tested – 65 gallons / 33 square feet of collector / 2 inches of insulation. Model 6533 was tested by the Florida Solar Energy Centre and found to contain 72 gallons and to have the highest performance (863.5 Btu per square foot) of lowest heat loss (3.2 Btu per hour) of Barbados tested solar water heaters.

Temperature 135 F – 140 F

80 Gallon Sizes

Model 8033 – 80 gallons / 33 feet of collector / 2 inches insulation
Temperature 135 F

Model 8042 – FSEC tested / 80 gallons / 42 feet of collector / 2 inches of insulation
Temperature: 135 F – 140 F

The design of and length of the tanks are the same; the diameter of each model is different.

 

What size system should I buy?

Modest users need 12-15 gallons of hot water per day for household needs.

Liberal users need 15- 20 gallons daily.

Heavy users need 20 – 30 gallons of water per day.

Factors to consider when determining the size of the unit needed:

  1. Number of persons in the household
  2. Number of appliances requiring hot water (dishwasher, shower, washing machine, jacuzzi).
  3. Number of bathrooms and whether hot water is used simultaneously for showers.
  4. Proximity of bathroom to placement of solar system on the roof.

Do you have Quality Assurance?

The public is advised that all Solar Dynamics Tanks and Collectors are processed to ensure that the quality which a customer orders is delivered.

Specifically, products produced reflect the following protocol:

1. Date of Manufacture

2. Quality:

A. New

B. Re-Manufactured (Re-Mfg.)

C. Repaired.

3. Each product will have the signature of the Production Technician as well as the Production Supervisor.

Customers can be assured of the quality they order and pay for.

 

How long does the system last?

Some clients have had systems for as much as 35 years. A Solar Dynamics Hot Water system can last between 15-35 years. Once a system has reached ten years, the magnesium anode would need to be changed.

 


What is the price of the systems?

The prices vary depending on the application.  The recommendation for the appropriate size system would be based on size of family, desired use of hot water, e.g. tubs, jacuzzi, rain shower. Therefore, a site inspection and a discussion with the clients about their requirement is of utmost importance. We encourage you to contact us about your hot water needs so we can give personal service and a recommendation. 

Are there any payment plans?

In Barbados, financing is available through Massy and Courts. Solar Dynamics will conduct a site survey to assess the customer’s need. We provide a proposal and contract which the customer can take to the finance provider of their choice. Once confirmation is received that financing is available, the hot water system will be installed. For other Caribbean countries, we encourage buyers to check with their lending agencies as some providers will finance renewable energy systems.

What is your “temperature guarantee?”

It’s the first in the world.

The Solar Dynamics Temperature Guarantee provides the ultimate buyer protection. The temperature guarantee protects you from risk of product performance failure. The question is…How hot is hot? A temperature Guarantee provides the recourse needed to ensure agreed product performance. Without a temperature being specified in the purchase contract, you would have difficulty establishing what temperature you are entitled to.

What is ‘heat retention’?

Heat retention refers to how well hot water maintains its temperature over a period of time. In the context of hot water storage; the lower the heat loss over a given time (e.g. btu per hour) is the comparative measurement used
to assess how efficiently a hot water system performs.

Heat retention is one of the most important things to consider when buying a solar water heater, or a replacement storage tank. The lower the heat loss, the higher the heat retention; which means that the water in the
tank stays hotter, longer.

High heat retention in the system means that there is more hot water available to use; and little or no dependence on the use of the back-up electric booster. The Solar Dynamics Hot Water System is the best hot water system in heat retention. Why? Tests have shown that the Solar Dynamics Hot Water System has a heat loss of only 3.1 Btu per hour. The same tests have shown that the competitor’s heat loss is 6.2 Btu per hour. That means that
the competitor’s system looses twice as much heat. But don’t just take our word for it. Check the Florida Solar Energy Centre website yourself to compare their test results: http://www.solardynamicslimited.com/systems/florida-energy-centre-ratings/

Why am I using my electric booster with other heaters so often?

Ever wondered why you have to turn on the electrical booster almost every morning with a solar water heater other than Solar Dynamics?

Other solar water heaters lose up to twice as much heat as Solar Dynamics.

Here are the certified facts from Florida Solar Energy Centre.

The Solar Dynamics hot water system has been certified to produce 863.5 Btu per square foot of collector, and lose 3.2 or 3.1 Btu per hour, i.e. at most 76.8 Btu per day, or 28,032 Btu per year.

Over its average lifespan of 20 years, it will give up 560,640 Btu.

On the other hand, another FSEC tested product has a heat loss of 6.2 Btu per hour. Or 148.8 Btu per day, 54,312 Btu per year.

That’s over a million Btu 1,086,240 Btu “IF” it last 20 years.

At 863.5 Btu heat gain per square foot of collector, and 3.2 Btu heat losses per hour, Solar Dynamics Is the best solar hot water system at heat production and heat retention…FSEC Facts.

Do you service the system?

We service all systems and can assist with the service of other systems as well. Call our office at 246-425-1540 for more information.

What if I have a problem with the system after normal hours? Is there an emergency service?

Express service is available for emergencies. Call 230-2481 or 230-2164.

How long does the system take to be serviced if there is a problem?

Our response time is 2 to 6 days.

The typical response time is next day, with the majority of service calls being responded to within 24 hours (3 days). A team will visit the location, assess and address the concern. There is a same day “EXPRESS “service available for those urgent situations.  The nature of the concern and the solution required will determine the length of time needed to complete the service. E.g: If a new tank is replacing an existing one, it will be done within 2 days. If a tank is being repaired, it will of course take longer.

We can offer a tank rental service to avoid inconvenience to the family.

Feel free to make any suggestion as to how we can enhance your service experience with us. Our goal is to provide the best service experience in the industry. The Solar Dynamics Installation and Service Technicians have accumulated solar service experience of over 75 years.

After the system is installed, does it need maintenance?

Magnesium Anode

The magnesium anode can be changed between years 7 and 8. We now offer the option of a 2nd magnesium anode to enhance the tank protection – another innovation of Solar Dynamics.

Are there any annual maintenance checks owners should perform?

Yes:

  • Collector shading
    Every year check that the collectors aren’t being shaded during the day (mid-morning, noon, and mid-afternoon) on an annual basis. Less sunlight hitting the collectors will affect the temperature. Trees that have grown higher over time or new construction on your house or your neighbour’s property may produce shading that wasn’t there when the collectors were installed.
  • Dirty solar collector
    Remember to examine your Solar Collector. The glass needs to be cleaned. A dirty glass will block sunlight so the performance will be lower. No matter where you live, the glass should be cleaned every four years, or sooner. Dusty or soiled collector panels will perform poorly.
  • Collector glazing and seals
    Look for cracks in the collector glazing, and check to see if seals are in good condition.
  • Plumbing, ductwork, and wiring connections
    Look for fluid leaks at pipe connections. Check duct connections and seals. Ducts should be sealed with a mastic compound. All wiring connections should be tight.
  • Piping, duct, and wiring insulation
    Look for damage or degradation of insulation covering pipes, ducts, and wiring.
  • Roof penetrations
    Flashing and sealant around roof penetrations should be in good condition.
  • Support structures
    Check all nuts and bolts attaching the collectors to any support structures for tightness.
  • Pressure relief valve (on liquid solar heating collectors)
    Make sure the valve is not stuck open or closed.
  • Storage systems
    Check storage tanks, etc., for cracks, leaks, rust, or other signs of corrosion.

How do I buy?

Barbados:
Contact us: 246-425-1540 or email:
info@solardynamicslimited.com

Saint Lucia

Odsan Industrial, Castries, St. Lucia. Telephone: 758-458-8400; Fax: 758-451-0535

Suriname:

Frank Bakrude
Marsol N.V., Nestorstraat 10, Paramaribo, Suriname
Telephone: 597 458 045

Guyana:  

Gaffoors; Gavin Gibson, Manager Solar
Gafsons Industries Limited
Plantation, Houston, Georgetown
Guyana P.O. Box 101104
Tel 592-225-0931 ; Cell – 592-627-5754
Email: salesmanager@gafsons.gy; nil@guyana.net.gy

Antigua:
Antigua Plumbing
Independence Drive, Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
Tel: 1 268-464-1496
https://www.facebook.com/AntiguaPlumbing/

St.Kitts:
TDC Home and Building Depot
Fort Street, Box 142
Basseterre, St.Kitts

Phone : +869 465-2511
Fax : +869 465-1099