AMECO is one of the oldest established solar companies in California. Since 1974 our company has been installing solar systems for its residential, commercial and municipal clients. As a pioneer in the solar field, we have witnessed the industry evolve from "ground zero." In this period we have experimented with different system designs as well as a myriad of different solar collectors, controls, pumps, and storage media. As a result we have "hands-on" experience with applications that are truly cost effective and long lasting. Originally organized as Link & Sun Solar Co., AMECO specializes in solar system services including design, installation and repair. As a licensed energy auditor (# 4181), AMECO can provide a feasibility study that encompasses solar and details the complete energy picture for an entire facility. As a licensed solar contractor (# 483280), AMECO does not represent just one manufacturer of solar equipment and reserves its recommendations until after the site is examined. As an energy consultant, AMECO can design a solar system to fulfill the needs of anybody from the do-it-yourselfer to the architectural, engineering and construction sectors. California State Contractors License Board. ServicesResidential PV Electric SystemsCommercial PV Electric SystemsSolar Water HeatingActive solar systems rely upon moving mechanical parts in order to transport heat, while passive units simply use the sun to accomplish this action. The bulk of systems installed in Southern California are active because they are considered to be more efficient and attractive. However, most of the systems installed worldwide are passive because they are simple and need no auxiliary power (i.e. electricity) to operate. Active solar systems can further be divided into the following types: open loop, closed loop, drain-down, drain-back, direct or indirect, single tank or two tank. This discussion will concentrate on open loop direct systems, since this type is the most efficient and is also the most prevalent system used in the So Cal region. The collector is usually a copper tube and fin absorber enclosed with an insulated aluminum frame or "box", covered with a low-iron tempered glass glazing. The water contained within the gas or electric water heater is circulated through the solar panels in a single tank system, or a separate tank is used to pre-heat the water before it enters the conventional water heater in a two-tank system. The two-tank system can provide as much as ninety percent of the annual hot water needs and a single tank system can be expected to contribute up to sixty percent (or more if managed). The water being circulated is gradually heated and daily temperatures as high as 160 degrees F can be expected. A reliable automatic control to operate the pump is essential. Fortunately, pumps and electronic controls have evolved and can be expected to provide over twenty years (and counting!) of service. Passive solar systems can be divided into two types: Thermosiphon and Integral Collector Storage (ICS). Passive solar systems are popular because of their simplicity and inherent reliability. The storage tank is located on the roof and heating effect of the sun causes warm water to circulate within it. Cold water from the city flows directly to the tank on the roof, and then flows to a conventional water heater located on the ground level. It is desirable to keep the distance between the solar system and ground level water heater as short as possible in order to reduce the amount of cold water sitting in the pipe between the two units. In the case of a thermosiphon system, an insulated tank will prevent the loss of stored heat during the night. The ICS or "batch" heater is the most simple kind of solar heater, but the exposure of the storage unit to night air causes significant heat loss and precludes the use of this kind of panel in all but the mildest climates. Solar Pool HeatersWhen solar panels are used to heat swimming pools or spas, two basic types of panels are usually considered: GLAZED or UNGLAZED. A solar absorber will typically be manufactured of rubber, plastic or metal (i.e. copper). An unglazed panel will consist of an absorber plate only. Glazing is a transparent plastic or glass cover which is applied over the top of an absorber to reduce convective and radiative heat loss. Usually a glazed collector is insulated to enhance its ability to operate in cold air conditions. Heating pool water in Southern California is normally accomplished with unglazed and uninsulated solar collectors, which can provide moderate pool temperatures (76º F to 90º F) for a maximum "swimming season" of April to October. Unglazed collectors are influenced by air temperatures and are not expected to heat the pool to comfortable temperatures during the intervening months of November to March. A pool blanket will help retain the heat that is developed, and when used in combination with a solar system can extend the swimming season into the winter months. An alternative to heating pool water for a nominal swimming season is to employ glazed and insulated solar collectors, which can operate on cold days when the sun is shining. A properly installed glazed pool system will not only provide a maximum swimming season but will contribute significant energy to the off-season heating requirement. As a result, many large commercial swimming pools, which are heated for the entire year, will rely upon glazed solar panels. In addition to the improved performance, glazed solar panels are more aesthetically pleasing and look like skylights. A solar system for heating spa water or pools for therapeutic use should employ glazed collectors since temperature requirements are higher. Flow through the solar collectors should occur only during the daylight. Since the panels normally receive water from the existing pool pump, the use of a solar system incurs no electrical penalty. For this reason, it is important to size the system in order to gather enough energy during the pump's normal operating schedule. Example: Swimming pool area is 450 square feet, inland area, south facing roof, 20% pool in shade, April to November Season: (450) x 82%= 369 + (450) x 20% = 90; total solar system area should equal 369 + 90 = 459 square feet. Certifications/Awards
Ameco is a licensed solar energy contractor operating principally in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Ameco designs, installs and repairs solar energy systems for homes and businesses in Southern California. CA State License No. 483280 Contact Ameco Solar7623 Somerset Blvd. Local Calls: (562) 633-4400
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SOLAR INSTALLERS
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