MANY MANY MORE NEW EXCITING PHOTOS JUST ADDED (latest update Feb. 2011)
Thank you to all of our customers and vendors, we so appreciate your business and your trust in our
services!!!!! Please pass the good word along to your family, friends and neighbors. We are so fortunate
to enjoy your business!
This Verbank, NY farmhouse with its South-facing roof was a strong candidate for a solar thermal system.
This system is 100% off-grid, powered by a small Photo voltaic (PV) cell!
This Town of Newburgh, NY home had a less than optimum orientation (rear roof facing South East). A
third panel was added to ensure that enough solar energy was being captured for this family of four.
This project was close to home in Plattekill, NY. My friends and neighbors, Bill and Sue A., wanted a solar
thermal system. Especially after hearing (over and over again) how well my two systems save me money.
"AWARD WINNING DESIGNS and INSTALLATIONS" - The Wild Center, Natural History Museum of the
Adirondacks. APEX Thermal Services, working with Peter Skinner, PE, of E2G Solar was heavily involved
with this award winning project. To learn more, visit our home page.
The energy consumption of my home and detached pole barn are both supplemented by Solar Thermal
Systems.
Besides direct projects, APEX Thermal Services often provides skilled solar thermal and PV installations for
other reputable alternative energy firms. Several projects below were provided to OnForce Solar.
Solar Pool Heating Installation in Woodbury, Connecticut
This customer in Cornwall, NY decided to install both Solar Thermal and PV systems!
On some projects, challenging situations require thought and careful planning.
Thank you to all of our customers and vendors, we so appreciate your business and your trust in our
services!!!!! Please pass the good word along to your family, friends and neighbors. We are so fortunate
to enjoy your business!
This Verbank, NY farmhouse with its South-facing roof was a strong candidate for a solar thermal system.
This system is 100% off-grid, powered by a small Photo voltaic (PV) cell!
This Town of Newburgh, NY home had a less than optimum orientation (rear roof facing South East). A
third panel was added to ensure that enough solar energy was being captured for this family of four.
This project was close to home in Plattekill, NY. My friends and neighbors, Bill and Sue A., wanted a solar
thermal system. Especially after hearing (over and over again) how well my two systems save me money.
"AWARD WINNING DESIGNS and INSTALLATIONS" - The Wild Center, Natural History Museum of the
Adirondacks. APEX Thermal Services, working with Peter Skinner, PE, of E2G Solar was heavily involved
with this award winning project. To learn more, visit our home page.
The energy consumption of my home and detached pole barn are both supplemented by Solar Thermal
Systems.
Besides direct projects, APEX Thermal Services often provides skilled solar thermal and PV installations for
other reputable alternative energy firms. Several projects below were provided to OnForce Solar.
Solar Pool Heating Installation in Woodbury, Connecticut
This customer in Cornwall, NY decided to install both Solar Thermal and PV systems!
On some projects, challenging situations require thought and careful planning.
Four AET 4' x 10' panels and 100 Viessman tubes
make up this hybrid system. Much of the panel
installation was done by attendees of a three-day,
hands-on solar thermal training session, instructed
by Peter Skinner.
make up this hybrid system. Much of the panel
installation was done by attendees of a three-day,
hands-on solar thermal training session, instructed
by Peter Skinner.
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Billy R. W. System - Saugerties, NY - Two-Panel drain back System using AET AE-40 collectors (40 square
foot each) and a 119 gallon solar tank. This system was supplying 144 degree F water to the solar tank
on its first sunny day of operation, in mid/late October. 2008. Plenty of hot water for a nice long solar-
powered shower.
Umami Cafe - Croton-on-Hudson, NY (open 7 days, excellent food!!!) - Commercial entities with
significant energy usage strong candidates for solar thermal systems. This customer had documented
dishwasher hot water usage of over 240 gallons per day and wanted a system to provide the majority
of this energy, via solar thermal panels, versus natural gas. APEX Thermal Services designed and
installed a system to meet these needs. The custom rack/mounting system was also designed and
fabricated by APEX Thermal Services, mainly to keep the panels out of any accumulated snow.
Charlene P. System - Central Valley, NY - Solar Thermal Drain-back System, Ground Mounted Array - Six
AET 4' x 10' Panels, Domestic Water Preheat, Pool Heat, Basement Space Heat
Talk about BTU production - the system above was observed bringing in 195 degree F glycol fluid back
to the drainback tank, in full sun, in the middle of July!
Earthaven Project - Tivoli, NY - I have the honor and privilege to be work on the Earthaven Project
Home, in Tivoli, NY. This project is the vision of George and Lisa Fishler, of Poughkeepsie, NY.
Peter T. Project - Saugerties, NY - Roof-Mounted Drainback System - Four 4' x 10' AET Panels, designed to
provide domestic water heating and to preheat return air for the home's main air handler unit. This
solar energy system is also integrated with the home's security system, so the owner can make home
heating a priority (over water heating) if and when they are away.
Kling Magnetics, Inc. - E. Chatham, NY - Multi-fuel Boiler Controller Project. The mad scientist (and my
elevator controls experience) really comes out of me on these types of projects!!! This control panel
allows for switching between four fuel sources (fuel oil, biodiesel (made on site), glycerol (a byproduct
of making biodiesel) and straight vegetable oil). Three heating zones are presently connected to a
series of hot water fan-coil units in a warehouse setting. Up to seven zones (or heating processes) can
be served with this configuration.
Monroe Green Project - Stormville, NY - Again, I get to meet and work with such interesting people
with great vision! Deborah Monroe has taken the longer and tougher "green" road to construct her
home. It is currently expected to earn a LEED Silver rating (Learn more about the LEED rating system
at the U.S. Green Building Council website). APEX Thermal Services provided final electrical wiring. This
home is pre-plumbed for a solar thermal system, which will be installed at a later date.
foot each) and a 119 gallon solar tank. This system was supplying 144 degree F water to the solar tank
on its first sunny day of operation, in mid/late October. 2008. Plenty of hot water for a nice long solar-
powered shower.
Umami Cafe - Croton-on-Hudson, NY (open 7 days, excellent food!!!) - Commercial entities with
significant energy usage strong candidates for solar thermal systems. This customer had documented
dishwasher hot water usage of over 240 gallons per day and wanted a system to provide the majority
of this energy, via solar thermal panels, versus natural gas. APEX Thermal Services designed and
installed a system to meet these needs. The custom rack/mounting system was also designed and
fabricated by APEX Thermal Services, mainly to keep the panels out of any accumulated snow.
Charlene P. System - Central Valley, NY - Solar Thermal Drain-back System, Ground Mounted Array - Six
AET 4' x 10' Panels, Domestic Water Preheat, Pool Heat, Basement Space Heat
Talk about BTU production - the system above was observed bringing in 195 degree F glycol fluid back
to the drainback tank, in full sun, in the middle of July!
Earthaven Project - Tivoli, NY - I have the honor and privilege to be work on the Earthaven Project
Home, in Tivoli, NY. This project is the vision of George and Lisa Fishler, of Poughkeepsie, NY.
Peter T. Project - Saugerties, NY - Roof-Mounted Drainback System - Four 4' x 10' AET Panels, designed to
provide domestic water heating and to preheat return air for the home's main air handler unit. This
solar energy system is also integrated with the home's security system, so the owner can make home
heating a priority (over water heating) if and when they are away.
Kling Magnetics, Inc. - E. Chatham, NY - Multi-fuel Boiler Controller Project. The mad scientist (and my
elevator controls experience) really comes out of me on these types of projects!!! This control panel
allows for switching between four fuel sources (fuel oil, biodiesel (made on site), glycerol (a byproduct
of making biodiesel) and straight vegetable oil). Three heating zones are presently connected to a
series of hot water fan-coil units in a warehouse setting. Up to seven zones (or heating processes) can
be served with this configuration.
Monroe Green Project - Stormville, NY - Again, I get to meet and work with such interesting people
with great vision! Deborah Monroe has taken the longer and tougher "green" road to construct her
home. It is currently expected to earn a LEED Silver rating (Learn more about the LEED rating system
at the U.S. Green Building Council website). APEX Thermal Services provided final electrical wiring. This
home is pre-plumbed for a solar thermal system, which will be installed at a later date.
| Ground-Mount Structure during construction. Notice that for protection, all underground piping was contained within individual 4" corrugated piping. Solar piping was insulated with Armaflex closed cell insulation. Pipes to the pool were flexible PVC. Note that the pool contractor buried their flexible PVC lines without such protection. We take steps to build longevity into our systems. |
| The main air handler had a water-to-air heat exchanger installed (and had the air filter relocated). If thermal storage is hot enough, a circulator runs water through this coil while the air handler fan is in operation |
| Flush-mounted panels over the garage provide an esthetically pleasing view. Two parallel tanks provide 180 gallons of thermal storage for this system. |
| The Earthaven Project, front view. APEX Thermal Services Provided all Electrical Wiring and Consultation on HVAC Systems. APEX Thermal Services installed a 90+ percent efficient Peerless propane boiler, tying into radiant (basement slab) and upper floor radiant heating equipment. |
| The Earthaven Project, rear view. This home is in a wonderful secluded setting, with a private road, a pond. It is being built with fine craftsmanship and many recycled building materials. |
| A Taco six-zone relay control board was removed from its original housing and installed as the heart of this controller. Safety circuits were wired so neon indicators would quickly point out any system malfunctions and to simplify day-to-day operation. |
| "Old School" Panel design includes large diameter neon pilot lights, rotary fuel selector switches and pressure/vaccum indicator gauges to monitor fuel filter and burner status. Three Honeywell programmable thermostats (top) serve three heating zones in the warehouse. |
| The exterior of the Monroe Green House Project getting some roofing and siding from the experts. George, Dong and Scott of Earthaven, doing their usual good job!. |
| About 80 percent of the lighting fixtures are Energy Star Rated with the many of the non-rated fixtures using compact fluorescents. The ceiling fan exhausts hot air up through the copula with its remote controlled windows (also installed by APEX Thermal Services). |
| Taken during the pool installation, this picture shows the ground mounted solar panel array with the pool filter and the pool in the foreground. Installation of the underground solar piping to the pool and the house was coordinated with the pool contractor. |
Custom designed Rack Mounting System also
fabricated and installed by APEX Thermal Services.
fabricated and installed by APEX Thermal Services.
Three of six 4' x 7' AET (AE-28) panels installed.
Coolie-cap roof penetration. Note small tube
for sensor wire (not yet installed).
for sensor wire (not yet installed).
All rooftop piping was 3/4" type "L" copper, insulated
with 3/4" wall Armaflex and covered with foil tape for
UV protection and additional insulation properties.
with 3/4" wall Armaflex and covered with foil tape for
UV protection and additional insulation properties.
A specific desire of the owners was to put the panels
"out front" to emphasise the effort this establishment
is making to improve our environment.
"out front" to emphasise the effort this establishment
is making to improve our environment.
A well designed project, making proper use of
available safety equipment and a good attitude
combined to make for a great photo opportunity!
available safety equipment and a good attitude
combined to make for a great photo opportunity!
Though the plumbing is busy and involved for a
double-pumped drainback system, piping was
installed in a neat and orderly fashion.
Note that this system has an optional bypass
valve (bypasses fossil-fuel fired indirect and allows
for complete boiler shutdown during warmer
months.)
Note that this system also has an optional
domestic hot water circulator to circulate solar
heated water into the indirect tank, after the solar
tank reaches 140 degrees F.
double-pumped drainback system, piping was
installed in a neat and orderly fashion.
Note that this system has an optional bypass
valve (bypasses fossil-fuel fired indirect and allows
for complete boiler shutdown during warmer
months.)
Note that this system also has an optional
domestic hot water circulator to circulate solar
heated water into the indirect tank, after the solar
tank reaches 140 degrees F.
Flushing, NY - 26 Roof-Mounted PV Panels offer a neat 6.1 KW contribution toward this home's energy
consumption. APEX Thermal Services subcontracted to OnForce Solar on this project!
consumption. APEX Thermal Services subcontracted to OnForce Solar on this project!
Two AE-40 collectors flush mounted for a nice
clean finished look.
clean finished look.
Two AET 4' x 10' panels pitched South on an
East-facing roof provide the horsepower for this
system. A 120 gallon Rheem Solar tank resides in
the basement to store the collected energy.
East-facing roof provide the horsepower for this
system. A 120 gallon Rheem Solar tank resides in
the basement to store the collected energy.
Neatness is a key component to a successful
installation. Note that the hot-out pipe on the left
is parallel with the mounting strut.
installation. Note that the hot-out pipe on the left
is parallel with the mounting strut.
Three Ground-Mounted 30+ year old 3' x 6.5'
Revere Panels configured within a drain back
system, supplement my home's domestic hot
water. We have an 80 gallon solar storage tank.
During the summer and sunshine permitting, our
boiler is off for weeks or months at a time!
Revere Panels configured within a drain back
system, supplement my home's domestic hot
water. We have an 80 gallon solar storage tank.
During the summer and sunshine permitting, our
boiler is off for weeks or months at a time!
Four AET 4' x 8' panels vertically mounted on my
1,100 sq.ft. pole barn supplement its heavily
insulated radiant slab (which I also designed and
installed). Last winter's oil usage was 3/4 of a tank,
or around $500 total. This system was achieving 6 to
7.5 hour runtimes, on short winter days, and
produced an estimated $700-$800 in annual fuel
savings.
1,100 sq.ft. pole barn supplement its heavily
insulated radiant slab (which I also designed and
installed). Last winter's oil usage was 3/4 of a tank,
or around $500 total. This system was achieving 6 to
7.5 hour runtimes, on short winter days, and
produced an estimated $700-$800 in annual fuel
savings.
Woodbury, CT - 9 Ground-Mounted Unglazed Pool-Heating Panels provide solar-powered pool heating in
this setting. The owner said his grandkids avoided the pool, because it was too cold. Due to the large
surface area and summer outdoor temperatures, these systems can warm a pool rather quickly, allowing
for maximum comfort and a longer swimming season. APEX Thermal Services subcontracted to OnForce
Solar on this project.
this setting. The owner said his grandkids avoided the pool, because it was too cold. Due to the large
surface area and summer outdoor temperatures, these systems can warm a pool rather quickly, allowing
for maximum comfort and a longer swimming season. APEX Thermal Services subcontracted to OnForce
Solar on this project.
Cornwall, NY - Often times, the best path for the lineset to the thermal panels is on the outside of the home.
2" PVC pipe houses 3/4" copper pipe covered by 3/8" Armaflex insulation. Whatever path the pipes take,
neatness is key to customer satisfaction. Two Sun Earth 4' x 8' panels feed an 80 gallon solar tank in the
basement. APEX Thermal Services subcontracted to OnForce Solar on this project.
2" PVC pipe houses 3/4" copper pipe covered by 3/8" Armaflex insulation. Whatever path the pipes take,
neatness is key to customer satisfaction. Two Sun Earth 4' x 8' panels feed an 80 gallon solar tank in the
basement. APEX Thermal Services subcontracted to OnForce Solar on this project.
Cornwall, NY - Note the mounting system preparation associated with this 26 Panel PV System. The
existing Solar Thermal System, installed by yours truly, is in the foreground on both photos. APEX Thermal
Services was also subcontracted to be instrumental with this PV install, for OnForce Solar.
existing Solar Thermal System, installed by yours truly, is in the foreground on both photos. APEX Thermal
Services was also subcontracted to be instrumental with this PV install, for OnForce Solar.
Tarrytown, NY - These two homes were just 18 inches apart, with power and phone lines somewhat restricting our access. How
would we get the 4' x 8' Sun Earth panels up there? APEX Thermal Services designed a temporary structure to work from and
to lift our panels safely to the roof. An 80 gallon solar tank resides in the basement. APEX Thermal Services was
subcontracted by OnForce Solar on this project.
would we get the 4' x 8' Sun Earth panels up there? APEX Thermal Services designed a temporary structure to work from and
to lift our panels safely to the roof. An 80 gallon solar tank resides in the basement. APEX Thermal Services was
subcontracted by OnForce Solar on this project.
The Wild Center (under construction) utilizes two
159-gallon Stiebel Eltron solar storage tanks with
controls to help elevate water temperatures, for
injection into the Museum's pellet boiler powered
space heating system.
159-gallon Stiebel Eltron solar storage tanks with
controls to help elevate water temperatures, for
injection into the Museum's pellet boiler powered
space heating system.
Award Winning Designs and Installations!
Maryann H. wanted an off-grid solar thermal system.
A 20 Watt Solar PV panel provides power for the
solar circulator. Two 4' x 8' thermal panels and a 120
gallon tank provide a good amount of solar energy
storage.
A 20 Watt Solar PV panel provides power for the
solar circulator. Two 4' x 8' thermal panels and a 120
gallon tank provide a good amount of solar energy
storage.
As the sun intensifies (and more energy is being
captured by the thermal panels), the PV panel's
output increases, which increases the speed of the
DC circulator. As the sun becomes less intense, the
speed of circulation decreases.
captured by the thermal panels), the PV panel's
output increases, which increases the speed of the
DC circulator. As the sun becomes less intense, the
speed of circulation decreases.
Three 4' x 8' Sun Earth panels provide 96 sq. ft. of
collector surface area. This is a drain back system, so
all pipes from the panels are pitched toward the
drain back tank (not shown). A 120 gallon Rheem
tank provides solar energy storage and feeds the
existing indirect tank.
collector surface area. This is a drain back system, so
all pipes from the panels are pitched toward the
drain back tank (not shown). A 120 gallon Rheem
tank provides solar energy storage and feeds the
existing indirect tank.
Larry and Deborah F. were actually being pressured
by their children to do something positive for the
environment. They decided to install a solar hot
water system.
by their children to do something positive for the
environment. They decided to install a solar hot
water system.
