This learning environment has given Mr. Mapes a wealth of information of what works and what does not over a long test period in severe conditions. These years of observation have proven invaluable in designing and installing reliable solar energy systems and how best to integrate solar energy into each application. The knowledge and experience gained has lead to the formation of another company, ThermaSun. ThermaSun develops and manufactures repeatable solar thermal packages designed for low cost of ownership for the solar equipment owner. To learn more about ThermaSun, click here.

The solar thermal system is very basic. Floor tubing is laid densely (6″ spacing) over insulation before the 6″ of concrete was poured. The concrete is the storage medium and the heat is provided by 3-4×8 flat plate collectors. The heat transfer fluid is pumped from the solar panels to the floor with a PV ( solar electric) powered pump, so this system is completely self sufficient and requires no infrastructure to deliver energy except the solar system. This type of solar heat system is a good choice for smaller applications and have proven very reliable. The back up for this system is a wood stove. The Chapel is well insulated and does not get below 60 degrees in the winter due to the massive storage of the concrete floor and our very high New Mexico solar resource, even when the back up is not being used. We call this type of solar energy storage “Point of Use Storage” TM. A favorite of ours. One moving part!

In many cases, depending on the energy source being displaced, the break even (when the money spent equals the money saved from energy use) can be from 5-15 years. Typically solar systems are designed to last 20-25 years plus. Valverde Energy maintains solar systems the founder installed 30 years ago in homes that are still producing energy.

Many people install solar energy systems to reduce dependency on other energy sources or to be more energy independent, especially when there is an electrical or gas outage.

Other big picture views include reducing our dependency on foreign oil and reducing our carbon footprint. These two issues have huge impacts on the long term sustainability of our Country. In 2008 alone, the US sent out over $400 billion for oil imports alone, often sending our money to people who do not like us.

As far as carbon foot print and how it relates to Global Warming, solar is one of the best energy sources to reduce carbon output. Whether you regard Global Warming as a belief or a scientific fact, the stakes are very high if the predictions prove true. Too high to ignore.

Purchasing a solar energy system puts you in action by directly reducing your personal carbon footprint.