Galex Systems Inc.

FAQ

What is installation Risk?2015-06-19T13:27:57-05:00

Determine the installation services that your installer offers in-house. Some providers subcontract these services to reduce labor costs.
A licensed electrician or plumber may be required to take out a permit and be responsible for all electrical connections on site.
To reduce risk and protect all parties, you may decide to give preference to certain providers based on the degree to which their installers are trained in solar technologies. Anyone working on site must also be insured by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
For Solar PV, if you are connecting to the electrical grid, understand your obligations with the local utility. Ensure your solar provider is also aware of its obligations, and capable of following through with them.

What is Performance Projections ?2015-06-19T13:26:58-05:00

A number of factors are used to calculate the projected performance for your solar installation. Ensure the quote you obtain documents the following:

  • Estimates the total costs of the solar equipment;
  • Sets out the approximate life of the components (manufacturer’s warranty period).
  • Indicates the potentially significant costs for replacement parts such as inverters or collectors and control systems.
  • Accurately assesses the solar irradiation and energy production, considering statistical highs and lows caused by fluctuations in weather.

Also, consider including monitoring equipment with your system to track its performance and ensure its optimal performance.

What the Total Cost Includes?2015-06-19T13:26:13-05:00

Ask for a written accounting of the costs and certifications covered in the total estimate.
We can help you with the incentive application (where applicable)
We can verify if your order includes the required components. In other words, does the total cost estimate include a complete turnkey installation?

Why I have to Verify Vendor Qualifications?2015-06-19T13:25:01-05:00

Installing solar technology is about much more than getting a system at the lowest cost. It is about analyzing your unique needs, coming up with the best overall solution, choosing the right components that are certified and labeled for use in your jurisdiction, installing them correctly and keeping the system running as expected. You want to choose a vendor you look forward to working with over the period of design, installation and ongoing delivery of power.

 

What is a heat dissipater?2015-06-19T13:23:44-05:00

A heat dissipater is a heat coil (heat exchanger) that can be used to off load excessive heat. It is basically a radiator. This is normally placed outside the home and helps to remove heat from the hot water system in the summer months. By using a heat dissipater you can add more solar energy to the system for the winter months. The heat dissipater can also be used in home heating. By placing a heat dissipater in the furnace ducts you can use your solar system to heat the home through forced air. A second heat dissipater can be added to bypass the system in the summer and dissipate the heat outdoors.

Can I heat my house with solar?2015-06-19T13:22:31-05:00

Yes you can, solar heating is becoming very popular! This it is call also the “hydronic” heating However with solar home heating you need to have a secondary heating source such as hot water, forced air electric, etc. You may also need a heat dissipater to off load your excess heat in summer months. Our controllers are used for space heating as it can handle several zones. We are supplying also controllers with data-logger for the special applications.

Where do I get a solar Pre-Heat Storage Tank?2015-06-19T13:21:43-05:00

Purpose-built “solar hot water tanks” can be very expensive. However, most installations use a residential domestic water heater. An electric version is preferred as it has existing top and bottom heater element ports that can be made into solar ports. For example you can buy a regular electric water heater at most hardware stores for under $500. By removing the heater elements you can easily adapt the 1″ heater port to 1/2″ fitting for your solar water hot input and cold draw. For under 25$ in parts you can convert any electric hot water tank to a solar pr-heat tank.

What kind of pipe should I use?2015-06-19T13:20:32-05:00

For the hot side (collector to heat exchanger) we recommend the stainless steel corrugated pipe (1/2” or 3/4”). The copper pipe as it can withstand the high temperatures. 3/4″ copper flex pipe is optimal and comes in rolls and is very easy to use. No experience in soldering is needed if you use compression fittings and the flexible tubing can be bent and molded without requiring specials 90 degree and 45 degree fittings. The ends are connected using pressure fittings which are very easy to fasten. For the pipe insulation we recommend only the mineral isolation or EPDM.
We don’t recommend regular plastic PEX piping as the temperatures can get very hot at the collector.

What is a thermo-siphon?2015-06-19T13:19:37-05:00

Thermo-siphon is the natural convection process that results from hotter fluids rising to the top. You can heat a hot water tank without the need for a pump. As hotter heated water rises to the top it is replaced by colder water sinking to the bottom or drawn from elsewhere.

What is your Do-it-yourself system-ISCS?2015-06-19T13:18:58-05:00

ISCS stands for Integrated Solar Control System. This is the summary of devices, sensors and actuators, all integrated into one, easy to manage system. The ISCS allows do-it-yourselfers to easily build a solar heating system. The ISCS contain the fill/drain valve, pressure valve, expansion tank, pump, digital controller, heat exchanger, flow meter, pressure meter, one way valve, vacation bypass. All pre plumbed so there is no need to hire a plumber. Simply plug the solar collectors into one end of the ISCS and connect the hot and cold pipes to your water tank. the ISCS conveniently mounts to the wall and plugs into an 110 VAC outlet.

 

What is an expansion tank?2015-06-19T13:18:14-05:00

An expansion tank is used in closed loop solar heating systems as the high temperatures cause a change in the liquid’s volume. To accommodate this change in volume, an expansion tank is needed. To calculate the size of tank you need to know how much fluid is in the system. Your tank should be 5% of the total liquid volume in your solar heat loop if you are using water. If you use a glycol (50%/50%) mixture then you should allow for 10% expansion.

What type of Glycol should I use?2016-12-22T12:55:42-05:00

We have in stock Propylene Solar Glycol 50/50. This is specifically designed for your solar thermal applications. Propylene Solar Glycol 50/50 has 30% less viscosity at low temperatures and greater thermal stability at high temperatures, when compared to typical glycols. It comes premixed in 50% water/glycol ration for easy filling.

What is solar thermal’s pay back?2016-12-22T12:55:42-05:00

Solar thermal heating has the quickest payback of other alternative fuel sources. In many cases you can find a payback in 6 years or less. Imagine heating your water for 15 years free of costs! Grants could be also available to help increase the payback on your personal investment.

How do you ship?2015-06-19T13:15:54-05:00

For complete solar kits delivery please allow 1-2 weeks for Montreal area and 2-3 weeks for the rest of Canada. These kits are shipped via our preferred freight forwarder company and where possible we will schedule residential tailgate delivery (curbside). Heaters and accessories are usually in stock unless indicated otherwise. We do have expedited shipping services available for an additional fee. Please call us if you need a rush order. Once your order has been shipped you will be contacted via email and a tracking number will be provided.

What is your exchange refund policy?2015-06-19T13:15:01-05:00

We want you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase, if you are not, ship it back to us in the original packaging condition and we will refund your purchase less a 20% restocking fee, provided the equipment is received in good condition. Refund offer valid for 30 days from receipt of product.

Are there any taxes or duty?2015-06-19T13:14:09-05:00

No, solar water heaters are duty free products. Therefore US customers pay no sales taxes or duties. 5% GST will be added to Canadian customer’s invoices. Quebec residents will pay both PST 9.5% and GST 5%.

Can I use my existing hot water tank?2015-06-19T13:13:25-05:00

Yes this is our preferred method of heating as it is the most cost effective. You can heat the water by adding a solar pre-heat tank before your existing tank and use your hot water tank to supplement the solar heat (i.e. your existing tank’s heater will kick in when the solar cannot fully supply the demand). This is the most efficient way of heating. Alternatively if you have an electric hot water heater you can add a special solar conversion valve (supplied by GALEX) .

Do you supply any brochure?2015-06-19T13:12:42-05:00

Yes but we have made a leap ahead into cyber world, and are now using our website as the most accurate and up to-date information guide. The internet now allows us to provide our customers with a much larger wealth of current information without the associated costs of print media. However, if you do have a question you can call us anytime and we most certainly will help. If you are working on a larger project, you can take advantage of our engineering support at no cost.

What is your warranty?2015-06-19T13:11:42-05:00

Our warranty policy is simple; we offer a 1 year warranty on everything we sell and 3 years on our collectors. With this warranty you will get NO hassle next business day replacement (if shipping service and inventory permits). However, as a valued customer you will get technical support through the life time ownership of your product. Our Collector do carry longer warranties 3 years from the manufacture. The warranty cover failures that occur during normal operational conditions or manufactures defects. It does not cover failure due to inappropriate operation such as freezing or over heat. Damage caused by vandalism, storms, floods etc. Your household insurance should be modified to cover the system from such situations.

Do you provide technical support?2016-12-22T12:55:42-05:00

We would love to talk with you in person if the internet is intimidating. We have tried to make our website very informative to help educate you on our products and solar heating. However sometimes picking up the phone is easier. We are not an internet warehouse, we are a solar solutions provider, we take pride in assisting you with the best advice and support we can provide. Please call us anytime or use email if that is more convenient!

How do I pay?2016-12-22T12:55:42-05:00

You can pay by a variety of methods. We accept PayPal and Visa credit card. Alternatively we accept money/wire transfers in either US $ or Canadian $ currency. We also accept any form of bank payment including bank draft, certified check, or money order (sorry no personal cheques). Once you have selected the parts or system, give us a call and we can process your payment.

What is ISO 9001-2008?2016-12-22T12:55:42-05:00

What is ISO 9001-2008?

Galex Systems Inc is registered Quality Assurance System, ISO 9001-2008, by QMI international.
All company activities are regulated by Quality Assurance in order to provide the best services for our clients. This statement provide philosophy by which we strive to meet the expectations and needs of our customers.

What is Site Selection Tools?2015-06-18T17:47:42-05:00

When determining the best location for your installation, GALEX SYSTEMS will provide detailed performance modeling. With the use of computer based evaluation, the representative can identify obstructions such as structural or natural features that could affect system performance because of shading, both now and in the future. Ensure the system will be un-shaded for the life of the contract. At this point, it is well worth speaking to neighbors to discuss plans that could affect one another’s use of the land (e.g., removal or addition of trees).