≈ 75Solar thermal collectorSunlight becomes heat, which directly warms the household water.versus
20 à 25Photovoltaic panelSunlight becomes electricity, which then has to be turned into heat.
Indicative efficiencies under test conditions, from manufacturers’ data sheets. Actual efficiency varies with sunshine, temperature and season. For hot water, capturing the sun directly as heat goes further.
A day at your place
Drag the sun. Watch the house.
14 h
Collectors
They capture the sun and heat the water.
Tank
Hot water, thanks to the sun.
Heat pump
It cools the house.
Simplified illustration: every system is sized to your home.
The combined system
Two technologies. One system.
The sun, for hot water
An antifreeze fluid circulates in a closed loop between the collectors and the tank. The household water warms up without ever freezing on the roof.
The heat pump, for comfort
It draws heat from the outside air to heat the house in winter, and reverses its cycle to cool it in summer. Depending on the model and the outdoor temperature, it generally delivers two to three times more heat than the electricity it uses.
The most efficient for household hot water, below 65 °C. Sturdy and discreet, it sits flush with the roof.
For water at 60 to 80 °C
Evacuated tubes
Each tube is insulated by a vacuum: it keeps its efficiency when it’s cold outside. A common choice for Québec winters.
For water at 70 to 90 °C
50 °C60 °C70 °C80 °C90 °C100 °C
Where they go
On a pitched roof
On a flat roof
On a wall
Winter questions
Even in winter, the sun is at work.
8 h
What about snow?
The collectors are glazed and tilted: snow slides off them faster than off the rest of the roof. On grey days, an electric backup tops up the water heating.
10 h
What about extreme cold?
The collector runs in a closed loop with antifreeze. The heat pump is chosen for the climate: some models are designed for Québec’s cold.
12 h
And in summer?
The sun heats the water almost on its own, while the heat pump cools the house.
14 h
What about maintenance?
A periodic check of the loop and the antifreeze, as with any heating system.
16 h
What about grants?
Programs may apply, especially to heat pumps. We help you find your way, without ever promising an amount. See the grants↗
A PBE Rénov expert, ready to listen
The sun at home, shall we talk?
Describe your project in a few minutes. It’s the first step toward your renovation.
Yes, with lower efficiency than in summer: the days are shorter. The antifreeze loop protects the collector, and an electric backup tops up the water heating on grey days.
What is a heat pump’s COP?
Its coefficient of performance: the heat delivered divided by the electricity used. A COP of 3 means three times more heat than electricity. For a solar collector, we speak of efficiency instead: about 75% of the sun’s energy becomes heat.
Is my roof suitable?
Orientation, pitch, shading and roof condition: we check it during the visit. If the roof isn’t suitable, the collectors can sometimes be mounted on a wall.
How long does a solar collector last?
Manufacturers state a service life of 15 years or more, with regular maintenance.
Do I need to replace my water heater?
We assess your setup during the visit: depending on the case, a solar tank replaces it, or your current water heater serves as backup.
