FAIRHAVEN, Calif., July 30 (UPI) -- Calif.-based TrendSetter Solar Products has released a new solar-powered hot water tank that works in conjunction with traditional water heaters.
TrendSetter, a manufacturer of solar hot water heating and storage systems, revealed its new product called the PiggyBack, which circulates solar-heated water into the traditional hot water heater.
A traditional hot water tank sits on the top of the new solar powered tank.
TrendSetter says the new tank is efficient and affordable.
The PiggyBack system is not designed to replace the larger hot water tank systems, but it is geared toward retrofit and allows customers to take advantage of the Federal Tax Credit program.
"The PiggyBack tank has several advantages including a 12 volt pump which is powered by a photovoltaic panel and a new proprietary controller," Norm Ehrlich, chief technology officer and TrendSetter founder, said in a statement. "The 12 volt pump is powered by the sun thus freeing the system from traditional home electricity. The new controller will allow the pump to work with the photovoltaic panel while the sun is shining."
Another advantage company officials say is an improvement in the photovoltaic panel for the system. The combination of proprietary electronics and a 12 volt solar water pump make the system efficient and independent of the homeowner's electrical utility.
