Here's a short education on how it works:

A southern facing position of your sunroom is preferred, however, east or west facing will be able to take advantage of the sun rising/setting

During the Fall/Winter/Spring seasons, the sun stays low in the sky allowing free heat into the vertical walls of your solar collector sunroom. The "Heat Repellent" series roof glazing traps the solar heat in the upper area of the room.

A thru-the-wall fan placed high in the sunroom is added to the room design, along with a thermostat and seasonal shutoff switch

The thermostat will automatically cycle the fan on when the sunroom temperature reaches about 75 degrees, delivering free heat to your home

A separate sunroom zone heat source may also be installed

with a lower temperature setting so you may also enjoy your sunroom addition on those cold winter nights

Space Heating

A solar space-heating system can consist of a passive system, an active system, or a combination of both. Passive systems are typically less costly and less complex than active systems. However, when retrofitting a building, active systems might be the only option for obtaining solar energy.

Passive Solar Space Heating

Passive solar space heating takes advantage of warmth from the sun through design features, such as large south-facing windows, and materials in the floors or walls that absorb warmth during the day and release that warmth at night when it is needed most. A sunspace or greenhouse is a good example of a passive system for solar space heating.

Passive solar design systems usually have one of three designs:

• Direct gain (the simplest system) stores and slowly releases heat energy collected from the sun shining directly into the building and warming materials such as tile or concrete. Care must be taken to avoid overheating the space.

• Indirect gain (similar to direct gain) uses materials that hold, store, and release heat; the material is located between the sun and living space (typically the wall).

• Isolated gain collects solar energy remote from the location of the primary living area. For example, a sunroom attached to a house collects warmer air that flows naturally to the rest of the house.

Click here for web link to article on solar tax credit from forbes magazine

Scroll to the bottom for more links and tax credit information.

Designed into every Sierra is the highest degree of thermal integrity possible. Which translates into an incredible energy efficiency up to 200% better then other sunroom type rooms.

Here's why. Most manufacturers start with a reasonably well-insulated design, then put their units together with metal screws or bolts! Each one of these hundreds of fasteners conducts heat and cold right through the so called thermally broken frame, and hapless homeowners lose money trying to stay comfortable. Moreover, if just a few of the screws or bolts are tightened too much or too little, stresses are created in the frame & glazing which can result in drafts or worse.

Sierra's exclusive nylon clip assembly system is proven thermally broken. The clips enable Sierra to go together faster, more easily, and with even pressure between frame, gasket & glass. The thermal break is preserved, and your heating bills will reflect it.

• Heavy gauge ridged framed extruded tubular aluminum
  
• Stainless Steel hardware
  
• Heavy-duty E.P.D.M 5-fin gasketing around each pane of glass
  
• Bronze or White Polycron Frame Finish
  
• Curved or Straight-eave design
  
• Over 300 standard models
  
• Only SAFETY glass is used
  
  

Also available:

• Sun-Clean Self cleaning glass by PPG
  
• High-Performance Glazing for maximum comfort & efficiency
  
• Custom color frame finishes
  

Can't Install a Fan in the Ceiling? Don't Worry

This WhisperWall fan was designed specifically for through-the-wall mounting to provide ventilation in rooms where a ceiling mounted fan is not possible. An exterior hood with a backdraft damper is included to finish off the job.

So Quiet You Might Not Know it's On
This fan features a totally enclosed condenser motor and a large, double suction blower wheel to quietly move air. A small wheel turning very fast will create more noise than a large wheel turning more slowly for a given airflow. Our fan uses a wide blower wheel that moves a large amount of air at reduced RPMs. The blower wheel is also designed to draw air in from both sides, which helps keep the noise down, as there is more area for the air to enter the wheel. In fact, it is quiet enough that you might not even know it's on.

Continuous, Trouble-free Operation for Many Years

This fan is designed to give you continuous, trouble-free operation for many years thanks in part to its high-quality components and permanently lubricated motors which wear at a slower pace. Also, since heat is always detrimental to motor life (the cooler the environment, the longer the motor will last), we designed the electrical configuration of this model's condenser motor to allow it to operate at lower temperatures, increasing the life of the motor and bearings. And, the fan housing is made of heavy-gauge zinc galvanized steel and painted to protect it from rust.

Energy Starr® Qualified for Energy Savings

Energy Star qualified products feature super-quiet operation and high CFM-to-Watt efficiency. The Energy Star program was created to help consumers identify products that can save them money and protect the environment by saving energy. As an Energy Star partner, all our fans are Energy Star qualified and labeled accordingly.

Tired of Cold Air Coming Through Your Ventilation Fan?

This fan has a built-in damper to prevent backdraft, which helps to prevent outside air from coming through the fan. Also, thanks to our efficient, cool running motors and fluorescent bulbs, it does not create excessive heat-a common problem with recessed lighting fixtures and some competitors' fan/light combinations. Loose fill or batt insulation can be placed directly over the fan housing to prevent heat from escaping.

• Super quiet operation.
• Energy Star qualified.
• Easy installation.
• Contemporary grille design.
• Totally enclosed condenser motor for long life-rated for continuous run.
• Rust proof paint treatment on galvanized housing.
• Built-in damper to prevent back draft.
• UL listed for tub/shower enclosure when used with a GFCI branch circuit wire.
• Thermal fuse protection.
• Meets Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code.
• Hood with back draft damper included.

Additional links for more info about Solar Collectors

http://www.makeitsolar.com/solar-energy-information/03-solar-power.htm

http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/info/documents/pdfs/29236.pdf

http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/construction/solardesign/greenhouses.html

DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Choose one or both databases to search:

http://www.dsireusa.org

Click Here to see a small sample of our 600 standard sizes.