South Carolina Inverter Michael Rock has developed what he said is a new choice for solar hot water technology. His invention, the Rocket Dome, uses the power of the Sun’s warming rays to heat water—similar to a black garden hose laying on the ground on a hot summer’s day.
The Rocket Dome takes this analogy to the extreme however; through patented heating and insulating technology it can raise the water temperature much higher and maintain these temperatures for much longer. The 200-gallon polyurethane insulated storage tank has been tested to handle clean potable water in excess of 150°F, and tested to handle internal pressures of 130 PSI. Once the Rocket Dome becomes exposed to the rising Sun it begins heating the water flowing to the house from the utility company. Via smart sensing technology, it will circulate and heat water as needed using a small pump located in the base of the dome. The heated water flows into the home and through the existing water heater where it is then sent throughout the home’s existing plumbing for washing, bathing, and cleaning, cutting energy consumption and electric bill in the process.A second Rocket Dome may be added to provide heat throughout the winter months.
Further advantages over other solar thermal systems include that The Rocket Dome is far more affordable than other comparable sized solar thermal units. It also requires NO holes to be drilled into the roof, saving time and money if costly roof repairs ever need to be done. Using the Earth as added insulation, the water tank stays warmer longer, and saves valuable space inside your home. The ground mounting technology allows customers to find a great location for the Rocket Dome even if their roof isn’t ideal for traditional flat solar thermal panels. The Rocket Dome can usually be installed in one day.
The Rocket Dome’s sleek design will beautify customers’ homes. It is available in many colors and wrap designs. Its high quality composite materials will never dull or fade.
Rocket Dome Technical Information
Collector Height: Approx. 7 ft.
Collector Area: 6 ft. Diameter Dome = 2.4 Traditional 4×8 Flat Plates Collectors SA = πr^2+π rs (90.8sq feet)
Water Volume: (GPM/ Increase) 32 GPM (=) + 15 degree F per cycle
Water Volume: (Gallons/Tank) 200 or 330 Gal
Tested operating Pressure: (p.s.i) 130 p.s.i.
Maximum Operating Pressure (p.s.i.)
Stagnation Temperature (F*)
SRCC Rating Information: SRCC 100
Efficiency Rating: eta0= 67.8% eta1= 68.4% eta2= 68.6%
Monitor: IMC Solar Eagle 2
Wayne Clark says
What does a unit cost plus installation?
Steve says
I am looking for a price too!!
Daniel Bossut says
Yeah, but what happens to the water in the disc at night when it’s freezing? it cannot drain back on its own since there are low curves in the coil, can it?
Kathie Zipp says
Hi Daniel, I got in touch with the manufacturer and this is his response: The Rocket Dome Is highly freeze resistant, but it is not freeze proof. If the unit is exposed to near or sub zero temperatures for weeks at a time it can freeze. We ask that customers in very frigid climates check with us before purchasing a Rocket Dome. Since we don’t use anti-freeze or other chemical agents, we had to engineer other forms of freeze protection. The Dome is under a constant pressure, even at night it holds heat very well. However if the temperature sensors in the collector sense a slow drop in collector temperature the system will compensate by pushing heated water from the underground double-insulated tank into the collector warming it up in the process. If the temperature drop is rapid the collector’s freeze valve will purge the freezing water directly into the ground instead of cycling it back through the preheated tank. Most people in the lower 48 states will never have to worry about this being an issue; there are some high elevation areas where the unit may have trouble, but like all solar water heaters we recommend the system owner opt for a tankless backup. During the winter months of 2014-2015 no Rocket Dome reported a loss greater than 4 degrees over any winter nights. These temperatures were always made up within an hour of sunrise.
Laura says
Just discover this process. Sounds like true innovation.