AEI Online Customer Support
Timer
Last update: 17-Nov-2009 09:17 AM
The <a href="http://www.hawaiienergy.com/solar/index.html" target="_blank">Hawaii Energy Efficiency Program</a> recommends time switch tabs be set to turn “ON” at 4:00 PM and “OFF” at 5:00 PM. This time setting has two purposes. First, it allows your solar system, not electricity, to heat the water during the solar day (i.e. 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM). Second, in the event that the water temperature requires an electrical boost, it occurs before the system evening peak hours begins. It is important to understand that no electricity will be used to hear your water, when the water has been heated enough by the sun. However, if the water is not hot enough at the end of the solar day, the timer will automatically allow the water to be heated during the pre-set time.
Multiple automatic time switch settings, exclusive of the solar day, are acceptable. If you prefer to control your system’s back-up electric manually, you must have at least one “OFF” tab securely attached to the face of the time mechanism or, in the case of electronic time switches, the timer must be programmed to turn OFF within 24 hours of being turned ON. This requirement will safeguard against unnecessary electrical usage by automatically turning the time switch OFF within one day in the event that the electric back-up is inadvertently left ON.
All <a href="http://www.hawaiienergy.com/solar/index.html" target="_blank">Hawaii Energy Efficiency Program</a> approved automatic timers also have switches which allow you to heat water electrically at any time. For your safety, use the switch on the timer, not the water heater circuit breaker, to turn the electric back-up ON. Please note circuit breakers are not rated as switches and using them as switches may be hazardous.
