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Anybody have an opinion on HTproducts Super Stor Ultra Max?

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petertm
petertm Member Posts: 4
in Solar

I need to replace two gas water heaters and I am thinking of putting in two SuperStorUltrMax s, with a 20 tube ThermoMax solar water heating system. The heated solar antifreeze will go through both systems. Of course, the first tank will get more heat than the second, but I'm trying to keep it simple. I guess I could put in a valve. Any advice would be welcome.

Comments

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 11,491

    I have no opinion

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 26,356
    edited December 1

    Are these for preheat or are you getting the electric element version?

    During no sun conditions the electric element will not deliver what the gas fired tanks will

    I would consider one solar tank, series with a gas tank

    Also test your water to be sure it meets the water spec for that stainless tank, here is the SuperStor water spec. The chloride spec is important with stainless steels.

    Screenshot 2025-12-01 at 9.25.50 AM.png

    A typical 2-tank solar pre-heat piping, with electric of gas heater

    Screenshot 2025-12-01 at 9.20.38 AM.png
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    Alan (California Radiant) Forbesmattmia2
  • petertm
    petertm Member Posts: 4

    I'm getting the electric element version, which has 4500w of power.

    Thanks for the information, it is very helpful

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 26,356

    the electric element in solar tanks is 1/2 the way up the tank, sometimes in the upper 1/3

    So when it is heated by just the element you get 1/2 the tanks capacity of hot water

    I would go with an 80 gallon tank so you get about 40 gallons of useable hot water

    IMG_1561.jpeg

    another tip is to run the tank hot, maybe 150- 160 on the solar control, use a good quality mix valve set to 120 as shown in this piping. That way you maximize the solar and extend the drawdown

    If you have an evac tube array you nay get more solar than you need in the warm summer month

    Most of the digital solar controllers have over heat function in them, as well as evac tube settings

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream

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