Brothers, Cornell Grads Invent Solar Tube Collectors

In 2005, Matt and Adam Farrell, Cornell graduates and owners of Ithaca, New York-based Silicon Solar, made the transition into solar thermal water heating. In doing so, the brothers invented their own version of evacuated tube solar collectors and have now landed at least one major solar water heating project.

The brothers will be installing a solar water heating system at the Wallkill Correctional Facility in the Hudson Valley. Silicon Solar’s collectors consist of heating tubes made from two layers of borosilicate glass separated by a vacuum. An anti-freeze solution runs through the collectors, where it is heated by the sun. From the collectors, the fluid is sent to the hot water system, where it transfers its heat to the water supply.

The move into solar thermal systems is another step in the Farrell brothers’ goal of making solar power an affordable prospect for any home or family. Their evacuated tube collectors are made in Bainbridge with company headquarters in Ithaca. Adam Farrell localized Silicon Solar’s ambitious solar thermal goals with the bold proclamation, “We want to make Ithaca the solar thermal capital of America.”

Silicon Solar is best known for integrated solar products; solar fountains, solar lighting and portable solar electric kits.

Source: Elmira Star Gazette