Your browser is out of date.

You are currently using Internet Explorer 7/8/9, which is not supported by our site. For the best experience, please use one of the latest browsers.

Solar and Multi-Fuel Configurations

Residential Solar Water Heater Tanks

65-119 Gallon
Efficient
Long Lasting
Superior Performance

Vaughn's residential solar water heater tanks are designed for use with a wide range of solar and multi-fuel system configurations. These residential solar water heater tanks with heavy gauge steel construction and a HydraStone lining ensure long life. The premium CFC-free polyurethane foam insulation provides a high level of efficiency and allows for very low heat loss, ensuring that the energy captured from any heat source remains in your system. Available model configurations include single or dual finned copper heat exchanger coils mounted on isolating, and double O-ring flanges to allow for maximum heat transfer rates while maintaining tank integrity and protecting against electrolysis. Vaughn provides 65, 80, and 119 gallon residential solar water heaters. Build your model below to request a quote today.

Build Your Model

STEP 1:

Storage
Capacity


Gallons

STEP 2:

Number of
Heat Exchangers


Heat Exchangers

STEP 3:

Heat Exchanger Sq Ft.


Sq Ft. Heat Exchanger

STEP 4:

Single/Double Wall


Wall

STEP 5:

Configuration
(Only on 2 Exchangers)



Model Number:

Request a Quote

Features

  • Heavy Duty Construction - HydraStone lining provides extended tank life, the plastic jacket will not rust, scratch or dent
  • Industry's lowest standby heat loss reduces your operating costs
  • Field removable all copper heat exchanger is mounted on a double O-ring flange, isolating the heat exchanger and eliminating the risk of electrolysis, while providing maximum hot water output
  • No Sacrificial Anode Rod reduces operation expenses by eliminating periodic inspection and replacement costs associated with maintaining an anode rod
  • Warranty 7 year non pro-rated, 5 year limited on dual coil

Product Specifications

Tank Specifications

Model Storage Overall Dimensions Shipping First Hour Rating (Gallons) Continuous Rating (Gallons Per Hour) Back-Up Electric Heater        
Capacity (Inches) Weight (240V 1PH) Watts        
(Gallons)   (Lbs)            
Height Diameter Single Wall Double Wall Single Wall Double Wall            
3/4" Coil 1" Coil 3/4" Coil 3/4" Coil 1" Coil 3/4" Coil            
SINGLE COIL                      
S65SRW20145 65 46.25 26 299 210 295 120 150 235 60 4500W
S80SRW20145 80 57.25 26 325 222 307 132 150 235 60 4500W
S80TSRW2014545 80 71.75 19 340 222 307 132 150 235 60 4500/4500W
S120SRW2014545 119 67.75 28 410 254 339 164 150 235 60 4500/4500W
DOUBLE COIL (Bottom Only)                    
S65SRW20245 65 46.25 26 299 350 512 179 285 447 114 4500W
S80SRW20245 80 57.25 26 325 365 527 194 285 447 114 4500W
S80TSRW2024545 80 71.75 19 340 365 527 194 285 447 114 4500/4500W
S120SRW2024545 119 67.75 28 410 405 567 234 285 447 114 4500/4500W
DOUBLE COIL (Top and Bottom)                  
S65SRW202TB45 65 46.25 26 299 390 512 155 225 447 90 4500W
S80SRW202TB45 80 57.25 26 325 305 527 170 225 447 90 4500W
S80TSR202TB45 80 71.75 19 340 305 527 170 225 447 90 4500W
S120SRW202TB45 119 67.75 28 410 345 567 210 225 447 90 4500W
DIRECT EXCHANGE                    
S80SW4545 80 46.25 26 325 92 - - - - - 4500/4500W
S80TSW4545 80 71.75 19 340 92 - - - - - 4500/4500W
S120SW4545 119 67.75 28 410 122 - - - - - 4500/4500W

Additional Product Details

Field Removable Heat Exchanger

Conveniently located and simple 8-bolt flange design for ease of installation and service. This superior design allows for periodic cleaning of coil to maintain maximum performance.

Solar Heat Exchanger Coil
Solar HIW
Vaughn Coil Curves Chart
  • Double wall heat exchanger
  • Back-up electric heating element for supplemental heating
  • 1.5" cold water inlet and hot water outlet

Solar Series Specific Questions

OG-300 is a solar thermal system rating given by the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (SRCC). OG-300 verifies the total system performance and safety, and is required by some states and organizations in order to collect renewable energy incentives.
Depending on the application, number of solar panels, etc. one may not actually need a backup electrical element. Generally speaking, the electrical elements are present in the tank to ensure the continuous supply of hot water in the event of prolonged cloudiness (resulting in much less solar contribution to the tank), temporary increases in hot water demand such as holiday gatherings, and the like.
No.  Vaughn focuses on designing and building the most efficient and long lasting solar water heater only.  The ancillary solar system components must be purchased separately.
The Vaughn solar tank is OG-300 certified with both AET and Apricus systems.
Federal tax credits are available on solar water heaters, whether performing upgrades or maintenance on an existing system or installing new. Save all receipts- including labor bills, arborist invoices (if necessary/ applicable) etc. and use the total amount to complete IRS Form 5695 when filing your taxes, and affix a copy to your form 1040 or 1040NR.
Vaughn Model S and ME water heaters with 30 gallon storage or more have both upper and lower heating elements in the tank, and models 20 gallon storage and less have one heating element in the tank.  The purpose of having two heating elementsis to improve the recovery rating in a water heater of significant storage capacity. Sometimes referred to as a “Quick Recovery” water heater, this configuration allows the upper element to heat a much smaller volume of water (about 25% of the tank's capacity) before the lower element takes over. This provides a small amount of usable hot water quickly while you wait for the bulk of the water to heat.  It is worth noting that in the standard dual element design, the upper and lower heating elements are interlocked so that only one can heat at any time, with priority to the upper element.  Once the thermostat controlling the upper element is satisfied (i.e. at set point temperature) the lower element is allowed to heat.  As an option, you may order your Vaughn water heater with the optional “simultaneous operation” feature which allows each element to operate independently, potentially allowing both to be on at the same time in order to increase the recovery rate of the heater.
The most important factor related to the life expectancy of a water heater is the quality and type of storage tank.  On an average the life expectancy of a glass lined electric water heater is about 10-12 years (according to the National Association of Home Builders 2007 Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components http://www.nahb.org/fileUpload_details.aspx?contentID=99359 ), compared to a cement lined electric water heater’s average life expectancy of 23-26 years (Independent study of over 25,000 installations for an Electric Utility).  Of course, there are various other factors that affect longevity including pressure fluctuations, usage, water conditions, environmental conditions, etc.
The Vaughn water heater is constructed with a heat trap installed within the water heater’s hot water outlet connection.  This device helps prevent heat from escaping through the storage tank’s hot water outlet during standby periods, resulting in improved operating efficiency.  The heat trap is constructed from a specially designed bronze nipple with an internal floating ball that during standby periods of no flow settles and closes off the storage tank thereby preventing thermal conduction of hot water radiating through the hot water outlet.
All water heaters constructed using a steel tank requires a lining to protect the internal steel surfaces from corrosion.  Certain linings (i.e. glass and epoxy), due to their nature, have unavoidable holes and imperfections resulting in exposure of the steel tank.   As a result of this deficiency, the manufacturer will install an anode rod(s) in an attempt to delay corrosion of the steel tank.  An anode rod is typically made of aluminum, magnesium or zinc, is a maintenance item that requires periodic inspection and replacement, and is often times the cause of a “rotten egg” odor to your hot water.  Often referred to as a sacrificial anode rod because, over time, it slowly dissolves, sacrificing itself as it is attacked by aggressive substances in the water which would otherwise attack the steel tank through the pinholes and imperfections of the glass or epoxy lining.  A cement lined steel tank on the other hand does not require an anode because of the thickness and guaranteed 100% coverage of the cement lining over all internal surfaces of the steel tank.  This eliminates the need for an anode rod in a cement lined water heater, resulting in a significantly longer life compared to a glass or epoxy lined water heater.
It depends.  The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), section 510.5 states In seismic zones 3 and 4 water heaters shall be anchored or strapped to resist horizontal displacement due to earthquake motion. Strapping shall be at points within the upper one-third (1/3) and lower one-third (1/3) of its vertical dimensions. At the lower point a minimum of four (4) inches (102mm) shall be maintained above the controls with the strapping."  If the installed location is in these seismic zones then a strap/restraint system is required.  Otherwise please consult with a plumbing engineer to determine the proper installation method for your water heater.
Yes, Vaughn advises that a drip pan with a proper drainage connection be installed under your water heater.   In some locations drip pans are required by code and in other situations they are highly recommended, but not required.  In either case, if a water heater leak or a dripping relief valve could result in property damage then a drip pan must be installed under the water heater, even when not required by code.
Vaughn uses a blown-in polyurethane foam insulation for all cement lined water heaters and tanks up to 120 gallon capacity. This insulation has an R value of 7.2 per inch. Most Vaughn tanks have a minimum of 2 inches of insulation resulting in an R value of 14. Certain models are available either standard or as an option with 3 inch insulation and therefore have an R value of 21.
The water heater must be stored in the orientation of intended use (vertical, horizontal). The recommended ambient air temperature range is between 50 and 105 degree F and not exceeding 65% Rh. Under no conditions should the unit be subject to freezing temperatures. The unit is intended to be stored indoors, protected from the elements. Desiccant material should be inserted into the electric control panel and heating element terminal house (if applicable). Prolonged storage will require periodic inspection of desiccant. For cement lined tanks only, place approximately 10 gallons of water in the tank before closing and sealing all openings to ensure a humid atmosphere for the lining is maintained. Cap and seal all openings and tank tappings and/or flanges. Provide the necessary protection to ensure the tank and all accessories are protected from physical contact that could result in damage. Shrink wrapping or other suitable protective plastic may be applied to the exterior. Start up and installation guidelines must be followed, with particular attention to testing of the electric heating element.
The HydraStone lining provides guaranteed 100% coverage with a minimum thickness of 0.5” over all internal tank surfaces. In comparison, glass lining is approximately 0.005” thick and includes imperfections, pinholes and variation in coverage thickness resulting in portions of unprotected steel tank exposed to corrosion. In an attempt to compensate, glass lined tanks include a sacrificial anode in an effort to slow down the corrosion of the tank. HydraStone lined tanks on the other hand do not require an anode due to the integrity of the lining. As such, a cement lined tank will far outlast a glass lined tank.
Although we don’t advocate dropping our tanks, sometimes stuff happens. The Vaughn HydraStone lining is a minimum of 1/2" thick (100 times thicker than a glass lined tank) and is guaranteed to uniformly cover 100% of all internal tank surfaces. In essence, the Vaughn HydraStone lining is a tank within a tank and should have no problem withstanding the rigors of shipping and installation. A properly maintained Vaughn tank will last decades.
Legionella is the bacteria responsible for Legionnaire’s Disease, an acute bacterial infection of the lower respiratory tract. This bacterium was first identified in 1977 by the Centers for Disease Control. Pontiac Fever is a less severe, non-pneumonia, flu-like disease that is associated with and likely caused by Legionella bacteria.   Legionella is a fairly common water bacterium and has been found to exist widely in many surface water sources including lakes, rivers, streams and ponds.  It can also be found in ground water sources and some soils.   At the levels found in these naturally occurring sources it typically does not pose a threat to public health.  When the bacterium enters a domestic water system it can find an ideal host environment of warm water temperatures (105-115°F), stagnant water areas (isolated storage tanks and dead-end piping legs) and ample food sources (sediment, scale, deposits and biofilm). Under these conditions Legionella can rapidly colonize, forming higher concentrations that can pose the public health threat of Legionnaire’s Disease.    There are many methods of controlling colonization of Legionella bacteria; a widely accepted and preferred method is to maintain the hot water system storage temperature continually at or above 140°F.  Unfortunately, the elevated temperature necessary to minimize the growth of and kill Legionella bacteria has the potential to cause serious thermal shock and scalding injuries.  As such, many plumbing engineers will specify that the water heater be set to maintain water temperatures at 140°F or higher to reduce the risk of Legionella, but then specify the appropriate mixing valve to ensure safe delivery of hot water to the fixtures.  For a more thorough discussion of Legionella please go to here and the following link to the US Department of Labor OSHA information regarding Legionnaires’ Disease OSHA here
The unique design of the Vaughn heat exchanger electrically isolates the heat exchanger from the tank by means of a non conductive barrier installed between the two. This provides dielectric isolation between the tank and the heat exchanger thereby eliminating electrolysis between the two due to dissimilar metals. This feature is one reason why the Vaughn indirect water heater far outlasts competitor models.
Yes. The heat exchanger is fully removable in all Vaughn indirect water heaters. The benefit to having a removable heat exchanger is that the coil can be removed for cleaning and de-scaling for improved performance and efficiency when used in hard water applications. It should be noted that the heat exchanger is not removable and the coil cannot be cleaned in many other indirect water heater brands.

Questions? Ask Our Experts