American-Made Flat Plate Solar Collectors for Residential & Commercial Applications
Alternate Energy Technologies (AET) manufactures high-performance residential & commercial solar water heater collectors and flat plate solar collectors engineered for commercial, multifamily, industrial, and government solar water heating applications. Manufactured in the United States since 1975, AET collectors are built with durable all-copper absorber plates, OG-100 certification, and installation flexibility designed for long-term thermal performance in diverse climates.
Solar Flat Plate Collectors
Proven Solar Water Heating Technology
Flat plate solar collectors remain one of the most reliable and widely deployed solar thermal technologies in the world for domestic hot water and commercial heating applications. Designed to capture solar radiation and transfer thermal energy into a circulating fluid, flat plate collectors offer dependable year-round performance, simple system integration, and long operational lifespans.
Compared to alternative solar thermal technologies, flat plate collectors provide:
- Exceptional durability
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Reliable freeze protection compatibility
- Proven performance in commercial systems
- Long service life
- Strong performance in diffuse sunlight conditions
- Simplified rooftop and ground-mount installation
Flat plate collectors also perform exceptionally well in snowy climates because their controlled heat loss characteristics can assist in naturally clearing snow accumulation from collector surfaces.
Advantages of Working with AET
Comprehensive Design Assistance
Our expert design team is available to assist with the precise sizing of any project, ensuring optimal hot water provision for residential, commercial, space heating, radiant floor heating, or industrial process heating applications.
Certification and Tax Incentives
All AET flat plate solar collectors are ICC-SRCC OG-100 certified, meeting recognized standards for safety, durability, and thermal performance. OG-100 certification is one of the most widely recognized certifications for solar thermal collectors in North America and is commonly referenced by building codes, incentive programs, utilities, and project specifications.
Benefits of OG-100 certified collectors include:
- Qualification for federal tax incentives
- Compliance with Title 24 applications
- Acceptance in commercial specifications
- Third-party verified performance ratings
- Support for utility and state rebate programs
AET collectors are frequently specified in:
- Government projects
- Military installations
- Utility-supported programs
- Commercial mechanical designs
- Institutional facilities
Advanced Absorber Plates
Each AET collector incorporates proprietary absorber plate technology designed to maximize thermal transfer and long-term reliability. AET absorber plates utilize:
- 100% copper construction
- Proprietary Crystal Clear selective coating
- Optimized riser spacing
- High thermal conductivity materials
This design improves solar absorption while minimizing thermal loss, allowing systems to deliver dependable hot water generation under a wide range of operating conditions.
Collector Series Specifications
Frame: Bronze Anodized 6063-T6 Aluminum, I Beam Style
Mounting Options: Integral to frame with three choices - Universal/Triangle, Rack, or Flush
Frame: Bronze Powder Coated 6063 Aluminum, C Channel Style
Mounting Options: Integral to frame with three choices - Universal/Triangle, Rack, or Flush
- Frame: Constructed with heavy-duty aluminum framing and tempered glass glazing
- Mounting Options: Versatile installation options suitable for rooftop, ground installations, or integration into existing solar heating systems
- Frame: Built with aluminum framing and tempered glass glazing for durability and weather resistance.
- Mounting Options: Provides flexible installation options that include rooftop, ground mounts, or integration with existing water heating systems.
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Frame: Anodized Aluminum Extrusion (Alloy 6063 T6) with a minimum thickness of 0.060 inch and an architectural dark bronze finish. The frame includes notched frame walls to facilitate ease of plate removal and reinstallation.
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Mounting Options: The design includes an integral mounting channel that allows the solar collector to be mounted without penetration of the extruded aluminum casing.
AET Solar Collectors
Alternate Energy Technologies (AET) proudly manufactures all flat plate solar thermal collectors in the U.S.A., catering to the diverse requirements of any solar water heating system. Since 1975, AET has been committed to producing high-quality collectors, leveraging the finest materials and exceptional craftsmanship.
AET remains steadfast in its dedication to innovation and quality, ensuring our solar collectors meet the highest standards in the industry.
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Give us a call at 1-800-874-2190 or fill out the form and our team will reach out to answer your questions as soon as possible.
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