Use the Bay Area's sunshine to heat your home and your water. We design and install solar thermal systems that integrate with your existing hydronic loops.
Hydro solar uses rooftop collectors to heat water directly, which then feeds your radiant floors, radiators, or domestic hot water. It's a different technology from solar PV, and it's particularly well suited to homes that already have hydronic heating.
Not every roof is right for solar thermal. Here's what we look for.
South-facing roof area with minimal shade for several hours a day is the starting point.
Hydro solar pairs best with homes that already use radiant floors, radiators, or baseboards.
Larger families and homes with high hot water demand see the fastest return.
Solar thermal is engineering, not just installation. We design systems that actually deliver on their promise.
We evaluate roof exposure, hot water and heating loads, and your existing hydronic system.
Collector sizing, storage, controls, and integration with the rest of your system.
Careful installation by specialists, including all the plumbing, controls, and integration work.
We commission the system, walk you through operation, and provide ongoing support.
Solar thermal is only as good as the hydronic system behind it. Afterglow specializes in exactly that, designing and installing radiant and hydronic heating that performs for decades.
We've worked with Mniska on the boiler/radiators in our new home and couldn't be happier with Mniska's attention to detail and communication. We cannot recommend his services more and look forward to a long term relationship with him over the years.
Mniska approaches projects with care, intensive attention to detail, and a laser focus on his clients' wants and needs--he's the definition of a consummate pro. Highest recommendation.
Mniska helped a lot with my radiant heating system. He took a lot of time to explain everything to me and gave me several option for fixing and upgrading our system, without making me feel pressured. Recommended as a radiant heating expert.
Highly recommend Afterglow Radiant Heating! Mniska Lamb, the owner, quickly diagnosed and fixed our intermittent hot water issue with our tankless system. He completed important maintenance, suggested valuable upgrades, and communicated clearly throughout the process. He worked efficiently, was respectful of our home (and our two cats!), and I trust him completely. He's now on my schedule for annual maintenance and ongoing service.
Mniska from Afterglow Heating did a fantastic job! He was quick to help us out, very communicative throughout the process, and clearly explained what he was checking and finding. He also gave us great recommendations on how to move forward with our broken water heater. Super professional, reliable, and easy to work with — I'd highly recommend him and Afterglow Heating to anyone in need of plumbing or heating help
When our tankless water heater broke, I called Mniska and he came the same day. He was very good and thorough. He patiently explained our options and answered all our questions. Definitely recommend!
Solar PV panels generate electricity. Hydro solar uses thermal collectors to heat water directly. For homes with hydronic heating, thermal collectors are often more efficient at delivering useful heat than converting electricity through a heat pump.
Yes, very well. The Bay Area gets enough usable sun year-round to make solar thermal an effective contributor to both space heating and domestic hot water.
In most cases yes. Solar thermal is designed to work alongside your existing heat source, providing free heat when the sun is out and letting your backup take over when it isn't.
It varies based on system size, your hot water and heating use, and available incentives. Many Bay Area installs pay back within 8-12 years and continue producing free heat for two decades after that.
Minimal. Annual inspection of the collectors, fluid, and controls is enough for most systems. Quality installations can run for 20+ years with simple periodic service.
From Craftsman bungalows in North Berkeley to Tudor Revivals in Rockridge and the grand Colonials of Piedmont, we know these homes and the systems inside them.”
We'll assess your roof, your existing hydronic system, and your goals, then give you a clear answer about whether solar thermal makes sense. Honest expertise, no sales pressure.
