Solar Panels Plus partnered with one of the leading US chemical manufactures to develop and supply an exclusive solar glycol made from renewable sources. This formula was designed as a heat transfer fluid for use in solar hot water and solar space heating applications.

Corn glycol has the same chemical properties as propylene glycol – it's non toxic, food safe, and easy to use, but it's derived from corn as opposed to oil. No brand of propylene glycol can deliver this level of performance for use in solar thermal systems.

Solar Panels Plus has engineered this corn glycol with superior corrosion inhibitors, lower surface tension, and a PH perfect for heat transfer associated with solar thermal systems.

Available in 5 gallon, 55 gallon, and 265 gallon containers. 100% concentrated, ships ready to mix.

Features:

• Made from corn – a completely renewable resource; No petroleum contents
• Superior heat transfer
• Non-Toxic, Food grade, safe for use in homes
• Lower cost
• Bio-degradable
• Corrosion Inhibited Formula
• Designed for solar thermal systems

In solar water heating applications, glycol is used to keep the heat transfer solution (water) from freezing due to cold weather conditions. Even in warm climates like Florida, water can freeze during the cold season, which can cause damage to the solar collector, the piping, or other solar components. For this reason, all reputable solar contractors will automatically use a glycol-water mix as the heat transfer medium. The exact mixture will differ based on location and the amount of freeze protection needed.

Glycol is an anti-freeze solution. In common use there are two primary types of glycol: ethylene glycol is used for automotive anti-freeze. It is a highly toxic substance and is not used for solar thermal applications due to the danger of poisoning. In solar thermal applications, propylene glycol is used because it is non-toxic. Due to it's similar properties to ethylene glycol, propylene glycol has quickly become the solar industry norm.

Propylene glycol is a common ingredient in many household products, such as moisturizers, cosmetics, deodorant sticks, toothpaste, emulsifying agents, food colorings and flavorings, electronic smoke devices, and as a coolant in cooling systems.

So What Makes Corn Glycol Better Than Propylene Glycol?

Corn glycol is a non-toxic, safe glycol with antifreeze properties that has the same molecular formula as propylene glycol. This environmentally friendly, renewable glycol, is our solar glycol of choice for thermal transfer. This renewable solar glycol is an excellent heat transfer fluid for solar hot water heaters and provides a safer, more efficient solution than does propylene glycol.

How is Corn Glycol Manufactured?

Corn glycol is manufactured through a special catalytic process. To actually create this thermal transfer fluid, the corn is broken down into lactic acid, then by utilizing copper ions as a catalyst, mixed with hydrogen gas present, transform the chemical make-up of the lactic acid into a corn-based propylene glycol. Corn glycol has been shown in studies to actually be a more efficient form of oil-based propylene glycol as a heat transfer solution.

What Makes Corn Glycol an Eco-Friendly and a Safe Glycol?

Not only is the corn glycol formed in this process considered a renewable & environmentally friendly glycol, the approach itself is more environmentally friendly, resulting in fewer pollutants and unwanted byproducts like alcohols. The method of creating solar corn glycol is less efficient and harmful to the environment due to its use of petroleum based starting materials. The starting materials for corn glycol are completely renewable, making this the method of choice for producing thermal transfer fluid.

Corn glycol is also completely safe - it has extremely low toxicity and is even recognized as being safe for food additive purposes. With this safe glycol, we can rest a bit easier knowing children and animals cannot cause fatal harm to themselves if small amounts are ingested, or, if some glycol accidentally finds it’s way into potable water. Using safe and renewable resources to make non-toxic anti-freeze, an important chemical with a plethora of applications, is a wonderful “green” scientific advancement.