Recommended Videos
Sustainability is a key factor in society today and Alternative Energy Technologies (AET) Solar strives to make this a more realistic effort for the everyday hot water user. From domestic residences, to apartment buildings, and even commercial properties, the technology being produced by AET Solar can help reduce emissions while saving money on utility bills.
AET Solar has been committed to the advancement of solar thermal technologies since 1975. Having survived the solar thermal industry’s implosion of the early 1980’s through their international sales, AET Solar has positioned themselves as America’s largest solar thermal manufacturer. In July 2001, AET completed construction on their $3.5 million, 60,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Green Cove Springs.
The main manufacturing focus lies in the state-of-the-art “flat plate” solar thermal collector. These collectors harness clean, efficient, renewable solar energy, to be used in domestic hot water and space heating applications.
Collectors and components are spread among our national supply reach through eight distributors and 400 independent dealers. In turn, this provides thousands of indirect jobs throughout the United States, and over 60 direct jobs at AET's Green Cove Springs corporate headquarters.
As a true U.S. manufacturer, AET Solar strives to create ‘green’ jobs and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Over the years AET has continually improved their manufacturing techniques in order to provide the most efficient collector on the market. One of these advancements includes a solid state forge welding process which produces a molecular bond between the fin and tube. This highly efficient conductive bond is backed by a 30 year guarantee and is superior to any process used in the industry.
Further advances in the manufacturing process include an automated brazing line. This state-of-the-art machine was added to the production line in order to increase the quality and consistency of absorber plates, as well as increase the speed of production; hence, an increase in supply. The brazing line utilizes brass flux which eliminates carbon dioxide emitted to the environment making this a green process.
In addition, AET’s manufacturing facility includes a zero waste treatment line which reuses waste water for cooling and removes nickel from the plating discharge in its entirety. This green process allows 90% of the newly cleaned water to be reused, eliminating waste.
AET's future plans for the area include adding a new plant, creating 100 additional manufacturing jobs in the region. Here's a look inside their Green Cove Springs facility.
NEXT PAGE: AET MANUFACTURING PLANT PHOTO TOUR