Replacing Apricus Solar Thermal Systems in Massachusetts 

A Cold-Climate Guide for Apricus System Owners Exploring SunEarth Alternatives 

Apricus solar water heating systems once offered a compelling solution for Massachusetts homeowners seeking energy-efficient hot water. Designed around evacuated tube technology, they delivered reliable performance, especially in colder climates. But in 2025, many Apricus systems are now nearing or surpassing their service life. Parts are harder to find, efficiency is declining, and better technology is now widely available. 

Whether you're searching for Apricus system replacement, Apricus repair services, or simply wondering what’s the best alternative to Apricus solar thermal, you’ve come to the right place. 

This guide explores your next steps, the typical service issues you may be facing, and why SunEarth’s high-performance flat-plate systems are the preferred upgrade in today’s solar landscape. 

Typical Apricus Service Issues in Massachusetts 

1. Antifreeze Fluid Degradation

Massachusetts winters are harsh. Apricus systems use glycol fluid to prevent freezing, but this fluid must be replaced every 3 to 5 years. Degraded glycol can become corrosive, causing internal damage and heat loss. 

2. Vacuum Tube Wear and Collector Failure

 
Evacuated tubes can lose vacuum seal over time, resulting in reduced heat gain. Tube breakage from hail, snow load, or thermal stress is another risk factor, particularly in older systems. 

3. Pump and Controller Aging

Many Apricus controllers and circulator pumps begin to fail after 10 to 12 years. Repair parts may be limited, and diagnostics can be difficult due to outdated interfaces. 

4. Insulation Breakdown

Exterior insulation on Apricus piping is often exposed and susceptible to UV degradation, rodents, or freeze-thaw cycles. This leads to heat loss and risk of freezing. 

Should You Repair or Replace? 

While basic services like glycol replacement or controller repair may restore function temporarily, most Massachusetts Apricus owners find that replacement is more cost-effective long term, especially with current rebates and tax credits available. 

Before making the decision, conduct a site assessment: 

• Is your system 10 or more years old? 

• Are you replacing more than one major component? 

• Is performance lagging in cold months? 

• Are you struggling to find compatible parts? 

If the answer is yes to most, a full replacement may deliver greater ROI. 

Comparing Your Options: Apricus vs. SunEarth 

Feature	Apricus (Legacy Systems)	SunEarth ThermoRay Series (Modern Flat Plate)
Collector Type	Evacuated Tube	Glazed Flat Plate
Freeze Protection	Glycol-based	Glycol or Drainback
Winter Efficiency	Strong, but drops if vacuum fails	Strong with consistent output
Maintenance	Moderate to High	Low
Replacement Parts	Limited	Readily available (U.S.-made)
System Warranty	Often expired	Up to 10 years
SRCC Certification	Legacy models	Modern OG-100 certified
Manufacturer Support	Discontinued in U.S.	Active support from SunEarth

Why this matters: 

While Apricus systems performed admirably when new, many are now unsupported in North America. SunEarth’s ThermoRay Series flat-plate collectors are engineered for durability in cold climates, built in the U.S., and supported by an active technical team. With similar or better thermal output and simplified maintenance, they are a natural upgrade for New England homes. 

 

Cold-Climate System Design Considerations 

Massachusetts Tilt and Orientation 

Collectors should face true south and be tilted near 42 degrees to match state latitude. Apricus systems were often under-tilted to reduce roof profile, resulting in reduced winter performance. New systems offer flexibility in mounting angle and array design. 

Structural Support 

If snow loads were a concern before, modern racking systems and lighter-weight flat plates can improve resilience without sacrificing performance. 

Thermal Backup and Hybrid Systems 

Consider pairing your replacement system with a PV-powered SunWater hybrid or heat pump water heater for even greater winter performance. 

Incentives and Financing: Updated for 2025 

Thanks to a robust mix of federal, state, and utility-backed incentives, upgrading your Apricus system is more affordable than ever. 

✔ MassCEC Solar Hot Water Rebate 

Homeowners can qualify for up to $3,500 in rebates through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s active program. 

✔ Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) 

The 30 percent federal tax credit on solar thermal systems remains in effect through 2032 under the Inflation Reduction Act. 

✔ Mass Save Heat Loan 

This program offers zero percent financing up to $25,000 over seven years for qualified energy efficiency improvements, including solar hot water installations. 

✔ Alternative Portfolio Standard (APS) Credits 

Your new solar thermal system may be eligible for Alternative Energy Certificates (AECs), providing an additional financial benefit based on system output. 

✔ Massachusetts State Tax Credit 

An additional 15 percent income tax credit, up to $1,000, is available for residential renewable energy upgrades. 

✔ Tax Exemptions 

Solar energy equipment remains exempt from Massachusetts sales tax, and your property tax assessment will not increase as a result of installing a new solar hot water system. 

Combined, these incentives can reduce your total system cost by 50 to 60 percent. 

Ready to Replace Your Apricus System? 

If you're searching for: 

• “Apricus system discontinued” 

• “Apricus solar repair Massachusetts” 

• “Apricus vs SunEarth solar collectors” 

• “Best solar thermal replacement 2025” 

You're not alone, and you’re in the right place. SunEarth has been a leader in solar thermal since 1978, designing durable, efficient, U.S.-made systems for homes just like yours. 

Let us help you build your upgrade plan.