Who We Are. After 30 years of designing, manufacturing and installing solar hot water systems, Bruce Ewing, founder of Solar Heat Exchange Manufacturing, realized the need for easy to use, low cost and long lived solar thermal systems. Working with a team of talented engineers, Bruce created the “Simple Drainback” system. That system was awarded a patent in 2009. From that beginning, SHEM has grown into a manufacturer and distributor of drainback and glycol solar systems, as well as all components needed for almost every solar thermal need.

Our Mission. SHEM’s mission is to speed the adoption of solar hot water in America by offering the most competent and cost effective systems available.

What We Do. SHEM is a full service supplier of solar thermal systems and components for both drainback and glycol systems. SHEM’s product philosophy is to offer systems capable of a 25 year working life. We source all materials and products accordingly.


Our System. Our systems are shipped complete, with all pumps, flow meters, controllers, valves, sensors, and fittings necessary for a complete installation. SHEM systems utilize both flat plate and evacuated tube heat pipe collectors. SHEM offers it’s own line of controllers that are matched to the specific characteristics of SHEM
systems. SHEM systems are supported by industry leading warranties. SHEM systems are designed to be installer friendly, highly competent, and long lived.

Below is a bar chart for Sacramento, California depicts btu necessary to produce 80 gallons of hot water usage per day (light blue), and btu supplied by two 4’ * 8’ Solene collectors paired with a SHEM 80 gallon drainback system. This chart demonstrates the need for backup supply of hot water during winter months.