Solar Hot Water FAQ
How does the system work?
The collector panel is located in a specific location to absorb the sun's energy. Each solar tube is plugged into the header seperately -
which in turn heats up the fluid stored in the header. When this fluid reaches a differential temperature higher than in the bottom of
the cylinder the fluid is then transferred with a pump through a coil which will heat the stored water indirectly to a temperature of
your choice - normally 60°C.
The heat transfer cycle only occurs intermittently - the collector temperature will reduce during this cycle as the energy is being used
to heat the stored water. Once the collector reaches another differential temperature closer to that in the bottom of the cylinder the
pump will switch off - allowing the header to rise in temperature to repeat its cycle. With each cycle the cylinder temperature will
increase thus allowing the collector to obtain a higher temperature than previous before it commences with another cycle.
How much heat will I get?
Average heat gained from one 20 tube panel per day (kWh):
Example
The 30-Tube Collector can easily produce between 11-14 kWh heat energy each day during the summer, which will adequately produce upto 210 litres of hot water every single day. On average, a 30 tube panel package will provide a family of four with virtually free solar hot water for upto eight months of the year, your existing water heating provides a boost when it's needed. A signicant amount of hot water will still be generated during the rest of the year, but obviously when the sun is weaker the contribution is proportionally less.
How long will take to install?
Most installations can be done in under two days, your installer will liase with you to arrange a convenient time for the installation.
Where should the solar panels be installed?
The panel needs to be installed in a predominantly south facing position. The most common place is on a roof (either pitched or flat) although installations can be ground standing.
What if I don't have a south facing roof?
You will need an East / West installation. This means having one panel on the East side and one on the West side. It works well because at least one panel gets the sun all day round, perticularly more efficient during the winter months with less daylight hours.
How much will I save?
Typically you will reduce your annual hot water heating bill by up to 75%. Once installed, it is already working towards paying for itself with very little if any maintenance cost involved - the system has a life expectancy of at least 25 years.
Other factors to take into consideration are:
- How much will fuel costs rise over the next 5-10 years?
- What type of fuel are you using to heat your current system?
- Less wear and tear on your existing boiler.
- Will add value to your property in the future.
- Future cash incentives from the Government for eco-friendly houses.
