You’ve guessed it already, but we’ll tell you anyway. Solar hot water systems use roof mounted solar panels (called collectors) to heat water which flows to a storage tank.
There are 3 elements in a solar hot water system:
- Collector
- Booster
- Storage tank
Collectors: There are two main types of collectors – flat panel and evacuated tube
Flat panel: These are conventional solar collectors that transfer solar heat to the storage tank. Water is circulated through the collectors till the tank reaches the desired temperature.
Evacuated tube: This is a newer technology with better performance in colder weather. It uses a fairly complex heat retaining material and technology to heat water very effectively.
All solar hot water systems need to be fitted with a conventional energy booster to ensure you have hot water when solar energy runs low.
Apricus Consumer Hot Water Brochure
Boosters: There are two types of boosters – gas and electricity.
Gas: Comes at a lower running cost but higher product cost. It has low greenhouse gas emissions. Comes in storage and instantaneous versions.
Apricus Solar Gas Booster
Electric: Usually comes with higher running costs, but is cheaper to buy than gas booster systems.
Apricus Solar Ready Tank
Storage tanks: There are two types of storage tanks – Thermosiphon and Split System.
Thermosiphon: This is also called a Hi-line system and both the collector and storage tank are installed on the roof. This type of storage tank is used when there is less space on the ground. However, the roof needs to be strong enough to hold the weight of a full water tank.
Split System: The collector is on the roof, but the storage tank is on ground. This is better suited to situations where the roof cannot hold a water tank. Also, some existing water heaters can be retrofitted as solar storage tanks. A pump is used to recirculate water to the roof.
Factors to consider when choosing a solar hot water system:
- Product cost
- Ease of installation
- Energy tariffs and efficiency
As you can see there are a few different options and combinations to consider. That’s why we highly recommend that you call us early in the process. We will help you make the right choice by evaluating your site, discussing your options and giving you a detailed quote which includes cost comparisons.
For all our other brochures, manuals and tech specs including commercial products, check out here.
Rebates
STC’s are being offered around Australia to lower the cost of going solar, but remember, your payback period depends on the climate, type of system installed, hot water use and the tariff applied.
The cost of your solar water heater is subsidised by the application of small-scale technology certificates or STC’s.
- STC’s are a form of currency created by the Federal Government and are used to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Governments Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
- All solar water heaters installed by us comply with the Renewable Energy Target (RET) Scheme and qualify for Zone 3 STC’s.
- All systems that are Government approved have a number of STC’s allotted to them, the number varies depending on brand, size and style.
- The value of an STC is determined by an open market much like shares and this can vary.
Our quote is comprehensive. It covers price, cost, comparative values and the STC that will apply.
