newguy
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« on: August 06, 2008, 07:56:06 PM » |
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My wife and I are thinking about investing in a solar system to heat the water in our new house but I'm confused, there is so much out there and i don't know where to start. Pumped Systems, Thermo Systems, Direct Systems and then there is the vacuum tubes, Flat Panel and Sealed Solar Heaters? What should I choose? should i use an infinity as back up? How many months will the panels supply hot water? What roof am I allowed to have? Whats the difference to all the different manufactures? I hope you can help with a few of my questions to make the decision easier.
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Plumber
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***#1 Plumber***
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« Reply #1 on: August 21, 2008, 05:54:27 PM » |
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That's a lot of questions for a new guy..  The difference between a pumped system and a Thermo system is that with a thermosyphon system your cylinder would be on the roof (over the panels) and no pump is required (gravity fed), no Cylinder in the house, no moving parts and most easy to install very often sold as a complete affordable package. with the pumped system obviously you have a pump that is installed near by the Cylinder which is not on the roof. This system allows for better control of the solar energy intake and has a smart controller option. There are many specialists in this field, I recommend you get as much information as possible before making a decision. If you require a contact in this area, Plumbers.co.nz have installers they recommend. Please email me your details at plumber(at)plumbers.co.nz and ill send you some info. |
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Please note that the advice I am giving is only my opinion and not necessarily a fact. Plumbers.co.nz will not take any responsibility for applying advice from this forum. Please refer to our terms and conditions.
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Crankin
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« Reply #2 on: October 29, 2008, 09:57:50 PM » |
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indirect pumped system is a safe bet, Cooper HWC have great set up ive installed a few and they work well, they will also have all the information you need in regards to your questions you have.
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heatsol
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« Reply #3 on: February 12, 2009, 06:57:56 PM » |
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Solar is worth it , if you've got the dollars go solar with heat pump back up, at worst case scenario heat pump would be still way cheaper than running an electric back up.
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heatsol
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« Reply #4 on: February 12, 2009, 07:02:55 PM » |
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Also direct into the HWC cylinder is way cheaper and more efficient as you don't have a heat exchange coil to worry about, less valveware too, and easier to set up.
In fact just finished an install with direct hook up plus wetback, goes good.
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Edbear
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« Reply #5 on: October 16, 2009, 11:01:03 PM » |
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The Government offers a $1,000 grant towards the cost and there's now a website you can go to to get EECA approved systems and EECA registered installers. I recommend having a look and getting qualified advice on the approved systems available. They are also offering finance options, may be worth considering?
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My job is so secret if I ever find out what I'm doing I have to kill myself.
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Edbear
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« Reply #6 on: October 17, 2009, 06:00:00 PM » |
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Oh, PS. The website is www.solarheating.co.nz  |
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My job is so secret if I ever find out what I'm doing I have to kill myself.
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Carroll
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« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2010, 12:40:44 AM » |
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Solar hot water systems do not use grid electric power yet the system makes hot water. I know you will be happy when you see the first 3 months electric bill reduction. Electric hot water heaters use a lot of electric power. The one in my home has two 1,500 watt heating coils and a 60 gallon tank. A solar hot water heat uses no electric power and can make hot water for free. You decide. Free verses your electric bill.
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« Last Edit: January 20, 2010, 06:34:59 AM by Plumber »
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Edbear
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« Reply #8 on: January 24, 2010, 01:02:37 PM » |
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These days you needn't replace your existing hot water cylinder either, if it is in good condition. You can retrofit solar to your existing cylinder and it will be as efficient as installing a complete new system.
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My job is so secret if I ever find out what I'm doing I have to kill myself.
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benson
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« Reply #9 on: April 17, 2010, 08:28:20 AM » |
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I think it all depends on how much mullah you want to spend on the system
im just an apprentice but i am getting heaps of exp with solahart systems and what i have seen with them they are well worth the money, but how the boss explains it is 'it is only going to make the savings if you use the water solar has heated' so i guess these systems would only be useful in situations where a decent sized family is usuing the high volumes in the tanks
Ive been to houses to service the units and they have had the power off since late october and still have the power off til around now and are getting decent heatage out of their tank untill this late into the year.
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Mike H
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« Reply #10 on: July 22, 2010, 04:04:23 PM » |
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IMO no.
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jd24hrs
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« Reply #11 on: July 23, 2010, 12:17:57 AM » |
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hi
solar hot water is great but i will advise you to be very carefull who you use to supply and install your system as just any plumber can say hes an expert so i advise you to ask them for a list of 5 customers that you can approach that have had there system for up to 3 years to ask what they think of there system john
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