Choosing the correct Solar Water Heating System

 

Solar water heaters are categorized into two types, direct and indirect.

 

Direct System (open)

In an open/direct system the household (potable) water circulates through the collector panels. This system is ideal for locations where the ambient temperature never falls below 4˚C and where the water quality is good. Since most areas in South Africa are frost prone in winter, and because of the water's high mineral content in many areas, the open/direct system is generally not considered viable in most parts of this country.

 

 

Indirect System (closed)

In a Indirect/Closed system the household (potable) water used does not circulate through the collector panels. The heat exchange fluid used in the collector panels, generally a glycol and water mixture, is heated and that heat is then transferred indirectly, i.e. without coming into contact with the household water. Indirect/Closed systems are typically used in areas where frost occurs and when water quality is poor.

Conergy 180TS system – “include current ESKOM rebate”- Please supply information on this.

Advantages of Solsquare Systems

• Other than buying the technology, solar is a money-saving long term investment. You save money on a day-to-day basis through greatly reduced electricity consumption.
• Solsquare Solar Water Heaters have much longer system lifespan than traditional geysers or other geysers, thereby saving you money in future equipment replacement.
• Less vulnerable to electricity price increases and no lack of hot water during power outages.
• Financial rebates from Eskom, which are of the highest in its class.
• Using solar energy contributes to preserving the environment by reducing your environmental footprint, through reduced consumption of natural gas or coal.
• By more people converting to renewable energy, less and smaller new power plants will be needed, thus reducing the potential environmental damage caused by these power plants.
• Replacing your geyser with a Solsquare Solar Water Heater can save up to 3.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions or 6 kg of sulphur dioxide, which contributes to acid rain, annually - which is equivalent to taking 1.5 cars of the road.

Split systems vs. on roof.

On roof systems are much more efficient as the collector and geysers are located right next to each other and minimal heat losses occur.
It is still possible to place the solar geyser inside the roof. However, there will be a slight drop in efficiency due to heat losses between the collectors and geyser, although the transfer pipes are always insulated.