1. How long will it take to recoup my investment?
Solar Water Systems are much more affordable than many other hot water heaters. For a household of 4, the price of a full system may not be too much more than a new electric or gas system. Depending on your location (solar levels) and current hot water usage the annual electricity or gas saving will differ. However in a normal household that spends 25% of its electricity bill on hot water heating, the full cost of the purchase may be recouped as quickly as 2-5 years in reduced bills. You will definitely make considerable savings during the life of the solar hot water heater
2. Is solar water heating a viable alternative to gas or electricity?
Solar should not be seen as a alternative to gas or electricity, but rather a supplement. Solar cannot totally replace the need for gas or electric heating as there are some days when there is little sunlight or heavy rain fall. When averaged over a year, correctly sized solar system can provide 60% -70% of a household's hot water needs. Providing more than this is not advisable, as too much heat will be produced in the summer compared to winter. The hot water system can easily be automated so hot water is guaranteed regardless of sunlight levels.
3. To fill the water solar heater main tank is it done Automatic or done Manual?
The main tank of solar water heater tank is filled with water automatically from inlet pipe flow water with enough pressure to fill the solar water heater tank from available main water sources. Alternatively you can use pressure pump if your main water sources has lesser water pressure. It is not recommended to fill the tank manually, because the system is designed to operate in automatic without any interventions.
4. Can I use a solar collector with my existing hot water system?
Normally yes. Simple retrofit valves can often be used to allow solar to connect to your existing cold water inlet. If your tank cannot accept the solar input directly an additional storage tank can be installed to pre-heat the cold water prior to entering the existing tank.
5. What maintenance of the solar collector is required?
Under normal circumstances no maintenance of the system is required. Due to the shape of the tubes regular rainfall and wind should keep the tubes clean. Should a tube even be broken it should be replaced. This, however, is an inexpensive and easy job. Any "handy" person can install a new tube (while adhering to local health and safety regulations). Solar collectors can operate with several broken tubes; however the efficiency will be reduced slightly.
6. Which collector is the best value for money?
Rather than looking at just peak efficiency levels when comparing solar collectors, cost per unit of energy produced is much more logical. For example: Although collector A may be 20% more efficient than collector B, if collector A is 30% more expensive, then in fact collector B may be a better choice, as per kWh of energy produced per day it is cheaper. When payback time is of concern, not only price per kWh of the product is important, but also of the end system
7. Will water be heated on a cloudy day?
Yes. Although the heat output of the solar collector is reduced on overcast days it will still be able to provide heating. If it is a heavily clouded day or raining, then alternatives boosting gas or electric may be required to heat water at the required temperature.
8. What happens if one of the solar tubes is broken?
Firstly, tubes are very strong and not easily broken, but if the worst should happen, solar tubes can be replaced very easily. They are inexpensive and available. Our solar collectors can operate with several broken tubes, but the efficiency will be reduced, so it is recommended that broken tubes be replaced immediately.