As energy prices continue to rise, so does the focus on energy efficiency, and more property owners are turning to solar hot water systems as a way to harness the sun’s rays for hot water and energy.
Sustainable energy solutions are important, not only to managing individual household energy usage, but also to minimising energy consumption on a larger scale – across Brisbane and beyond.
TL;DR
- Solar hot water infrastructure gives you unlimited access to hot water using the power of the sun.
- The basic setup usually includes a set of roof panels, a tank, a heat exchanger and a heat pump. Depending on the type of system, it may also include an evacuated tube heating solution.
- With professional installation, a new hot water system can last as long as 20 years, saving a great deal of energy and associated costs.
What is a Solar Hot Water System?
A solar hot water system is an electric system designed to heat water using the heat energy from the sun. These systems can be divided into several categories, ranging from active pumped systems to passive natural convection water heaters.
The basic concept behind these systems boils down to collecting water in a tank and applying heat via a solar water heater.
There are two main types of solar hot water systems:
- Flat plate collectors. Particularly common in residential systems, flat plate collectors absorb heat from the sun and transfer it into the water tank through direct contact.
- Evacuated tube collectors. An evacuated tube system uses two glass tubes to capture sunlight and heat water. The outer tube allows the sun’s rays to pass through, while the inner tube and its selective coating maximises thermal efficiency and stability. Crucially, the evacuated space between prevents heat loss.
Solar hot water systems have four main components:
- Solar collectors. These can be roof-mounted or ground-mounted systems
- Storage tank. A storage tank, or insulated water tank, is a crucial part of a solar hot water system, collecting and storing the heat energy from the sun. Some systems also incorporate a roof-mounted tank.
- Heat pump. The heat pump circulates water through the system to ensure that, even as heat rises, cold water gets heated evenly.
- controller
How Does a Solar Hot Water System Work?
Solar hot water systems work based on a simple four-step process:
- Solar collectors, or solar system panels, absorb the sun’s energy and collect heat.
- Heat collected by the solar panels is transferred into the water. This process differs slightly depending on whether you have an indirect or direct solar hot water system.
- A direct system circulates water through solar collectors, making it ideal for areas with plenty of sunlight.
- Indirect systems, by comparison, circulate a fluid between the rooftop collector and the heat exchanger.
- Heated water is circulated through the water storage tank using a tempering valve for consistent temperature.
- The solar hot water is stored in an insulated storage tank until it is ready for use.
This process continues indefinitely for a consistent supply of hot water.
Benefits of Using a Solar Hot Water System
The benefits of solar water heating are manifold, spanning environmental, economic and personal benefits.
Environmental benefits
Reducing greenhouse gas is a priority for residential and commercial properties across the world, and installing a solar hot water heater is a simple way to do so by conserving natural resources.
Economic benefits
A solar hot water system will reduce energy consumption in comparison with most existing systems, in turn lowering running costs in the form of energy bills.
There are also government rebates and incentives available on some solar hot water installations, making it an even more cost-effective solution for properties with regular hot water usage requirements.
Long-term, low-maintenance reliability
For businesses and homeowners alike, a low-maintenance hot water system is ideal, and solar hot water is a great choice. A system comprising a roof-mounted tank and solar collectors will typically have a longer lifespan than ground-mounted systems, which rely on a heat pump to circulate water.
Installation and Maintenance
Solar hot water is incredibly accessible, but only when the system is set up in the right location to capture as much of the sun’s energy as possible. While south-facing properties generally generate the most electricity from solar collectors, it is possible for properties with a north-facing roof and ground-mounted systems to generate electricity that powers the property.
In these circumstances, professional installation of each component – from the tank itself to the copper pipes running from the solar water heater to the outlets around the property – is essential to ensuring that every solar system functions at its best, and that water heating costs are kept to a minimum.
Solar hot water is incredibly accessible, but if the components – including the tank, the water heater, the heat pump, and the gas boosters – are not properly installed, connected and explained, it’s unlikely that you’ll get the best out of your hot water system.
Regular maintenance is also important. Follow these tips to keep your solar system operating at full capacity:
- Have your copper pipes inspected and cleaned regularly, and check for corrosion and leaks
- Insulate your pipes during cold weather. For frost protection, many solar water heater systems feature anti-freeze protection valves, preventing water freezing and avoiding any related damage to pipes.
Common Questions and Concerns
What happens on cloudy days?
If you’re relying on roof-mounted solar panels to collect and harness the sun’s energy, it’s only natural to have concerns about the availability of hot water on cloudy days. The good news is that solar panels can still generate electricity from diffused light.
The best way to mitigate heat loss is to choose panels with a low temperature coefficient and ensure proper ventilation during the installation process.
How much space is required?
The amount of space required for your water heating system depends on your hot water usage requirements, which then directly influences the number of solar collector panels required and the size of the hot water storage tank.
As an estimate, the size of your hot water system should be approximately 30-40 litres per person if you have a gas system, or, for an electric system, 55-60 litres. Three solar panels are enough for a typical household, but this also depends on the size of your roof (for roof-mounted systems) or your available land (for ground-level systems).
A tankless water heater is also an option for small properties.
What is the life expectancy of a solar hot water system?
When professionally installed, a solar hot water system should work for at least ten years, and most last much longer – up to 20 years, in fact. Regular servicing makes a huge difference to the lifespan of the system, particularly individual components like the solar hot water heater.
Is solar hot water compatible with existing plumbing systems?
The short answer is yes! With professional installation, a solar hot water heater can be effortlessly integrated into your existing plumbing system.
Why Choose D&S Plumbing for Your Solar Hot Water System?
At D&S Plumbing, we have over 10 years of experience installing, maintaining and repairing solar hot water systems. Not only do we know the ins and outs of each system, but we also understand the importance of delivering a comprehensive from consultation to installation and maintenance, ensuring that your system is maintained by a team you can trust.
Call D&S Plumbing for your water heating needs
If you’re considering joining the many home and business owners who have made an investment in sustainable living through a solar hot water tank, this is your sign to take the plunge.
Call D&S Plumbing on 07 3254 8221 today for a free consultation and start harnessing the energy around you for good.
