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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
on Solar Hot Water Heating Systems

Do Solar Hot Water Heating Systems work in bad weather?

Yes, it will work on cloudy days, although not as efficiently as in sunny weather.

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Will we run out of hot water in bad weather?

It is normal practice to leave the electrical or gas backup heater on so that in bad weather the system automatically maintains the hot water. Our solar controllers have a backup heating option, making backup heating fully autonomous .

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What are the savings when using a Solar Hot Water Heating System?

Water heating normally takes between 40 and 60% of the average power bill. Savings depend on the current energy rates, the amount of hot water used and the amount of water your heating. Your HWC can act at a "hot water battery" as energy can be stored in the form of hot water and used over a few days if sized correctly. During the summer months, very little to no power is required for water heating. It's only when we experience prolonged periods of rain or cloudy weather that backup heating is required. Heating your pool and spa with solar can further reduce your power bill.

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Will a Solar Hot Water Heating System increase the value of my home?

Yes it will add value to your home, and also provides an investment in the New Zealand environment.

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What size Solar Hot Water Heating System will I need?

This depends on the number of people in your household and the size of your hot water cylinder. Our aim is to ensure that your solar system meets the needs of your family.

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Here are some rough guidelines:

  • 1-2 adults with a 135-150 litre hot water cylinder require a 1 standard size (2.00 sqm) panel system.

  • 2-3 adults with a 180-200 litre hot water cylinder require a 1 large size (2.5 sqm) panel system.

  • 3-4 adults with a 220-300 litre hot water cylinder require a 2 standard size panel system.

  • 5-6 adults with a 300-500 litre hot water cylinder require a 2 large size panel system.

 

Can extra panels be added later if our family grows (or if we decide to heat our pool?)

Yes. The panels are modular and designed for easy add-ons.

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Can Solar Hot Water Heating Systems be installed on existing homes?

Yes, the system complements both new and existing homes.

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Is Solar Hot Water Heating mains pressure, or low pressure only?

Both.

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Where will the solar hot water heating panels be put?

Preferably on a north-facing roof as close as possible to the hot water cylinder. Second choice is facing the afternoon sun (north-west). Third choice is facing the morning sun (north-east). Never facing south. The panels can tolerate a large variation off north with little loss in efficiency.

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How long do Solar Hot Water Heating Systems take to install?

Normally installations take 1 day.

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What is so great about your Solar Hot Water Heating Systems?

Stylish European design, superior performance, ECO friendly, and can be connected into existing hot water system.

 

What length of warranty do you offer on your Solar Hot Water Heating Systems?

10 years on the panels and manufacturer's warranty on other components.

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What is the estimated life of your Solar Hot Water Heating Systems?

Systems typically last more than 10 years. The heating fluid runs through copper, a metal known for it's longevity, providing good potable water is used.

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What are the maintenance requirements for Solar Hot Water Heating Systems?

Occasional cleaning of the glass cover helps maintain efficiency.

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How good is solar thermal?

In pure efficiency terms, solar-thermal or solar hot water heating panels are over three times more efficient at harvesting energy than solar-electric (PV) panels. This does depend on what you want. If you have a lot of hot water to heat up, this is the way to go. Buildings in New Zealand are exposed annually to 20 or 30 times more energy from the sun than they consume in electricity and gas. New Zealand has a world class solar resource.

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What are the points of difference from other solar heating systems?

  • Meets European Certification Standards.

  • Pure copper collector for long life.

  • Latest developments in selective surface technology for performance.

  • No ugly and heavy tank on the roof.

  • We specialise in pumped systems which have been proved to be most efficient.

  • All our installations are carefully thought through, giving you excellent results.

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Do Solar Hot Water Heating Systems just provide hot water for my in-house use or are there other applications?

Home Hot Water, Any commercial hot water application such as dairy sheds, motels etc., Swimming Pools, Spa pool and more !

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