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Rooftop Solar Hot Water
How They Work
A thermosiphon solar hot water system uses a natural process to heat water from the sun's rays: 1. Solar collectorsThe system's solar collectors absorb energy from the sun and heat water or a solar heating fluid as it passes through. 2. Thermosiphon effectThe heated water or fluid rises through an insulated pipe into a storage tank or heat exchanger. This displaces cooler water, which then flows back into the collectors to be heated again. 3. RepeatThe process repeats until the water in the storage tank is heated to the desired temperature.
Solar hot water systems can provide up to 90% of your hot water for free, depending on your climate. They can also be more efficient and last longer than traditional hot water systems. Here are some other things to know about solar hot water systems:
Indirect systems
These systems use a heat exchanger to transfer heat from a water-glycol mixture to the water in the tank. They are more expensive but are better for areas that are prone to frost. These are the only systems we install for Regional Victoria due to our colder climate.
Boosters
Most systems have boosters that can be used to supplement solar energy on cloudy days or in the winter like an electric element or gas continuous flow.
Government rebates
You may be eligible for government rebates for solar hot water systems. VEEC's, Solar Vic and STC's.
Things to Consider
There are both solar collector and solar tube roof top hot water systems. While both are a great option, the collector systems still have some of the highest efficiencies on the market. Solar tubes were the first to hit the market then quickly taken over by collectors, as they have incredible frost protection which is suited to regional Victoria. They also come with overheat protection, providing additional safety.
A good way to compare systems is to check the quantity of STC's they are elligble for. The more STC's, the more efficient. The price per STC does not play a role in the efficiency.
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