Q: How does
a Solar Water Heating (SWH) system work?
A: The basic design of a solar geyser is based on a collector
box assembly situated below a storage tank. Within the box
is an absorber made of black copper sheets, to the back
of which are attached copper pipelines. The absorber is
covered with a transparent glass and insulated at the back
and sides to reduce heat losses. The collector works like
a miniature greenhouse trapping heat that is transferred
to the water in the pipes. Cold water flows from the bottom
of the storage tank to the collector, from which heated
water rises to the top of the storage tank. To maintain
the functioning of the system, a constant supply of cold
water must be available, for which an overhead storage tank
on the roof is convenient.
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Q: What do I require
to install a Solar Geyser?
A: The general requirements for installing a solar geyser
include a shadow-free roof or ground area with sufficient
strength to carry the collector and storage tank . There
must be water available. There must be provision to adjust
the inclination of the collector to receive maximum solar
radiation.
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Q: How hot will the
water get?
A: Solar systems are designed to heat water to 65ºC,
as is the case with any standard electrical storage tank.
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Q: What is the difference
between a direct and indirect system?
A: Direct circulation systems. Pumps circulate
household water through the collectors and into the home.
They work well in climates where it rarely freezes. (Not
ideal for the Highveld areas) Indirect circulation
systems (RECOMMENDED BY SOLCO)
Pumps circulate a non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid
through the collectors and a heat exchanger. This heats
the water that then flows into the home. They are popular
in climates prone to freezing temperatures – Like
Gauteng and surrounds
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Q: What happens on
a cloudy day?
A: All systems are equipped with an electrical heating element
as a back up, controlled by a thermostat for those odd days
when the sun's energy is insufficient for water heating.
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Q: What size system
do I need?
A: Generally speaking you should choose the largest system
you can afford. The number of people in your household and
their hot water consumption needs determine the size of
the system that you would need.
As a rule-of-thumb, an average person consumes 50
liters of hot water per day
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Q: Will I still be
able to use my existing storage tank?
A: Typically, the system comes complete with a storage tank
and panels. However, if your storage tank is fairly new
or still in good condition you could choose the conversion
option where solar panels are combined with your existing
storage tank.
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Q: Are there any maintenance
requirements?
A: The maintenance of a system is minimal. With no moving
parts, the system is designed to work uninterrupted with
only the following maintenance requirements. In Direct Systems
- it is recommended that sediment at the bottom of the collector
be flushed out once a year. In Indirect Systems -the anti-freeze
fluid in this system needs to be inspected and if necessary
topped-up every two years for maximum efficiently.
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