Step-By-Step
Step 1: Which type of system.
| Direct systems | Indirect systems | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Water is heated-up directly by the sun. | Instead of water, an anti-freeze solution is heated and a heat exchanger transfers heat to the water in the solar geyser. This ensures panels can’t freeze and also avoids corrosion. |
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Step 2: What size geyser.
The number of people permanently living in your house will determine the size of the system that you require. When converting to solar water heating it is a good idea to increase the size of your geyser. A bigger geyser means that you will be able to store more solar heated water and use less electricity.
For 1-2 people in a house we suggest a 150 litre geyser, for 2-3 people we suggest a 200 litre geyser and for 4-6 people we suggest a 300 litre geyser.
Step 3: Storage.
| Pumped storage | Thermosyphon | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Water is forcibly moved by a pump. | Water moves by natural convection, due the difference in weight of hot and cold water. Fluid rises to the top of the collector and flows into the heat exchange (tank). Colder water at the bottom of the tank goes back into the collector. Hot water from the top of the tank goes directly into the house. This system requires less maintenance, is less likely to cause water damage if the tank bursts, and is more economical. |
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Step 4: Configuration.
Standard installation – a new solar tank using a standard configuration.
Pre-feed installation – a solar tank and panels are fitted to an existing electrical geyser.
Retrofit system – solar panels are fitted on an existing electrical geyser.
Step 5: Claiming the rebate
YES Solar will guide you through this process.
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
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| Thermosyphon System |
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| Split/Pump System |
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| Direct System |
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| Indirect Systems |
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| Flat plate collectors |
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| Evacuated Tubes |
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