Why put the cylinder on the roof?
A. It is the most efficient place and it creates space inside your home. The less parts, pumps and circulating water the less wear and tear.
What heats it when the sun doesn't?
A. Electric element same as conventional system.
How hard is the SunTrap to install?
A. If you are handy with home DIY it wont be too much trouble to fit the frame. Then you need a plumber to complete the plumbing.
How does the SunTrap solar hot water compare to a PV solar grid tie system?
A. A 3kw grid tie system will cost $9000 installed and would save you $360-$405 per year. A SunTrap solar hot water system will cost less than $5000 installed and save you $800-$1100 per year.
How long does it take to heat one of these if it gets emptied? Say, for example, if I used it to fill my hot tub.
A. Approximately; If you filled up the hot tub at 9am you would have 60 degree water in the tank by 5pm (20°&sunny) consider that you would only want the temp of the tub to be 39-40° this is easily achieved on an overcast day. Factor in not having a hot tub every day say every second you will always have hot water at the ready as the tank is well insulated and will "build" on the previous days heating.
What if one of the tubes break, will I still have hot water?
A. Water does not circulates in the tubes. You will still have hot water. The glass of the tubes is very strong and not likely to break even in a hail storm, however they are easily replaced if required.
IS SOLAR HOT WATER WORTH WHILE?
A. Short answer: YES. Long answer: If you borrowed 100% of the cost and put it on your mortgage you would pay it off and have extra money in your pocket. E.g. $4500 on your mortgage at 4.5% paid off over 10 years would cost you $47 per month. If the SunTrap hot water system saves you $100 per month in electricity you have an extra $53 per month to go towards what ever you like. Doesn’t sound like much you say? On a $300k mortgage an extra $53 per month would reduce it from 30 years to 28 years and save you over $20k in interest.
Other important factors to consider here;
(i) When the hot water system is paid off in 10 years you will have the full $100 in your pocket.
(ii) Electricity prices will increase so your potential saving will increase with this.
What is the advantage of using solar hot water systems?
Solar thermal energy is used widely in Australia for heating water for domestic use. This is an excellent and economic solution and by using the sun’s heat for generating our hot water, we reduce the amount of fossil fuels needed to be burned (and the associated greenhouse gas emissions generated) to supply electricity to do the same thing.
How does a solar hot water roof mounted system work?
Solar collector(s) are located on the roof structure, facing in a northerly direction. The sun heats the copper pipe inside the glass tubes, These are connected directly to the water storage so there is no lost heat and a circulation pump is not required. These are the most efficient type of system, and have lower purchases and install costs when compared to split systems.
How does a solar hot water split system work?
A split system consists of north facing roof mounted collector(s) and a separate tank on
the ground, usually located close to one of the major hot water consumption areas such as the bathroom. The sun heats the water in the collector and once the water reaches a desired temperature, a sensor device activates acirculation pump that starts to pump the hot water into the storage tank on the ground. The pump also pumps the cold water from the bottom of the storage tank into the collector(s).
How do the roof mounted and split systems compare?
The energy benefits of the two systems are about the same. While the heat loss is less in the split system as the tank is not as exposed to the elements as the roof mounted tank, some additional energy is required to operate the low wattage pump in the split system. The decision of which system to use comes back to structural design of the roof, personal taste and ease of access for servicing.
Which is better – flat plate or evacuated tube collectors?
While flat plate has been the most popular form of collector in solar hot water systems in years gone by, the relatively recent introduction of evacuated tube collectors has seen a
shift to this form given its vastly improved performance and durability in all sorts of conditions.
How do your solar hot water systems compare to competitors?
Before you can sell solar hot water systems in New Zealand, your product must comply with stringent New Zealand Standards for hot water and solar hot water. We only stock products that comply with all these standards and given our low opporating costs, we can offer some of the best
prices in New Zealand.
How long does it take to install a SunTrap system?
Usually 1 day or less.
Who can install the system?
Our solar hot water systems can be fitted by yourself but all plumbing and electrical should be completed by licensed tradespeople.
The collectors will need to face the equator which means if you live in the Southern Hemisphere, such as New Zealand, then your unit will be positioned in a north, north westerly or north easterly position. The installer will call to discuss the installation with you prior to any work being done on your home.
How many people can a solar hot water system supply?
Typically a single 300 litre system will adequately service a home of between 4 to 6 people comfortably; but bigger systems are available for very large households – or multiple systems can be installed. All systems come with an electric booster as standard or optional gas booster; ensuring hot water 24 hours a day, regardless of weather conditions.
How much money can I save?
By switching to solar hot water, a family of 4 can save around $1000 a year on water heating bills!
What happens if the system is damaged in a storm or by accident?
If your collector or tank unit is damaged in a storm or by accident then your household
insurance should cover it (you’ll need to confirm with your insurance company). Only the parts of the system that are damaged will need to be replaced. However, rest assured that the solar hot water system components we sell have been selected to withstand New Zealand's harsh conditions year after year.