Q: Where should I locate the collector?

A: Collectors in NZ have the best mid-winter performance North facing at 40° angle, any variation from this as long as there is an element facing north (eg north west) will work with generally a small loss in efficiency. The below table shows you the collector efficiency loss at less than optimal positions. Note laying the collectors flat will not allow heat transfer from the heat pipe to the element in the manifold.

EFFICIENCY LOSS THROUGH NON OPTIMUM POSITION
Collector facing Direction
Flat
Slope of collectors from vertical
Vert
 
0°
20°
40°
60°
80°
90°
West
270°
15%
20%
28%
40%
47%
.
300°
8%
8%
14%
27%
35%
.
330°
Not
2%
1%
4%
20%
29%
North
0°
Possible
3%
0%
6%
20%
30%
.
30°
6%
5%
12%
26%
35%
.
60°
12%
14%
23%
35%
43%
East
90°
20%
27%
36%
48%
54%

 

Q: Is solar water a viable alternative to gas or electricity?

A: Yes but most systems have a gas or electrical backup for use when there are many cloudy days in a row.

Q: How long will it take to recoup my investment?

A: Typically  5-8 years, find out with our calculator.

Q: Can it be used in cold conditions?

A: Yes the system relies on Sunshine and as such can be used even when the temperature is below zero

Q: What happens if a tube is broken?

A: The system still works but at a lesser rate, the system physically shows you if a tube is out of order, tubes can easily be replaced

Q: Will water be heated on a cloudy day?

A: Yes. The system will still be able to produce heat. However, as you would expect, the heat output is reduced on a cloudy day.

Q: Are the solar collectors noticeable on the roof?

A: Yes they are generally visible, for a view of what they look like please look view gallery.

Q: How do I protect my solar system during subzero temperature?

A: Water in these units are always insulated  therefore frost protection requirements are minimal. The controller will circulate warm water through the system if temperature in the system drops below 2C.

Q: What maintenace of the solar is required?

A: Minimal, about once per year we recommend inspecting the tubes and potentially giving them a quick wipe.

Q: How do I qualify for a government grant?

A: There are several EECA conditions to meet and we try to attain grants for our customers where possible. To date* our company has achieved the most systems qualified for Homeowners grants in New Zealand. *Sept. 08

Q: Are they more efficient than flat plate collectors?

A: Yes particularly in non-peak conditions such as cold weather, cloudy and windy days, the models supplied are typically 30-50% more efficient than the older flat plate technology.

Q: How long will it take to install?

A: Generally less than one day

Q: What installation costs are there?

A: Typically $300-$450 parts and between $800 - $1500 labour depending on your installer, for new homes this is made more cost effective by using your plumber and electrician on site.

Q: Will I need a building consent?

A: Yes a minor works consent is required involving filling out some paterwork. The fee is council dependant. The weight on the roof is only 18kg/m2 therefore not requiring roof strengthening. If you are building from new or doing renovations, specifications can be easily added to your exisitng consents and relevant documentation is supplied.

Q: What size system will I need?

A: It depends on your water usage, typically 0.8m2 of collector area for every person in your house. Please have a look at the recommended system page.

Q: Will this system work with mains and low pressure?

A: Yes the manifold will handle 6bar pressure, the system cycles water around your hot water cylinder so will work at any pressure.

Q: How strong is the system (will hail break the glass  tubes?)

A: The HP system has passed the 35mm hail impact test while our standard tubes have passed 25 mm hail test.