FEATURE 15
Solar geysers: High-pressure versus low-pressure
By Megan O’ Connor, with technical input from Patrick Gordon( Splashworks) and Johan van Vuuren( Supahot)
In this feature article, we compare high-pressure and lower-pressure solar geysers, and look at some common installation mistakes.
The fundamental difference between a high-pressure solar geyser and a low-pressure solar geyser is the water pressure at which the geyser operates and how water is supplied to the system.
A simple way to remember this is:
• High pressure = mains water pressure pushes the water through the geyser and out to your taps.
• Low pressure = water relies mainly on gravity from a tank above the geyser. High-pressure solar geyser A high-pressure geyser is connected directly to the mains water supply via a pressure reducing valve. The incoming municipal water pressure is used to supply the geyser and the property ' s hot-water outlets.
Advantages of high-pressure solar geysers One of the biggest advantages of a high-pressure solar geyser is better water pressure at the taps, and because the geyser operates from the home ' s mains water pressure, users will generally experience stronger and more consistent flow through showers, baths and taps than with traditional low-pressure systems.
This is particularly beneficial for modern showers, mixer taps and multiple outlets, where higher and more stable pressure can provide a more comfortable showering experience and better overall performance. The solar component also reduces electricity consumption. The solar collectors heat the water using the sun ' s energy, reducing the amount of electricity required from the geyser ' s backup element.
That backup heating remains available when solar energy is insufficient. On cloudy or rainy days, for example, the electrical element can provide backup heating, giving the customer hot water availability throughout the year.
High-pressure solar geysers also integrate well with modern domestic plumbing systems that already operate at mains pressure.
© Plumbing Africa
Can you guess why this solar geyser was leaking water?
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November 2026 Volume 32 I Number 09 www. plumbingafrica. co. za