26 FEATURES the solar energy is collected by a panel / collector , which is then connected by pipes to a hot water storage device such as a hot water cylinder .”
Solar makes sense in a country like South Africa with its abundance of sunshine . Plus , it ’ s a cost-effective solution .
Supplied by Geyserwise
PV Kit .
“ Solar water heaters can help save water heating costs by reducing the amount of electricity needed to heat water ,” Vertue says , “ By using sunlight to heat water instead of combustible sources or fossil fuel-produced electricity , fewer pollutants are being introduced into the environment . Solar energy is not affected by the current situation of load shedding in South Africa .”
A qualified plumber can be used to install a thermal solar water heater .
The water circulates from the collector to the tank either through a natural process called thermosyphoning or the circulation can be forced by using either a 12V or 220V pump .
During the day , the sun heats the water in the collector , which is then circulated to the hot water tank .
“ One of the primary reasons a solar water heating system is a great solution when it comes to heating water is the efficiency they bring to us ,” says Wayne Vertue , Company Director of Ariston . “ Efficiency here means the solar panels convert almost up to 80 % radiation into the heat energy without making use of any external power sources . Because solar water heating is a system for heating water using energy from the sun ,
“ Consumers are not just looking for a way to get around the loadshedding , but they are also looking for ways to save on money .”
Photovoltaic water heaters This technology makes use of Photovoltaic panels ( rather than a collector ) to generate electricity that is used to heat the water in the water cylinder . For this technology , a qualified electrician – who can issue an electrical COC – should be used for the installation .
The system makes use of photovoltaic technology and a unique PTC AC / DC element to heat the water in the geyser . This differs from thermal hot water systems where water is cycled from a collector through pipes to the hot water cylinder by either making use of a 220V pump , 12V pump or natural convection .
Advantages of a PV System vs a Thermal System
• Any existing geyser can be converted .
• Simple installation .
• Suitable for larger multi-storey buildings as no plumbing is required .
• No inverters .
• No additional plumbing is required .
• No pumps necessary to circulate water .
• No risk of damaged panels in frost-prone areas .
• Withstand winter conditions .
• PV solar still produces energy on cloudy and rainy winter days .
• Water temperature can be regulated on the AC element as well as the DC Element with a TSE1 controller .
• No overheating .
• PTC 316 stainless steel withdrawable element – design life 10 years .
• Most Class 1 PV panels have a life of 20 years . PA
Supplied by Ariston
Solar water heater .
References |
1 . |
Stiebel-Eltron |
2 . |
Geyserwise |
3 . |
Ariston |
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline May 2024 Volume 30 I Number 3