Frequently Asked Questions
- What is solar water heating?
Solar Water Heating is a system for heating water using energy from the sun. Solar energy is collected by a panel, which is connected by pipes to a hot water storage device such as a hot water cylinder.
- What are the benefits of solar water heating?
Solar water heaters can help save water heating costs by reducing the amount of gas and electricity needed to heat water. 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 shortage of electricity and does not stop providing hot water during load shedding.
- How much of my total hot water requirements can a solar water heater provide?
A solar water heater can provide between 50 and 90 percent of your total hot water requirements, depending on the climate and model of heater.
- How much electricity consumption can be reduced by replacing a conventional geyser with a solar powered system?
The electrical geyser uses 30 to 50% percent of your household's monthly electricity bill. Replacing your conventional geyser with a solar panel system will reduce that percentage of your electricity consumption by up to 70 percent
- What happens in winter or on rainy days, when there isn't enough sunlight to heat the water?
Solar water tanks are better insulated than electrical geysers and can keep water hot for a longer period of time. This ensures that there is always a tank full of hot water (and a back-up of hot water) in the early evenings/mornings provided the tank size is correct.
- How hot can the water get?
Most solar systems heat the water to between 55 to 65 degrees Celsius. You should have a timer installed with your system, as it has been shown that this will give you the maximum energy saving and ensure you have hot water in peak periods. A Controller ensures that your water does not get too hot.
- What is the life-cycle expectation of the system and more significantly the total energy savings on the solar heater?
Each piece of equipment has a different savings profile which depends on various elements such as geographical area, water usage profile, number of users and the size of the system. However, on a 200 litre system, the SABS average is 5.92kWh per day at 16MJ input power. The expected life of the equipment is 10 to 15 years, most solar water heating systems are insured for 5 years. The systems oneSolar installs all have a Panel warranty of 10 years with a life expectancy of more than 20 years. At current electricity prices the pay-back period is estimated 5 years. Search for a solar power installer in your area to find out how you can save on your energy costs.
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