We are Specialists in Solar Hot Water Systems
Hot water is an essential service in each and every home. When your hot water system reaches the end of its lifespan and no longer works, or merely no longer performs to its usual standard, you notice just how important running hot water is to your daily life.
Two of the most important things that any homeowner looks for in a hot water system, apart from the ability to access running hot water when needed, are energy efficiency and cost effectiveness.
A solar hot water system ticks each of these boxes, making it a highly desired option for customers looking to upgrade their existing system or purchase a brand new one outright.
After Hours Plumbing is here to help with all your solar hot water system installation, maintenance and servicing needs. Our experienced technicians can help you get your system up and running to ensure your running hot water is delivered to your taps in your home with optimal cost effectiveness and energy efficiency. To get yours in peak working condition, give us a call today.
How Does a Solar Hot Water System Work?
The short answer is that a solar water heater uses solar panels installed on your roof to harness the energy of the sun. That heat energy is then used to heat your water.
The more detailed answer is that different types of solar hot water systems work in different ways.
There are two main types of solar water heater; the close-coupled non-split system, or the pumped system which is the split alternative. Each requires solar collectors and a storage tank.
Close-coupled Hot Water Solar Systems
The close-coupled system keeps all the essential components close together on the roof of your home, so your roof must be capable of withstanding the complete weight of your storage tank and have enough space to accommodate it. It does not require a pump and therefore needs less maintenance.
Close-coupled solar hot water heaters use a process called thermosiphon to heat and circulate your water through the system. Thermosiphon works on the principle of heat (and therefore, hot water) rising, enabling the water to travel through the panel without the assistance of a pump, and therefore requires the components to be close together.
- At the base of the panels, the mains pressure water is connected.
- The water starts off cold but heats as the sun’s rays beam down on the panel.
- The heated water rises into the tank located at the top of the panel.
- The upward movement of the heated water displaces the cold water from the tank to the base of the panel.
- The cycle repeats as the sun shines on the panel and heats the displaced cold water
The thermosiphon process provides you with instant solar hot water, created with optimal energy efficiency. These types of water solar systems are among the most common in Australia.
Pumped Systems
As the name suggests, pumped systems use a pump to circulate the water through the system. With this type of split system, the tank is situated on the ground.
At the top of the panels and the base of the tank are temperature sensors that communicate with a temperature controller, which tells the pump to activate when the collector is able to acquire heat.
This type of split system is best suited to homes that do not have the room or the weight bearing capacity to accommodate a storage tank on the roof. The pump does require a relatively small amount of electricity to function.
As the tank and collector panels are more separated than a close coupled system, the longer pipe length can mean greater heat loss. Insulating the pipes can help with this matter.
Different Types of Solar Collector Panels
Whether you decide on a split or non-split solar hot water system, you’ll also need to choose the type of solar collector panel for your system. The two main types are flat plate and evacuated tubing.
Flat Plate Collectors
Flat plate collectors are probably the type most of us are familiar with. They are typically large, rectangular boxes of about 1-1.5 metres in width and 2-2.5 metres in length.
Generally, they are made from aluminium and feature a glass top. Copper piping beneath the glass top serves two key functions – they harness the heat of the sun, and transport the water through the panel.
For optimal efficiency, horizontal fins fitted between each pipe help to optimise the total surface area of the pipes that have exposure to the sun’s energy. The base of the panel is insulated to maximise the amount of heat energy going into the water rather than into the roof.
Evacuated tube collectors
Evacuated tube collectors consist of a series of heat pipes grouped together by two glass tubes at each end. A vacuum forms in the space containing the tubes due to a process of evacuation; this enables optimal harnessing of the sun’s energy while reducing the potential for loss of heat.
A component called a manifold acts as a heat transference tool, and is attached to the top of each evacuated tube. The manifold also contains a water pipe that allows the heat transferring mechanism to connect to the storage tank.
This type of system can be significantly more energy efficient than a flat plate collector, which in itself is highly efficient anyway. Unlike flat plate systems, evacuated tube systems do not require direct sunlight for optimal performance and have the capability to perform better in cooler climates as well.
The Need for a Booster
Homeowners in cooler climate areas with water solar systems that use flat plate collectors may find that, without some form of booster, their system may not perform as effectively in the cooler months of the year.
A gas or electric-powered booster will supplement the solar energy when the sun is not at peak energy levels. An experienced solar hot water system plumber will be able to help you determine the best booster option for your needs.
Trusted Expertise from Solar Heating Specialists
If you’re looking to install a brand new instantaneous solar hot water system, want to upgrade your old and outdated model, or simply need help with maintenance and repair of your existing solar hot water system heater, After Hours Plumbing can help.
Our solar hot water system service technicians can install, service and repair all makes and models to ensure that you have the best possible water heating solution. We can even provide you with advice on the various decisions you need to make to help determine the best system for your home.
Why Choose After Hours Plumbing for Solar Hot Water?
For gold standard level service and advice on hot water system services, trust After Hours Plumbing to deliver.
- Our technicians are fully certified and insured, and boast a wealth of experience. They also complete regular training and development to keep their skills and knowledge up to date.
- State of the art service vehicles stocked with the most cutting edge technology, and all the essential tools and parts needed to get the job done easily and efficiently.
- We offer fixed price quotes that are the same no matter what time of the day. You’ll be charged the same price whether it’s a weekday, weekend, public holiday, middle of the day or middle of the night. No additional charges for after hours callouts.
- We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- Rapid response turnaround – got a solar hot water system emergency? Our specialist will aim to be at your home within 30 minutes* of your call.
- A range of finance options** payment plans – designed to help ease the financial burden of an unexpected callout.
- 12-month workmanship warranty – whether you’re calling us for solar hot water tank installation, servicing or repair, we’ll back our work with a 12-month workmanship guarantee for your peace of mind.
After Hours Plumbing technicians will issue you with a Certificate of Compliance upon completion of the job. This is an Australian Government requirement that states a licensed and accredited plumber carried out and completed the work.
Finance Options** Solar Hot Water
When you unexpectedly need to have your hot water heater replaced, or repaired with barely a moment’s notice, it can put a dent in your household budget that you didn’t need.
After Hours Plumbing can help ease that unplanned financial burden by offering a range of finance options** payment options for eligible customers. Your plumbing professional can take you through the easy application process and approval usually takes only a few minutes.
Choose a plan with one of our financial providers, Humm or Zip, and you will then have the flexibility of weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments, depending on your choice of provider. Some plans even accept a $0 deposit, so there’s nothing to pay upfront.
Then After Hours Plumbing can help you with your solar hot water installation, maintenance and repair needs. We also accept payment by cash, cheque and credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express).
Contact the Solar Installation Specialists Today
After Hours Plumbing has all your needs covered when it comes to solar hot water systems. Whether you’re upgrading or repairing your existing system or require a brand new installation, we’re here to help 24/7.
To book an experienced technician to come to you and provide a fixed price quote, give us a call or contact us online today.
