There is a wide variety of solar geyser installations available to choose from. Each comes with features that are designed to suite your specific needs.
How do solar water heaters work?
Solar water heaters work by pumping the household’s water through to the collection point. This collection point is designed and positioned in such a way that it uses solar energy (heat generated by the sun) to heat the water.
Once the water is heated it is transported back into the geyser. The water is constantly being circulated in this way to ensure there is always hot water available.
Different types of solar water heaters
Direct solar geyser installations
These work by pumping water from the household into the solar panels where the water is heated directly by using solar energy. The warm water is then pumped back to and stored in the geyser.
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Cost effective as there is no need for heat exchange |
Pipes are slightly more susceptible to corrosion . |
| It does not require a large reservoir as the water is pumped directly to the geyser. |
Areas with hard water need to use water softeners. |
Indirect solar geyser installation
Indirect systems do not work by directly heating the water in the solar panels. They work by using a specially designed anti-freeze solution (propylene glycol fluid) to pump through the panels for heating. This heated solution is then used to heat the water. The heated water is then pumped back to the geyser. The anti-freeze solution does not mix with the geyser water as the solution is contained within a closed loop.
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Can be used in areas that reach temperatures below 5°C. |
Expensive system to install and anti-freeze solution must be replaced regularly. |
| Anti-freeze does not corrode the pipes. |
Tanks take longer to fill. |
| Can be used in areas that have poor quality water. |
Can only heat a small amount of water at a time. |
Different types of collection panels and some of their comparisons
Evacuated tube collectors
Numerous vertical heating tubes are sealed within glass vacuum sealed tubes and are attached to a horizontal manifold. This helps isolate the collectors from any unfavourable weather conditions. It also minimizes heat loss.
Flat plate collectors
The collectors for a flat plate solar panel are built into a solid case which is sealed and covered with a tough glass which is where the heat is absorbed. The space between the glass plate and collector tubes can generally encourage heat loss on colder and more cloudy days.
| Evacuated Tube Collectors |
Flat Plate Collectors |
| If one tube is damaged, it is possible to repair and replace only that tube. |
If only a portion of the flat plate stops working, the entire collector system must be shut down and replaced. |
| The chance of breakages taking place is high because the glass tubes are relatively fragile. |
Less prone to breakage due to the strong, tempered glass panel. |
| Initially can be more expensive to install. However, return on investment is quick. |
Less expensive to install but regular costs are required to maintain. |
| Suitable for nearly any climate but ultimately more suited to cooler climates. |
Suitable for most climates but more effective in sunnier, warmer climates. |
For more information about our solar water hearter systems or solar geyser installations, please contact us.