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Generate your own power
Read more about solar energy generation for property owners.
Solar hotwater
Solar water systems can reduce your hot water energy use by approximately 60% compared to a standard electric cylinder.
How? Solar hot water collectors use the sun's radiation to heat water. The system uses a pump station to circulate the water through these solar water collectors. The water is then stored in a solar ground-mounted tank.
The tank contains heating elements which can boost the water temperature if solar energy is low or if demand is particularly high, providing year-round reliable hot water. The tanks can either be electric boosted or gas boosted.
With our range of evacuated tube collectors we set new standards in collector efficiency, designed to offer premium performance in lower radiation areas.
More information about solar hot water is also available in our frequently asked questions section.
Why use solar hot water
Investing in a solar hot water system is a smart solution for most property owners. Proven and reliable technology offers long term performance with low maintenance.
The cost savings can be very significant - approximately 60% compared to standard electric cylinders in most homes.
If you install solar water heating, you will be helping to reduce New Zealand’s dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
And you will reduce your carbon footprint.
The sunlight is free energy and is one of our largest resources.
How solar hotwater systems work
A solar hot water system consists of three key parts:
- solar hot water collectors
- pump system
- the hot water tank
The collectors consist of a network of pipes through which the water is heated, and come in various sizes. In evacuated tube collectors, a glass tube surrounds each pipe in a vacuum.
The systems will be a closed-loop or open-loop system.
An open loop system is a direct pumped system that has one or more solar energy collectors installed on the roof and a storage tank below in a garage or utility room. A pump circulates the water from the tank to the collector and back again.
A differential controller senses the temperature differences between water leaving the solar collector and the coldest water in the storage tank. When the water in the solar collector is warmer than the water in the tank, the controller turns the pump on. When the water temperature drops to about 3 – 5 o, the pump is turned off.
A closed loop system is used more commonly in colder climates where freezing weather occurs. The storage tank is built in and directly connected to the solar collector panels, so that the solar energy collected is transferred directly to heat the water in the tank and the tank itself uses no natural gas. A fully automated thermostat turns the booster switch on or off as needed to maintain the pre-set temperature.
Controllers manage the use of the boost system. A controller will trigger the boost when the system drops below a predetermined temperature. Controllers can also be set to trigger the boost a specific time. We will make sure you have the right type of controller for your system so that your system is as efficient as possible given your needs.
Save even more
You can reduce your hot water bills further. Try one or more of these energy-saving strategies:
- Reduce your hot water use - fix leaks, install low-flow fixtures, use energy efficient dishwashers and clothes washers
- Lower your water temperature
- Insulate your water heater tank, hot water pipes and hot water tank
- Install a drain-water heat recovery system
- Use off-peak electricity to generate hot water
E-Architecture can help by working out what is the optimal solution for your property based on your needs and lifestyle. We can also do Home energy ratings and reports for a complete picture.