Solar Heated Water

The African sun is often underestimated. Not only can its vast and unending energy be used to generate electricity, it can also be exploited to generate hot water. Solarpanel.co.za is pleased to introduce solar water heating systems to our line of products.

Our solar water heating systems make use of evacuated tube technology. Glass evacuated tubes are the key components. They are made up of two transparent borosilicate glass tubes. The air between the tubes has been vacuumed out and this eliminates conductive and convective heat loss.

A great advantage of these tubes is their absorption of the sun’s infra red rays which are able to pass through clouds. The inner tube is coated specially to absorb maximum solar heat and reflect the minimum. As for wind and low temperatures? Vacuum tubes are significantly less affected by these because of their insulating properties.

Tube Vs Flat Plate Collectors

Both systems are positioned in a north-south direction so as to get maximum exposure to the sun as it moves from east to west. Tubes will find themselves constantly-perpendicular to the sun’s rays because of their roundness. Flat plates will only experience maximum heating in the mid day hours and reflect a significant amount of heat radiation when the sun is at lower angles. The tubes absorb maximum heat for much longer periods of the day.

Components of the system:

Tubes: 35mm in diameter with a minimum thickness of 2mm. They are able to withstand the impacts of hailstones up to 35mm wide. Due to the strength of the African sun, fewer tubes are required and they are positioned closer together. The resulting collectors are more compact and aesthetically agreeable. Fluid does not pass directly through the tubes and should one be damaged the system will continue to function with minimal heat loss.

Photovoltaic Panel:This panel (also known as a solar panel), provides a 12Volt DC power supply to the circulation pump and makes the system truly mains-independent. The panel slides into a frame on the manifold and thus requires no roof penetration.

Manifolds, Brackets & Stand Parts: These are manufactured to strict SA standards & guidelines from high-quality aluminium and copper. A few galvanized, rust-proof nuts & bolts are used in the unit’s assembly. Tube holders are able to be removed from the foot rail without tools thus making for easy installation. No rivets are used.

Dual Pump Heat Exchangers: In areas which experience extremely cold conditions, water can freeze in the tubes and damage them. To prevent this, a heat exchange system can be easily installed. This system circulates Glycol through the tubes and transfers the heat to the water in an exchanger. Since Glycol cannot freeze, there is no potential danger to the collector.

Split Collector Systems:

These systems are very cost-effective as they make use of an existing geyser as their storage tank. The water is heated in the evacuated tubes on the roof. Then it is circulated to the geyser by the solar-powered pump.

Thermo-Siphon Systems:

These are non-pressurised systems ideal for farms, ablution facilities or, any places with no electrical backup. The collectors and storage tanks are installed as one unit with the evacuated tubes connected directly to the storage tank. Thermo-siphon makes use of the natural circulation of water. Cool water flows down into the tubes to be heated. The heated water will then rise into the top of the storage tank. Water pressure depends on the height of the storage tanks on the roof – tanks higher up provide higher pressure.

Plan My Power - photovoltaic panel retailers as well as a retailer for all the solar power system components: solar panels, solar regulators, solar batteries, power inverters. We also do installations. Contact us on Tel :+27 11 678 7520 or 0861 POWER1 or E-mail: steve@planmypower.co.za