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1. Is solar water heating a viable alternative to gas or electricity?

Solar should not be seen as an alternative to gas or electricity, but rather a supplement. Solar cannot totally replace the need for gas or electric heating as there are sometimes days where there is little sunlight and full cloud cover. When averaged out over an entire Australian year, a correctly sized solar system can provide 60-70% of a household’s hot water needs. Providing more than this is unadvisable as too much heat will be produced in the summer. The hot water system can easily be automated so that hot water is guaranteed regardless of the weather conditions.

2. How long will it take to recoup my investment?

Heatseeker solar collectors are much more affordable than any other solar hot water heaters. For a household of four, the price of a full system may not be too much more than a new electric or gas system. Depending on your location (solar levels) and current hot water usage the annual electricity or gas saving will differ. However in a normal household that spends 30% of electricity bill on hot water heating, the full cost of the purchase may be recouped as quickly as 4-5 years in reduced bills. You will definitely make considerable savings during the life of the solar hot water heater.

3. Can Heatseeker solar collectors be used n cold conditions?

Yes, Heatseeker collectors can be used in temperatures as low as -30°C, although performance is greatly reduced in such extreme conditions. Good heat output is still achieved in mild sub-zero conditions.

4. What happens if one of the solar tubes is broken?

Firstly, the tubes are very strong and not easily broken, but if the worst should happen, solar tubes can be replaced very easily and are inexpensive. Heatseeker solar collectors can operate with several broken tubes, but the efficiency will be reduced, so it is recommended that broken tubes be replaced immediately.

5. Will water be heated on a cloudy day?

Yes, although the heat output of the solar collector is reduced on overcast days, it will still be able to provide heating. If it is a heavily clouded day or raining, then more gas or electric boosting may be required to maintain water at the required temperature. This system will be automated so you don’t have to worry about running out of hot water on a rainy day.

6. What maintenance of the solar collector is required?

Under normal circumstances no maintenance of the system is required. Due to the shape of the tubes regular rainfall and wind should keep them clean. Should a tube even be broken it should be replaced. This, however, is an inexpensive and easy job. Any ‘handy’ person can install a new tube (while adhering to local health and safety regulations). Heatseeker solar collectors can operate with several broken tubes; however the efficiency will be reduced slightly.

7. Are solar tube collectors more efficient than flat plate collectors?

When comparing peak efficiency levels it may seem that there is little difference between flat plate and evacuated tubes, in fact flat plate may actually be higher, but this is during minimal heat loss conditions. When averaged out over an entire year, evacuated tube collectors have a clear advantage.

8. Which collector is the best value for money?

Rather than looking at just peak efficiency levels when comparing solar collectors, cost per unit of energy produced is much more logical. For example: Although collector A may be 20% more efficient that collector B, if collector A is 30% more expensive, then in fact collector B may be a better choice, as per kWh of energy produced per day it is cheaper. When payback time is of concern, price per unit of energy produced is the most important consideration, not peak efficiency levels. In this regard Heatseeker solar collectors provide great value for money.