What exactly is a solar water heater?
A solar water heater or solar system uses thermal solar collectors. This is different from the well-known PV panels that generate electricity from sunlight. A thermal solar collector transfers solar heat to water. The collector contains liquid whose temperature can rise to 90°C in the sun. This heat is transferred to the water in a storage tank via a heat exchanger.
Direct and indirect solar systems
Indirect solar systems consist of a storage tank that is connected to the existing water heater, boiler or combination of the two. Hence the name ‘indirect solar system’. In winter, when the sun shines less, the electrical or gas-fired water heater provides additional heating so that the comfort level is maintained and so that the entire solar system can always reach temperatures of 60° or more to prevent Legionella and other bacteria formation.
Our direct solar systems consist of solar water heaters integrated with a gas-fired boiler in one system solution. Here too, the water is preheated because the sun’s heat is delivered to the water via the heat exchanger. If this temperature is not sufficient, the integrated condensing HR water heater switches on as a reheater. Gas consumption is therefore kept to a minimum, making the installation very energy efficient. The advantage of reheating with gas or electricity is that higher temperatures can be achieved at any time. In addition, these products have an intelligent control with which weekly programs (including Legionella protection) can be set.
What is the payback period of a solar system?
The payback period depends on many factors. The intelligent control makes it possible to program the solar system based on individual usage requirements and tapping needs. In addition, the pump speed can be modulated to make optimal use of the available solar energy under all circumstances. Even with very little solar radiation, the efficiency remains maximum. With the SGS solar water heater, the extra solar contribution can amount to an average of 40% compared to a standard solar system.
ITS – Indirect solar system
The ITS indirect solar system consist of an indirect tank which is connected to a boiler (electric, gas or oil) or water heater. The optimum installation can be constructed by using different accessories. The ITS (as well as the ITE) can be part of a solar water heating system. It can be installed with or without a drain back system.
Indirect solar system – ITE
The indirect solar system ITE consists of an indirect tank which is connected to a boiler (electric, gas or oil) or water heater. The optimum installation can be constructed by using different accessories. The ITE (as well as the ITS) can be part of a solar water heating system. It can be installed with or without a drainback system.
SGS – solar system with ITE
SGS solar system with ITE is installed in combination with an ITE storage tank with integrated heat exchanger. The collectors are connected to the heat exchanger and the available heat is transferred to the tank. If the temperature of the water in the SGS differs more than 5 degrees from the water in the ITE, the heat transfer from the ITE to the SGS starts up. If necessary, the SGS heats the water to draw-off temperature.
SGE
SGE is a compact installation with integrated solar heat exchanger. Apart from its excellent suitable size for restricted spaces, the SGE is also a very efficient appliance. The collectors are connected to the lower heat exchanger, and the heat is transferred from the collectors to the water. The upper heat exchanger afterheats, if necessary, until the water has reached the desired temperature. In this installation the solar contribution is fully utilized.