We’re Solar Hot Water System Specialists
Hot water plays a crucial role in every household, serving as an essential service. When your hot water system nears the end of its life or fails to meet your expectations, the significance of having consistent access to hot water becomes apparent in your daily routines.
Among the key considerations for homeowners when choosing a hot water system are energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, alongside the reliability of continuous hot water supply. A solar hot water system encompasses all these qualities, rendering it a highly favoured option for those seeking to upgrade or replace their current system.
At Upside Down Plumbing, we specialise in installing, maintaining, and servicing solar hot water systems. Our team of skilled technicians is dedicated to ensuring that your system operates efficiently, delivering hot water to your taps while optimising both cost and energy usage. For top-notch performance and reliability, contact us today to get your solar hot water system in prime working condition.
How Does a Solar Hot Water System Work?
In brief, a solar water heater uses solar panels positioned on your rooftop to capture solar energy, which is subsequently used to heat your water.
Expanding upon this, various types of solar hot water systems operate in distinct manners. The primary categories include the close-coupled non-split system and the pumped system, which serves as the split alternative. Both systems entail solar collectors and a storage tank.
What is a Close-Coupled Solar Hot Water System?
The close-coupled system consolidates all vital components on the roof of your home, necessitating a roof capable of supporting the full weight of the storage tank and providing sufficient space for installation. Unlike systems employing pumps, it demands less maintenance.
In close-coupled solar hot water heaters, a process called thermosiphon drives the heating and circulation of water within the system. This process relies on the principle of heat rising, allowing water to move through the panel without pump assistance, hence requiring close component proximity.
At the panel’s base, mains pressure water is connected. Initially cold, the water gradually heats as the sun’s rays strike the panel. As it heats, the water ascends into the tank situated atop the panel. This upward movement displaces cold water, forcing it to the panel’s base. This cycle continues as sunlight continues to heat the displaced cold water.
The thermosiphon mechanism delivers instant solar hot water with optimal energy efficiency. Such solar water systems are prevalent in Australia due to their effectiveness and reliability.
Pumped Solar Hot Water Systems
In pumped systems, a pump is employed to circulate water throughout the system. As implied by the name, these systems feature a split configuration, with the tank positioned on the ground.
Temperature sensors located at the top of the panels and the base of the tank communicate with a temperature controller, which triggers the pump activation when the collector can absorb heat effectively.
This split system is ideal for homes lacking sufficient space or roof weight capacity to accommodate a rooftop storage tank. While the pump requires a modest amount of electricity to operate, it offers flexibility in system placement.
Due to the increased separation between the tank and collector panels compared to close-coupled systems, longer pipe lengths may result in higher heat loss. However, insulating the pipes can mitigate this issue effectively.
Types of Solar Collector Panels
Whether you decide on a split or non-split solar hot water system, you’ll also need to choose the type of solar collector panel that suits your system. The two main types are flat plate and evacuated tubing. Let’s take a closer look.
Flat Plate Collectors
Flat plate collectors represent a type familiar to many. These collectors typically come in large, rectangular boxes measuring around 1-1.5 metres (m) in width and 2-2.5m in length.
Primarily constructed from aluminium, they boast a glass top. Copper piping situated beneath the glass top serves a dual purpose − capturing solar heat and facilitating water transport through the panel.
To enhance efficiency, horizontal fins are integrated between each pipe, effectively maximising the total surface area exposed to the sun’s energy. Furthermore, the panel’s base is insulated to optimise the transfer of heat energy into the water rather than dispersing it into the roof.
Evacuated Tube Collectors
Evacuated tube collectors consist of a series of heat pipes enclosed within two glass tubes at each end. Through a process of evacuation, a vacuum is created within the tube space, maximising solar energy absorption while minimising heat loss.
A crucial component known as a manifold serves as a heat transfer device, affixed to the top of each evacuated tube. Within the manifold, a water pipe facilitates the transfer of heat to the storage tank.
Compared to flat plate collectors, evacuated tube systems can offer significantly higher energy efficiency, although flat plate systems are already quite efficient. Unlike flat plate systems, evacuated tube systems don’t rely solely on direct sunlight for optimal performance and can excel even in cooler climates.
The Need for a Power Booster
Residents living in cooler climates and using water solar systems with flat plate collectors might discover that their systems are less efficient during colder months without some form of backup.
In such cases, a gas or electric-powered booster can complement solar energy when sunlight levels are not optimal. Consulting with a seasoned solar hot water system plumber can assist in identifying the most suitable booster option tailored to your requirements.
Trust the Experts in Solar Hot Water
Whether you’re in the market for a new instantaneous solar hot water system, seeking an upgrade from an outdated model, or require maintenance and repair services for your current solar hot water system, Upside Down Plumbing is here to assist you.
Our team of skilled technicians specialises in the installation, servicing, and repair of all makes and models of solar hot water systems, ensuring that you have access to the most effective water heating solution. Additionally, we offer guidance to help you make informed decisions regarding the best system for your home.
Why Choose Upside Down Plumbing for Solar Hot Water?
For top-tier service and expert advice on hot water systems, rely on Upside Down Plumbing.
Our technicians are fully certified, insured, and bring extensive experience to every job. They undergo regular training to stay updated with the latest industry developments.
Equipped with state-of-the-art service vehicles containing cutting-edge technology and all necessary tools and parts, we ensure efficient completion of every task.
We offer fixed-price quotes regardless of the time of day, whether it’s a weekday, weekend, or holiday, with no additional charges for after-hours calls. Our services are available 24/7, 365 days a year, with a rapid response time aiming to reach your home within one hour* of your call.
To alleviate financial strain, we provide a range of finance plans** for approved customers. Additionally, we stand behind our work with a 12-month workmanship warranty for peace of mind.
Upon completion of the job, our Upside Down Plumbing technician will issue you with a Certificate of Compliance (when required) to meet Australian Government regulations, confirming that licensed and accredited plumbing work has been successfully carried out.
We Offer a Range of Finance Options**
If you decide to upgrade to a solar hot water system, or need repairs for your current solar water heater, the first concern you’ll have is the potential cost. That’s why Upside Down Plumbing always aims to relieve the financial stress of the situation.
We offer a range of finance options** for eligible customers. Your plumbing professional can take you through the easy application process on site and approval usually takes only a few minutes.
Then you can select a payment plan with one of our finance providers, Zip or Humm, and enjoy the convenience of making weekly, fortnightly and monthly instalments, depending on your choice of plan. Some options even accept a $0 deposit, which means you pay nothing upfront.
We also accept payment by cash, cheque, direct transfer and credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express). Then you can relax while Upside Down Plumbing fixes or installs your solar hot water system.
