Solar Flare Technologies Solar Water Heater

Solar Water Heating FAQ’s

How does a solar thermal system work?

A solar thermal system consists of a number of components; a solar collector, a pump, a solar controller and a hot water storage tank.

The solar collector, located on the roof, collects the sun’s energy and transfers the heat to the storage tank. The storage tank allows the hot water to be stored until it is used at night or in the morning.

What is the life expectancy of a solar system?

The life expectancy of a solar system is between 20 and 30 years.

What is the average payback for a solar thermal system?

Solar hot water systems can save the home owner or business a substantial amount of money and drastically reduce global warming. At current energy prices, these systems can pay for themselves in 2-6 years, depending on the application.

How long will it take to install a solar system?

On average, 1-2 days are required to install a solar system.

How much maintenance and service is required?

Evacuated tube technology requires virtually no regular maintenance of the system except for wiping clean the tubes if it collected dust. If a tube is broken, the system can remain operational, only the efficiency of the system will be reduced slightly.

Will a solar hot water heating system work 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. Approximately 25-30% of the sun’s energy actually gets through the clouds.

Can I use a solar hot water heating system with my existing hot water system?

Yes. SolarFlare manufactures a special conversion valve to change your normal geyser into a solar geyser.

What are the advantages of evacuated tube solar collectors versus flat plate collectors?

Easier Installation – One person can quickly and easily install an SolarFlare collector without a hoist or special tools because the vacuum tubes, manifold, and frame are installed separately. This unique feature results in substantial savings in installation time and expense. This is not possible with most flat plate products because of their one-piece construction.

Superior Insulation – As any good thermos bottle proves, there is no better insulator to heat transfer than a vacuum. ITS’s evacuated tubes provides excellent resistance to heat losses via conduction and convection, even under extreme environmental conditions like cold winter temperatures and wind. Flat plate collectors lose a considerable part of the heat energy collected back to the environment.

Easier Servicing – Since the evacuated tubes are installed in the manifold via dry connections, any tube can be replaced without shutting the system down. Flat plate systems must be shut down and drained.

Longer Life – High vacuum protects the absorber surface from moisture, condensation, corrosion, and degradation of the selective coating over the entire life of the collector, which easily exceeds 20 years. Flat plate collectors are not immune to these effects since air contacts the absorber and all interior surfaces.

Better Efficiency – Vacuum technology insures a high year round efficiency. Flat plate collectors are less efficient during cold seasons.

Dual Use Potential – Water and space heating are possible.

Better Conversion Threshold – More energy is collected earlier in the day and during partly cloudy days because of the special absorber coating and superior insulation.