In this sunny country, solar energy is an abundant source of renewable energy, making it an obvious choice when seeking alternative sources of energy.
Solar water heating & how a Solar Geyser works
Solar geysers are built on two basic principles of physics: dark coloured objects absorb heat, and hot water rises.
Unlike other systems that can be very complex, a solar geyser is simple, as water is the only moving part. This is a big advantage in terms of reliability and maintenance costs.
A typical Solar Geyser system has three major components:
- a solar collector,
- a transfer medium and
- a storage container.
The solar collector absorbs solar radiation and transfers the energy, using heat, to the fluid inside the collector.
In the solar geyser, this fluid is the transfer medium.
In a direct system, the transfer medium is the potable water from the storage container.
In an indirect system, the transfer fluid is generally a mix of water and glycol, which passes the energy to the storage container via an isolating heat exchanger.
In areas in South Africa where temperatures drop to below freezing (4°C), an indirect system is recommended.
As with a conventional geyser, the hot water storage container in a solar geyser is thermally insulated to retain heat. Solar geysers are usually larger than electric geysers and better insulated. This allows you to maximise your solar gains.
Solar geysers can be linked to existing geysers or can completely replace them. The system can be installed on top of a roof if the structure is strong enough.
The water storage container can be placed elsewhere, for example, inside the roof or a cupboard, but the collector must be where sunlight can reach it.
Solar geysers mounted on or in the roof are usually placed horizontally, but for better thermal stratification, they should be mounted vertically. Your roofing structure must be checked to see whether it can support the weight of the storage container and collector.
As the price for energy increases, savvy homeowners should ensure that their homes are not completely reliant on the mainstream power grid.
By reducing your electricity dependence on the grid, you become part of a more sustainable and responsible global community of homeowners and enjoy significant electricity & cost savings at the same time.
Source: Yes Solar
There are many parts of South Africa where temperatures can drop below freezing. In this case, the indirect solar geyser system is required. Unfortunately, there are many solar geyser dealers that are ignorant of specific requirements and/or would rather sell you whatever solar systems they have in stock. Water Rhapsody has become a Yes Solar dealer because energy and water are inextricably linked. We are able to offer a wide range of solar water heating products (that all qualify for Eskom rebates) and we will personally advise on which solar system is best for your situation. Our solar power and water conservation systems enable a holistic and sustainable approach to saving water & energy, saving money and saving our environment. Water tanks are also an integral part of our rainwater harvesting systems so we have become JoJo Tank dealers- we can deliver and install the complete range of JoJo water tanks and JoJo water tank stands. Contact us for a free quote!
