Frequently Asked Questions
| What is solar radiation? Solar radiation is radiant energy emitted by the sun, particularly electromagnetic energy. Basically it means how much sun-light shining down on us. How do solar geysers work? Solar geysers feature an array of Vacuum tubes.The vacuum tube comprises of two glass tubes, an inner and an outer, separated by a vacuum between them. Sometimes referred to as an evacuated tube, the technology has the ability to efficiently collect and store solar energy in the form of heat. The tube absorbs solar radiation via a special selective coating on the inner tube. Once inside this radiation turns to heat and is very efficiently contained by the vacuum between the inner and outer tubes. A barium getter, a special chemical that is used in television tubes, maintains this vacuum by absorbing any compounds that may be out gassed by the tube during storage and operation. This ensures a long and continuously efficient life span for each and every tube. In low pressure systems water is heated directly in the tubes, which are attached to a container of water above them. The water is then simply heated directly using the principle that hot water rises. This is not possible in high-pressure systems and so heat pipes are used. A heat pipe is simply a vacuum tube with a special copper pipe and aluminum vane placed neatly inside it. Heat is collected by the aluminum vane and copper pipe. This pipe is filled with a non-toxic heat absorbent liquid and is thermally connected to a manifold, which is in turn connected via copper piping to the high-pressure geyser. The heat is transferred into the water located in the manifold. Solar heated water is then pumped from the manifold back into the geyser and replaced with cooler water from the bottom of the geyser. The cycle is repeated until the water in the geyser is heated to its required pre-set temperature. In some high-pressure systems water flows through copper tubes inside the glass vacuum tube. These copper pipes are of a fairly small diameter and may become problematic in areas with high levels of lime in the water supply. Can solar geysers heat water to a high enough temperature? Yes, in sunny days solar geysers can bring water to boiling point. What happens if the Evacuated Glass Tubes are damaged or broken? Firstly, tubes are very strong and not easily broken, but if the worst should happen, solar tubes can be replaced very easily. They are available though your local distributor. It is recommended that broken tubes be replaced immediately. Are solar geysers a viable alternative to gas or electricity? Yes, a solar geyser system is an alternative to gas or electricity boosted geysers. Averaged over a year, a correctly sized solar geyser System can provide 80% to 100% of a household's hot water needs. The hot water system can easily be automated with an electric geyser so hot water is guaranteed regardless of sunlight levels. How long will it take to recoup my investment? Solar geysers are much more affordable than many other solar hot water heaters. For a household of 4, the price of a full system may not be too much more than a new electric or gas boosted geyser. 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 35% of its electricity bill on hot water heating, the full cost of the purchase may be recouped as quickly as 3-4 years in reduced bills. You will definitely make considerable savings during the life of the solar geyser. Can a solar geyser be used in cold conditions? Yes, a solar geyser can be used in temperatures as low as -10
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