Some frequently asked questions:
1) What if it rains constantly?
All systems come with a electric element (2kW) and thermostat where, should the temperature drop below a set standard, the system automatically switches over to electricity – there will always be hot water
2) Life expectancy of such systems
20 years or more
3) Maintenance
Once a system is correctly installed, maintenance is kept to a minimum, but we do recommend a yearly service (very low cost). Our installers would always be on hand to attend to any future problems – the collectors/panels should be wiped free of dust every 2-3 months to keep efficiency levels at their peak.
4) What about savings?
- A conventional geyser accounts for up to 52% of your monthly electricity account a solar water heating system will save up to 70% of that 52% usage.
- Systems will pay for themselves within a 2-4 year period ( at existing Eskom rates once rates increase this period will shorten) and thereafter your hot water is totally free.
- Systems are to be installed facing north and in an area free of afternoon or morning shadows.
5) Which are best
Flat Plate collector panels or evacuated tubes? It is a matter of choice, there are pro’s and con’s for each. Tubes are slightly more efficient but are more expensive and prone to hail damage as they are made of glass. Flat plates are more durable in South African conditions.
6) Can we convert our existing geyser to solar?
Solar geysers are different from conventional electric geysers which is why a complete new system is recommended. One can retrofit the existing geyser by fitting a pre-heating system which warms up the water before it enters the conventional geyser so the existing geyser does not have to work so hard – not recommended. The normal household geyser will still only last the 3-5year average, thus will still have to be replaced.
7) Eskom rebate
Solsquare is registered on the Eskom website – rebates ranging from R 2159 to R 6194 are claimable on our systems.
