WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SOLAR HOT WATER COLLECTOR AND A SOLAR PV PANEL?

Solar hot water works by ‘collecting’ the sun’s heat and transferring this energy to the solar collectors either directly to water or indirectly to anti-freeze fluid, which is used in frost prone areas. The heated water or fluid is then circulated back to the storage tank to provide hot water free from the sun®.  Solar Power (PV panels), on the other hand, rely on sunlight to generate DC electricity, which is fed into an inverter and converted into AC current to power your home. Although both technologies rely on the sun’s free energy, they have entirely different purposes.

WHAT ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF A SOLAHART SOLAR WATER HEATER?

Getting your hot water free from the sun® not only saves energy but also saves greenhouse gas emissions that would have been produced in the generation of that energy. By replacing an electric storage water heater with a Solahart Solar Water Heater, you could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 3 tonnes a year*, which is the equivalent of taking a small car off the road.

WHY DO SOLAR WATER HEATERS HAVE BOOSTERS?

All solar water heaters include electric boosters to ensure you have hot water during rainy overcast days. A Solahart starts to generate hot water within an hour of sun – the need for a booster is very limited. In the Caribbean many people choose not to have this option at all.

HOW MUCH WILL A SOLAHART WATER HEATER SAVE ME?

Savings will vary depending on the type of water heater being replaced, gas or electric, the amount of hot water you use, and the orientation and inclination of the collectors.

WHY CHOOSE SOLAR HOT WATER?

Water heating accounts for about 25% of the average household’s energy use, clearly outweighing many other forms of energy consumption. The great thing about solar water heaters is that they store energy from the sun in a storage tank for later use, which is in effect, just like a battery. And because they are so efficient, solar water heater collectors take up about ⅓^ of the roof space needed for an equivalent sized solar power system.

DOES A SOLAHART TAKE LONG TO INSTALL?

Our systems generally take 3-5 hours to install depending on several factors such as roof height and location on the roof.

WHICH SOLAHART IS RIGHT FOR US?

Generally a 181L unit will supply hot water to a house of 2-4 people, and a 302L unit will supply a house hold of 4 – 8 people. If you use hot water in the laundry for washing, or, have an appliance connected to the hot supply, then each of these appliances will count as an extra person. The semi-regular use of a bath would count as 2 people, and the semi-regular use of a spa bath would count as 3 people.

*This is a guide only – actual hot water requirements will vary based needs

WHAT WARRANTY DOES SOLAHART OFFER?

With over 60 years’ experience in solar, Solahart is here for the long haul. Every system we install is backed by a trusted Solahart warranty. A complete unit holds a 5 year warranty. Tanks and collectors purchased as other than as a complete water heater are covered for 1 year.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PAY FOR ITSELF?

Financial payback will vary depending on your circumstances. Generally speaking our residential customers will make their money back in 1.5 – 2 years.