The truth about solar hot water

Solar hot water systems are very affordable systems and an ideal option for anyone looking to reduce their energy use. Amazingly these evacuated tube systems are more efficient than PV and other flat plate solar systems due to the fact they naturally track the sun and have more surface area. They reach peak output in the early morning and hold it until late afternoon. Some of the most common concerns and frequently asked questions about solar hot water are listed below.

Heating water is usually the single biggest energy user in your home, a solar hot water system can reduce your hot water electricity use and save approximately a quarter of your regular power bill. Customers with solar hot water systems find they have incredibly low bills during summer along with a significant reduction during winter.

The greater surface area provided by the tubes means they also take up less roof space than flat PV panels while producing the same amount of energy and therefore do not require extra roof bracing or specialist design to install on most homes.

While Apricus offers a 10-year warranty on our evacuated tube solar hot water collectors, the ongoing maintenance of the system is both affordable and easy because single tubes can be replaced rather than a whole system in case of a problem on the roof. The rest of the components are all of the highest quality, from NZ and European manufacturers.

With an Apricus solar hot water system you will never be short of hot water. This is because when the solar is not generating enough hot water for your demand then the smart controller will switch over to your booster heater, which is normally a simple electric element.

Yes, your solar system will still generate some hot water on cloudy days, but it not as much as on sunny days. Therefore, the back-up electric element will kick in late in the day to ensure you always have hot water, no matter the weather.

The Apricus solar hot water system can produce water temperatures as high as 80°C (the average temp for a hot shower at home is less than 40°C). The safety system included will lower the water temperature at your taps to make sure it’s safe for everyone to enjoy.

Yes, because of the unique design a standard Apricus system can be used in temperatures as low as minus 15°C. There are special designs available for locations with even lower temperatures.

Solar hot water heating is better than gas hot water systems in two ways. First, it is more economical to run and second, it is much, much better for the environment. Gas systems usually waste about 20% of the gas you buy, straight out of the flue, so there are no savings there. Also, gas is a fossil fuel which is not renewable and releases carbon dioxide in to the atmosphere, which is having a negative impact on the environment.