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How does a solar heating system work? |
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How do I decide what size is right for me? |
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Will my solar system still work in winter? |
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What happens if it freezes in winter? |
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Will a hailstorm damage the panels? |
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Will I still be able to use my existing storage tank? |
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What temperature will a solar water heating system achieve? |
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What savings will I get on my electricity bill with a solar system? |
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Do I need a Timer? |
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What is the life expectancy of an Atlantic Solar system? |
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What installation is right for me? |
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What are the basic requirements needed to install a solar system? |
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What is the system guarantee period? |
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Why choose an Atlantic Solar water heating system? |
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How does a solar heating system work?
Our solar heating system comprises of a hot water storage tank and an appropriately sized solar collector. Solar radiation from the sun shines on the solar absorber and heats the fluid in the absorber. The heated fluid rises to the top of the cylinder and is replaced by colder fluid at the bottom of the collector. As the process repeats the entire contents of the cylinder is heated over time. The time taken for the cylinder to heat up depends on the size of the collector and the efficiency of the collector. The circulation could be through Thermisiphon or as a result of active circulation with a circulation pump. |
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How do I decide what size is right for me?
An average person consumes about 50 liters of hot water per day.
For example: 3 people = 150 litre system, 4 people = 200 litre system, 6people = 300 litre system
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Will my solar system still work in winter?
An Atlantic Solar thermal collector is designed to absorb the radiation of the sun as efficiently as possible. Because the collector is glazed and thermally sealed it traps as much radiant heat as possible and thus even if it is overcast or cold outside, will still convert solar radiation to useful heat. In situations where there is pro-longed cold overcast weather the collector will eventually not be as efficient, however most Atlantic Solar domestic solar systems has an electrical element fitted in the geyser. The element is controlled by a thermostat or a timer with thermostatic control, which controls the back-up heating function that will heat the water to your desired temperature. |
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What happens if it freezes in Winter?
All Atlantic Solar water heating systems comes in a direct (Coastal) and indirect (Vaal) option. The Atlantic Solar Coastal series are not frost resistant and should not be installed in areas where frost is likely to occur. Installing a coastal system in a frost prone area can cause the riser pipes on the collector to freeze and burst. The Atlantic Solar Vaal series is designed for areas where frost is likely to occur, as it has a heat exchanger inside. The collector and heat exchanger is filled with non toxic propylene glycol which will not freeze in winter, thus protecting your collector and solar system. |
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Will a hailstorm damage the panels?
Part of the SABS mechanical test on solar water heaters comprises of a hail resistance test. All of the Atlantic Solar systems that carry the SABS mark of approval have withstood this test without the aid of hail guards or wire mesh. All Atlantic Solar collectors, regardless of whether it carries the mark of approval or not, are manufactured using the same 4mm thick heat tempered safety glass. Atlantic Solar will also on specification use 6mm clear Polycarbonate, which is highly impact resistant but may not have the same Ultra Violet resistance as real glass. |
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Will I still be able to use my existing storage tank?
If you have an existing geyser that is in good working condition you may still be able to use the existing geyser by installing the Atlantic Solar water heating system as a pre-feed to the existing geyser. When doing this you get to expand the hot water capacity of your household but it is not necessarily the best solution in all cases. In some households this may prove to be an ineffective solution.
Atlantic Solar does however not perform solar conversion on existing geysers. There are two simple reasons for this: First, converting an existing geyser into a solar tank will more than likely void the original manufacturers warranty of your geyser; Second, when converting an existing geyser a forced circulation pump is usually required and the cost of the forced circulation kit is often more than that of a new geyser. |
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What temperature will a solar water heating system achieve?
Our systems are designed to heat water to a temperature between 55ºC - 75ºC under normal summer weather conditions. In winter you will experience lower temperatures depending on the area of installation. Typically winter solar radiation on the Highveld are clear sunny days albeit somewhat cold and will yield temperatures of between 45ºC and 65ºC. In the Western Cape however winter time brings rain and overcast weather and as such you should expect temperatures between 30ºC and 55ºC. This is why Atlantic Solar usually connects the system to an electrical backup. |
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What savings will I get on my electricity bill with a solar system?
Depending on the size and typical hot water usage of the household, a correctly configured and installed solar system will replace approximately 50% to 75% of the energy consumed by a normal electric geyser. Typically an electric geyser represents approximately 50% to 75% of the electrical usage of a normal 4 person household It is thus possible to expect a savings of 25% upwards of your household electricity bill. This is however highly case sensitive and depends on the energy balance of the household. In order to get a better understanding of this expected savings it is important to ask your sales rep to perform and energy audit. |
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Do I need a timer?
An ordinary solar system fitted with an electrical back up has no way of controlling the most effective way of using electricity to back up when required. With a timer the system can be controlled to optimise the energy savings. If for instance, the whole family use hot water in the morning before work and your Atlantic Solar water heating system is not fitted with an electrical timer, the thermostat will automatically cause the element to turn on when the temperature of the water in the geyser goes below the required setting. It serves no purpose to use electricity to heat water that will be standing all day in the geyser if it is not used. The solar system will soon have full solar radiation to heat the water, but the element has already done the work. A timer that is correctly set for your personal household circumstances will avoid using electricity unnecessarily, and will force your Atlantic Solar water heating system to make use of the sun to heat the water. This will optimise the savings from your system. |
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What is the life expectancy of your Atlantic Solar system?
All Atlantic Solar water heating systems are made of quality materials and designed to last between 15 and 20 years. In some areas, especially coastal areas with high occurrence of coastal fog it is advised to install an Atlantic Solar Pro-Line system designed for higher corrosion resistance. |
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What installation is right for me ?
Atlantic Solar will perform the best installation for your requirements. There are essentially three options being:
On-roof Installation
Split Internal
Forced circulation /pump assisted systems
Refer to the section in the website that explains the different installations. |
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What are the basic requirements needed to install a solar system?
In order to install an Atlantic Solar system, there has to be a solid or sturdy roof structure be that pitched or flat. The roof must be exposed to direct sunlight and be oriented as close to North as possible. Systems can be installed up to 40 Degrees East or West of north but this will compromise the efficiency of the system and ultimately the savings derived. If there is no suitable roof structure, a frame made from steel can be wall or ground mounted to facilitate the installation. |
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What is the guarantee period?
Depending on the model chosen, the warranty varies between 3 years and 5 years. This warranty can be extended up to 10 years with subscription to a maintenance plan. |
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Why choose an Atlantic Solar heating System?
Atlantic Solar has been manufacturing solar systems for over 21 years and we are experts in our field. Our systems are known to outlast their warranty period of five years by two or three times. Our systems deliver years of warm water and if installed correctly will pay for it self in less than 5 years. Our systems have been installed all over South Africa and as far a field as Mozambique Botswana and Namibia. |
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Q & A
