INSTALL AND MAINTAIN SOLAR WATER

HEATING SYSTEMS
US 244499
NQF LEVEL: 4
CREDITS: 10
NOTIONAL HOURS: 100

LEARNER GUIDE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE ......................................................................................................................... 4

ICONS .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................... 5

PURPOSE........................................................................................................................................................ 5

LEARNING ASSUMPTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 5

UNIT STANDARD RANGE ........................................................................................................................... 5

HOW YOU WILL LEARN ............................................................................................................................ 7

HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED ................................................................................................................ 7

SECTION 1: UNDERSTANDING SOLAR ENERGEY AS A SOURCE OF HEAT ............................. 8

1.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 9

1.2 THE USE OF SOLAR ENERGY IN DOMESTIC WATER HEATING........................................... 11

1.3 BASICS OF SOLAR WATER SYSTEMS ............................................................................................ 13

1.4 TYPES OF SOLAR WATER HEATERS ............................................................................................. 21

1.5 CONVENTIONAL WATER HEATING AND SOLAR WATER HEATING .................................. 26

1.6 BENEFITS OF SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEMS.... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

SECTION 2: PREPARING AND PLANNING FOR INSTALLATION OF SOLAR WATER

SYSTEMS ....................................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

2.1 COLD AND HOT WATER PIPE SYSTEMS ....................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

2.2 SOLAR WATER HEATING COMPONENTS ..................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

2.3 SIZING SOLAR HEATING AND RETICULATION SYSTEMS ......... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.

2.4 LOCATION, ORIENTATION AND POSITIONING OF SOLAR WATER HEATING

COMPONENTS ............................................................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

2.5 EFFECTS OF EXTREME CLIMATIC CONDITIONS ON SOLAR WATER SYTEMS .... ERROR!
BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

2.6 WATER QUALITY ................................................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

3.1 ASSEMBLING SOLAR HEATING COMPONENTS ......... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

3.2 INSTALLING SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS ON THE ROOFS ......... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.

3.3 HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS ................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

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3.4 PRESSURE TESTING SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM ........... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.

3.5 HANDING OVER THE SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM .......... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.

4.1 IDENTIFYING SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS FAULTS .. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

4.2 TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST .................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

4.3 IDENTIFICATION OF LESS OBVIOUS PROBLEMS ...... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

4.4 WARRANTIES AND MAINTENANCE ............................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

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HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

This workbook belongs to you. It is designed to serve as a guide for the duration of your
training programme and as a resource for after the time. It contains readings, activities, and
application aids that will assist you in developing the knowledge and skills stipulated in the
specific outcomes and assessment criteria.

Follow along in the guide as the facilitator takes you through the material, and feel free to
make notes and diagrams that will help you to clarify or retain information. Jot down things
that work well or ideas that come from the group. Also, note any points you would like to
explore further. Participate actively in the skill practice activities, as they will give you an
opportunity to gain insights from other people’s experiences and to practice the skills. Do not
forget to share your own experiences so that others can learn from you too.

ICONS
For ease of reference, an icon will indicate different activities. The following icons indicate
different activities in the manual.

Outcomes Learning Activities

Take note
Assessment Criteria Note!

Stop and Think!

Course Material Reflection

Notes (Blank) References

Definition Summaries

Example

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PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

PURPOSE

This unit standard will enable plumbers and related role-players to improve professionalism and
enhance the quality and effectiveness of services by being able to install and maintain solar water
heating systems.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:

• Understand solar energy as a source of heat.

• Prepare and plan for the installation of solar water heating systems.
• Install solar water heating components, pipes and fittings.
• Maintain solar water heating components, pipes and fittings.

This unit standard will contribute to the development of the learner within the context of the
plumbing discipline. Learners who have achieved this unit standard will increase their opportunities
for further development and employability within the plumbing environment.

LEARNING ASSUMPTIONS

It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills:

• Communication at NQF Level 3.

• Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 3.

UNIT STANDARD RANGE

• The installation, repair and maintenance of hot and cold water systems are according to the
following qualitative specifications:
> SABS 0254: 2000 The Installation, maintenance and repair of fixed electric storage water
heating systems.
> SABS 0252: 1994 Water supply and drainage for Buildings.
> Part 1: Water Supply installations for Buildings.
• Pipes include but are not limited to: galvanised mild steel (GMS), copper, Cross linked
polyethylene (PE-X), Polybutylene, chlorinated PVC (CPVC).

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 • Solar heating components include but are not limited to: Solar collectors, heat exchangers,
water storage cylinders, and associated reticulation
• Installation includes but is not limited to: Split system installation, forced circulation
installation.
• Solar Heating types include but are not limited to: Integral solar water heaters, separate
collector storage solar water heaters, (or thermosyphons), close-coupled solar water
heaters, and solar water heaters for swimming pools
• Hot and cold water supply systems include but are not limited to: Direct, indirect and
balanced systems for domestic supply.
• Joining of pipes includes but is not limited to: The cutting and threading of galvanised pipes,
the joining of similar pipes, and the joining of dissimilar pipe types.
• Water quality includes but is not limited to: Consideration of total dissolved solids (TDS),
calcium carbonate and chloride contents, including corrosion factors.
• Fittings include but are not limited to: Cocks, valves, taps, full way valves, house water
stations, thermostatic valves, control valves, pressure reducing valves, mixers, expansion
relief valves, vacuum breakers etc.
• Types of hot water cylinders include but are not limited to: Combination hot water cylinders
push through type, and high pressure hot water cylinders
• Installation of hot water cylinders includes but is not limited to: The drip tray, valves,
overflow, thermostats, etc.
• Roof types include but are not limited to: Tiled roofs, sheet metal roofs, asbestos roofs,
slate roofs, thatched roofs, flush-mount/skylight installation, pitch roofs greater than 30
degrees, and low or flat pitched roofs.
• Harsh climatic conditions include but are not limited to: Low temperatures (below 5 degrees
C) - inclusion of antifreeze, snow, frost and hail conditions, temperatures below -7 degrees
C (special designs required).
• Electrical connections are made according to SABS 0142 - Code for the wiring of premises.
• Solar Water Heating components are manufactured according to the requirements of SANS
1307: 2003.

• Existing services and built-in items that are to be identified and protected include but are
not limited to: Other plumbing pipes and fittings, fire protection systems, electrical cables, ducts
and units, air-conditioning installations, communication ducts or cables, fixtures and fittings.

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HOW YOU WILL LEARN

The programme methodology includes facilitator presentations, readings, individual activities,

group discussions and skill application exercises.

HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED

This programme has been aligned to registered unit standards. You will be assessed against the
outcomes of the unit standards by completing a knowledge assignment that covers the essential
embedded knowledge stipulated in the unit standards, and by doing a practical assessment to
apply the learning to your work situation. When you are assessed as competent against the unit
standards, you will receive a certificate of competence and be awarded 10 credits towards a
National Qualification.

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SECTION 1: UNDERSTANDING SOLAR ENERGEY
AS A SOURCE OF HEAT

Specific Outcome
On completion of this section you will be able to understand solar
energy as a source of heat.

Assessment Criteria
On completion of this section you will be able to:
❖ Solar energy and its uses in domestic water heating are
explained. . (SO1 AC1)
❖ The basics of solar water heating and its applications are
described. (SO1 AC2)
❖ Conventional water heating and the differences to solar water
heating are described. (SO1AC3)
❖ The benefits and risks associated with solar water heating are
explained. (SO1 AC4)
❖ The types of solar water heaters are listed and
described. (SO 1, AC 5)

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1.1 INTRODUCTION

Solar power is arguably the cleanest, most reliable form of renewable energy available, and it can
be used in several forms to help power your home or business.

DEFINITION

Solar Energy - Solar energy is the energy received by the earth from the sun. This energy is in the
form of solar radiation, which makes the production of solar electricity possible.

1.1.1 SOLAR SYSTEMS

Solar cells (usually made out of silicon) collect light and convert it into electricity. The electricity is
in the form of a direct current (DC) that must be converted by an inverter into an alternating current
(AC) before it can be used in a home or
business.

An array of solar panels An inverter Switches and wiring

Several solar cells form a solar module. Several solar modules

form a solar panel. An electrical unit made up of solar panels is
called an array. There can be more than one array to an
installation depending on the electric needs of the building.

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A solar system with 120 square feet of panels generates 1,000 - 1,440 kWh of electricity per year.
Electric generation is proportional to area. A solar system with twice the area would generate twice
the electricity.

1.1.2 THE ROOF SYSTEM

In most solar systems, solar panels are placed on the roof. An ideal site will have no shade on the
panels, especially during the prime sunlight hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; a south-facing installation will
usually provide the optimum potential for your system, but other orientations may provide sufficient
production. Trees or other factors that cause shading during the day will cause significant
decreases to power production.

The importance of shading and efficiency cannot be overstated. In a solar panel, if even just one of
its 36 cells is shaded, power production will be reduced by more than half. Experienced installation
contractors such as NW Wind & Solar use a device called a Solar Pathfinder to carefully identify
potential areas of shading prior to installation.

Not every roof has the correct orientation or angle of inclination to take advantage of the sun's
energy. Some systems are designed with pivoting panels that track the sun in its journey across
the sky. Non-tracking PV systems should be inclined at an angle equal to the site’s latitude to
absorb the maximum amount of energy year-round. Alternate orientations and/or inclinations may
be used to optimize energy production for particular times of day or for specific seasons of the
year.

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1.2 THE USE OF SOLAR ENERGY IN DOMESTIC WATER
HEATING
According to Eskom, our sun emits massive amounts of energy - far more than we could ever use.
In South Africa, solar radiation reaches up to 6.5kWh/m2, one of the highest levels in the world. By
comparison, parts of Europe only receive about 2.5kWh/m2. So, in this country, solar energy is an
abundant source of renewable energy, making it an obvious candidate when seeking alternative
sources of energy.

Solar energy can be used in domestic water heating. Solar Hot Water System turns cold water
into hot water with the help of sun’s rays.
✓ Around 60 deg. – 80 deg. C temperature can be attained depending on solar radiation,
weather conditions and solar collector system efficiency
✓ Hot water for homes, hostels, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, dairies, industries etc.
✓ Can be installed on roof-tops, building terrace and open ground where there is no shading,
south orientation of collectors and over-head tank above SWH system.
✓ SWH system generates hot water on clear sunny days (maximum), partially clouded
(moderate) but not in rainy or heavy overcast day
✓ Only soft and potable water can be used.
✓ Stainless Steel is used for small tanks whereas Mild Steel tanks with anticorrosion coating
inside are used for large tanks.
✓ Solar water heaters (SWHs) of 100-300 litres capacity are suited for domestic application.
✓ Larger systems can be used in restaurants, guest houses, hotels, hospitals, industries etc.

Applications
Solar energy can heat water for at least four different applications:

1. potable (drinking) and service use 2. potable and service use in commercial,
(washing) use in homes and institutional and industrial facilities

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3. radiant floor heating 4. Swimming pool

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1.3 BASICS OF SOLAR WATER SYSTEMS

Solar water heaters are based on two facts of physics: darkcoloured objects absorb heat, and hot
water rises. Unlike other systems that can be very complex, a solar water heater is simple, as
water is the only moving part. This is a huge advantage in terms of reliability and maintenance.

A typical system has three major components: a solar collector, a transfer medium and a storage
container.

1. The solar collector absorbs solar radiation and transfers the energy, in the form of heat, to
the fluid within it.

2. This fluid is the transfer medium. In a direct system, the transfer medium is the potable
water from the storage container. In an indirect system, the transfer fluid is generally a mix
of water and glycol, which passes the energy to the storage container via an isolating heat
exchanger. In areas in South Africa where temperatures drop to below freezing (4°C), an
indirect system is recommended.

3. As with a conventional geyser, the hot water storage container is thermally insulated to
retain heat. Solar geysers are usually larger than electric geysers and better insulated. This
allows you to maximise your solar gains.

Solar water heaters can be linked to existing geysers or can completely replace them. The system
can be installed on top of a roof if the structure is strong enough.

1.3.1 COMPONENTS OF SOLAR WATER HEAT SYSTEMS

Solar water heating systems use free heat from the sun to warm domestic hot water. Solar water
heating systems include;
• Storage tanks,
• heat exchangers and
• Solar collectors.

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See the diagram below;

1. STORAGE TANKS
Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. The tank can be a modified
standard water heater, but it is usually larger and very well insulated. Solar storage tanks have an
additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector.

In two-tank systems, the solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water
heater. In one-tank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank.

2. SOLAR COLLECTORS
Solar collectors gather the sun's energy, transform its radiation into heat, and then transfer that
heat to water or solar fluid. Three types of solar collectors are used in solar water heating systems:

a. Flat-plate collectors
A typical flat-plate collector is an insulated metal box
with a glass or plastic cover (called the glazing) and
a dark-colored absorber plate. Unglazed flat-plate
collectors typically used for solar pool heating have a

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dark absorber plate, made of metal or polymer, without a cover or enclosure.

b. Integral collector-storage systems

Integral collector-storage systems, also known as ICS or "batch"
systems, are made of one or more black tanks or tubes in an insulated
glazed box. Cold water first passes through the solar collector, which
preheats the water, and then continues to the conventional backup
water heater.

c. Evacuated-tube solar collectors

Evacuated-tube collectors can achieve extremely high
temperatures (170°F to 350°F), making them more
appropriate for cooling applications and commercial and
industrial application. The collectors are usually made of
parallel rows of transparent glass tubes. Each tube contains a
glass outer tube and metal absorber tube attached to a fin.
The fin is covered with a coating that absorbs solar energy
well, but which inhibits radiative heat loss. Air is removed, or
evacuated, from the space between the two glass tubes to
form a vacuum, which eliminates conductive and convective heat loss.

3. HEAT EXCHANGERS
Solar water heating systems use heat exchangers to transfer solar energy absorbed in solar
collectors to the liquid or air used to heat water or a space. Heat exchangers can be made of steel,
copper, bronze, stainless steel, aluminum, or cast iron.

Solar heating systems usually use copper, because it is a good thermal conductor and has greater
resistance to corrosion.

Types of heat exchangers

Solar water heating systems
use three types of heat
exchangers:

a) Liquid-to-liquid
A liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger
uses a heat-transfer fluid that
circulates through the solar

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collector, absorbs heat, and then flows through a heat exchanger to transfer its heat to water in a
storage tank. Heat-transfer fluids, such as antifreeze, protect the solar collector from freezing in
cold weather. Liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers have either one or two barriers (single wall or
double wall) between the heat-transfer fluid and the domestic water supply.

A single-wall heat exchanger is a pipe or tube surrounded by a fluid. Either the fluid passing
through the tubing or the fluid surrounding the tubing can be the heat-transfer fluid, while the other
fluid is the potable water.

Double-wall heat exchangers have two walls between the two fluids. Two walls are often used
when the heat-transfer fluid is toxic, such as ethylene glycol (antifreeze). Double walls are often
required as a safety measure in case of leaks, helping ensure that the antifreeze does not mix with
the potable water supply. An example of a double-wall, liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger is the "wrap-
around heat exchanger," in which a tube is wrapped around and bonded to the outside of a hot
water tank. The tube must be adequately insulated to reduce heat losses.

While double-wall heat exchangers increase safety, they are less efficient because heat must
transfer through two surfaces rather than one. To transfer the same amount of heat, a double-wall
heat exchanger must be larger than a single-wall exchanger.

b) Air-to-liquid
Solar heating systems with air heater collectors usually do not
need a heat exchanger between the solar collector and the air
distribution system. Those systems with air heater collectors that
heat water use air-to-liquid heat exchangers, which are similar to
liquid-to-air heat exchangers.

Heat exchanger designs

There are many heat exchanger designs. Here are some common ones:

1. Coil-in-tank
The heat exchanger is a coil of tubing in the storage tank. It can be a single tube (single-
wall heat exchanger) or the thickness of two tubes (double-wall heat exchanger). A less
efficient alternative is to place the coil on the outside of the collector tank with a cover of
insulation.

2. Shell-and-tube
The heat exchanger is separate from (external to) the storage tank. It has two separate fluid
loops inside a case or shell. The fluids flow in opposite directions to each other through the

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 heat exchanger, maximizing heat transfer. In one loop, the fluid to be heated (such as
potable water) circulates through the inner tubes. In the second loop, the heat-transfer fluid
flows between the shell and the tubes of water. The tubes and shell should be made of the
same material. When the collector or heat-transfer fluid is toxic, double-wall tubes are used,
and a non-toxic intermediary transfer fluid is placed between the outer and inner walls of
the tubes.

3. Tube-in-tube
In this very efficient design, the tubes of water and the heat-transfer fluid are in direct
thermal contact with each other. The water and the heat-transfer fluid flow in opposite
directions to each other. This type of heat exchanger has two loops similar to those
described in the shell-and-tube heat exchanger.

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1.3.2 TYPES OF SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS

There are two broad types of solar water heating systems:

Open circuit
Open circuit or direct systems circulate water directly from the collectors to the tank/cylinder. These
types of systems are not normally freeze-resistant, nor are they resistant to hard water. Our climate
is not 100% predictable, but if you do not live on the coastal band or if you live in an area where
you get frost, then you should purchase an indirect system or a freeze-resistant direct system. The
SABS performs a freeze test on systems. Due to technological advances there are direct systems
that can work in areas that get frost and still will not freeze. These are listed on the database as
direct frost resistant systems.

You will need to check these details both on the list of participating suppliers and with the installers
themselves.

PLEASE do not install a non-freeze resistant system if you know you get frost. The system may
only need one frost occurrence to make the system fail completely.

Note: the rebate will not be given to direct systems that are installed on the escarpment.
Remember – a wind chill factor can significantly drop the temperature of an already frost-covered
system – so if you usually only get only a small amount of frost, this does not mean the system will
not freeze. Areas where the temperature drops below 4ºC should be considered frost areas.

The water quality in your area will have an affect your systems performance and longevity.
Open circuit/direct systems should not be used in areas with ‘hard’ water (water with high
calcium/lime content).

Look inside your kettle to check if your area has ‘hard’ water and if you find traces of scale either
on the heating element or on the inside of the kettle this indicates lime in the water supply.
If your soap does not lather well this could also be a sign of a high chemical content in your water.
If your water is ‘soft’ – does not have a high calcium/lime content (e.g. treated water or water
drawn from a borehole or river supply), then it should be suitable.

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Closed-circuit systems
Closed-circuit or indirect systems contain a fluid (normally food-grade glycol) that is held inside a
piping system and solar collector panel where it is heated by the sun. This fluid is then circulated
through the piping system to the hot water cylinder/tank where the heat from the fluid is transferred
to the water. The cooled fluid is then returned to the collector for reheating.
Closed circuit / indirect systems can be used in all areas – including those that get frost
(temperatures below 4ºC )or have water with a high mineral content (‘hard’ water), as they are not
affected by these circumstances.

Closed-circuit systems could need to have the heat transfer fluid checked and replenished every
few years.

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1.3.3 WATER CIRCULATION SYSTEM

Water moves around a solar heating system either by natural convection (passive circulation) or by
means of pumps (active circulation).

In natural convection (also called thermosiphon), the water heats up in the collector and rises
naturally into the storage container above it, while the cooler water in the storage container flows
down to the bottom of the collector, creating an unaided circulation. For this system to work and to
avoid reverse circulation at night, the collector must be below the geyser. This type of system can
be given an inherent freeze resistance by using a closed circuit between the collector and the
geyser.

A forced-circulation system works with a pump that keeps the heat transfer fluid circulating
between the collectors and the heat exchanger in the storage container. The pump is controlled by
a differential controller.

The system’s differential controller does two things. It switches on the pump between the collectors
and the heat exchanger as soon as the temperature at the collector outlet is higher than the
temperature in the storage container. It also switches off the pump when the temperature of the
fluid from the collectors is 5°C below the temperature in the storage container.

The pumps in forced-circulation systems are small and do not consume much power. Some pumps
are powered by small photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight into electricity. However, these are
not effective without a differential controller.

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1.4 TYPES OF SOLAR WATER HEATERS
The main types of solar water heaters are;
• Integral collector storage water heaters.
• Separate collector storage water heaters
• Close coupled water heaters
• Solar heaters for swimming pools

1.4.1 INTEGRAL COLLECTOR-STORAGE WATER HEATERS

These work best in areas where temperatures rarely fall below freezing. They also work well in
households with significant daytime and evening hot-water needs.

Also called “batch” solar heaters, combine the hot water storage tank and the solar collector
surface into a single component, eliminating the need for circulating pumps or automatic control
systems. In its most simple implementation, a water storage tank painted black and sitting out in
the sunlight is a rudimentary ICS system.

This type of system works best as a preheater for a conventional or tankless water heater. The
cold water line that feeds the conventional water heater is diverted [1] and sent first through the
ICS solar module [2]. Circulation is provided by utility mains pressure. In other words, when hot
water is drawn out for use from the conventional water heater [3], the storage tank is replenished
with solar heated water instead of cold water. This allows the electric or gas heater to work
substantially less.

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Advantages

• The biggest advantage is simplicity: the system has no pumps, no temperature sensors, no
electronic controls and no heat exchanger.

• When combined with a tankless water heater, the system can free up five to six square feet
of floor space by eliminating the conventional water heater storage tank.

Disadvantages

• The biggest disadvantage is nighttime heat loss. Stored heat is lost through the glass cover
plate at night, which of necessity cannot be insulated to prevent heat loss.

• While the greater thermal mass of stored hot water within an ICS solar module makes this
type of system more freeze resistant than the direct system (above), ICS systems are not
appropriate for climates that experience more than four to five freezing nights per year.

1.4.2 THERMOSYPHON WATER HEATERS

This type of system is the most common in Japan, Israel and Australia, which have enjoyed an
installed base of millions of residential and commercial systems for the last 30 years. Like the ICS
system, the thermosyphon system eliminates the circulation and control system.

However, circulation is provided by the thermos phoning principle:

• The hot water storage tank is located higher than the solar collector and circulation flow is
induced when the coldest water in the bottom of the storage tank falls by gravity through a
circulation line into the bottom of the solar collector panel, where it is heated and rises.
Water heated in the solar collector panel rises into a circulation line to a high point in the
water storage tank.

Advantages
Unlike the ICS system, which combines hot water storage with energy collection and so can lose
heat at night through its glass cover plate, the thermosyphon system optimizes system efficiency
by fully insulating a separate storage tank.

Disadvantages
• The thermosyphon system’s primary drawback is appearance: The hot water storage tank
must be higher than the solar collector, so it becomes a bulky protrusion on the roof.
Modern thermosyphon systems place the tank on its side, along the top edge of the solar
collector panel (see the photo), but while modern solar water heating collectors look like
skylights, many homeowners are resistant to the idea of a tank on their roof.

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 • An additional concern is weight: While the ICS system spreads its hot water storage over a
greater roof area, the weight in a thermosyphon system storage tank is usually more
concentrated. An older roof structure may not be able to support the added weight of a hot
water storage tank.

1.4. 3 CLOSE-COUPLED SOLAR HEATERS

The storage tank is mounted directly above the collectors. The most common installation has the
collectors and the storage tank mounted on the roof. The hot water from the collectors rises by
thermosiphon flow through the very short connecting pipes and into the storage tank. The storage
tank is able to withstand higher pressures than a gravity-feed, in-ceiling tank, providing hot water at
‘mains pressure’.

The typical components of a close coupled system including:

• storage tank (direct heating or integral heat exchanger types available)
• collectors
• auxiliary heating or booster element
• sacrificial anode (vitreous enamel tanks only)
• hot water pressure/temperature relief valve
• cold water valves

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Advantages include
• Not being too prominent on the roof,
• Spreading the load across a number of roof rafters,
• Being stable on the roof,
• Being relatively easy to install.

1.4.4 SOLAR WATER HEATERS FOR SWIMMING POOLS

A typical solar pool heater consists of a collector that is made of plastic panels. The panels have
tubes (called headers) on the top and bottom of the panel that allow water to flow into and out of
the plastic panel. The headers are connected by many small tubes through which water flows and
gets heated by the sun.

Most solar pool heaters include the following:

• A solar collector -- the device through which pool water is circulated to be heated by the
sun
• A filter -- removes debris before water is pumped through the collector
• A pump -- circulates water through the filter and collector and back to the pool

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 • A flow control valve -- automatic or manual device that diverts pool water through the solar
collector.

See diagram below;

HOW IT WORKS
Pool water is pumped through the filter and then through the solar collector(s), where it is heated
before it is returned to the pool. In hot climates, the collector(s) can also be used to cool the pool
during peak summer months by circulating the water through the collector(s) at night.
Some systems include sensors and an automatic or manual valve to divert water through the
collector(s) when the collector temperature is sufficiently greater than the pool temperature. When
the collector temperature is similar to the pool temperature, filtered water simply bypasses the
collector(s) and is returned to the pool.

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1.5 CONVENTIONAL WATER HEATING AND SOLAR WATER
HEATING

Let us compare conventional water heating to solar water heating.

Storage Water Heaters

Storage water heaters, also known as conventional water heaters, are the most common type of
water heater, but not the most efficient they use more energy because they keep a large tank of
water hot at all times, even when no one is using hot water.

How it works
I. Cold water enters the water heater's tank

II. The burner heats the water inside the tank and constantly turn on/off to maintain the stored
hot water temperature, therefore, wasting energy

III. Hot water exits the tank

IV. Once you use between 60-70% of the stored water, the temperature begins to drop and
takes about an hour to recover.

Drawbacks of the system

• Wastes energy and money (costing
money to heat water even when you're
not using hot water.
• Takes up valuable space
• Your supply of hot water is limited by the
size of the tank
• Potentially can cause thousands of
Rands in water damage if the tank leads
• Not environmentally friendly (60-65%
efficient, landfills get piled up with old,
bulky tanks
• Parts are not easily repairable or
replaceable
• Rust and sediment form inside the tank,
along with the risk of legionella bacteria

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• Recommended maintenance requires you to empty the entire tank
• Uses a pilot light, which may ignite and cause an explosion
• 8-10 years life expectancy

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