Smart Thinking For A Sustainable Future
Frequently Asked Questions
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✓HOW CAN I CLAIM MY RECS REBATE ?
The simplest way is to utilise Solar Smart’s ‘point of sale’ discount, and claim the RECs amount off the purchase price, thereby making the initial purchase price much lower. This is by far the simplest way of claiming the rebate as you do not need to deal with any government departments or face delays in receiving your rebate cheque. There is just one rebate declaration form you need to complete which is signed on the day of installation. This form is supplied with each system and transfers the RECs to Solar Smart. In return we will discount you the market rate which is current at the time that the application is approved by the Office of Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER).
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✓HOW EASY ARE SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS TO INSTALL ?
Most solar hot water systems sold today are ‘split’ systems, which has the heaviest part of the system on the ground, with only the collector panels installed on the roof. The solar tank is not much different to install than a normal storage hot water system. If you have chosen a gas boosted solar hot water system, you can install the booster on the tank or on an adjacent wall. Most installations, including split and close-coupled systems, are installed in one day, so by the time you come home at night, you will have piping hot water ready to go.
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✓WHY DO YOU NEED A BOOSTER?
A booster is always required with a solar system, but it is usually only needed on days with low solar gain. Electric boosting operates on a thermostat and continually maintains a minimum temperature of 60°C in the tank. On the other hand, a gas booster only operates on the solar tank outlet line and boosts only when the hot water is in use and only then if the temperature in the tank is less than 60°C.
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✓CAN YOU USE PLASTIC PIPE WORK WITH RINNAI SOLAR INSTALLATIONS?
Plastic pipes must not be used between the storage tank and solar panels as these systems operate at very high temperatures and pressures. Insulated copper pipe must always be used. If a house is being plumbed with plastic pipes, it is recommended to contact the pipe manufacturer and obtain their specifications. The first metre of pipe from the water heater outlet should always be insulated copper pipe.
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✓WHAT ABOUT THE 50°C LEGISLATION TO BATHROOMS?
As with any new home or major renovation, an approved 50°C tempering valve suitable for combination continuous flow and solar hot water systems will need to be fitted to all hot water lines leading to bathrooms.
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✓CAN I USE RINNAI INFINITY WATER CONTROLLERS WITH MY GAS BOOSTER?
No. The Rinnai Solar gas boosters basically have the same engine as the INFINITY, but they are specifically configured for high temperature with a dedicated solar printed circuit board which is not compatible with Water Controllers. Government requirements say the booster temperature must be set at a minimum of 60°C.
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✓DOES IT MATTER WHICH DIRECTION I INSTALL THE SOLAR PANELS IN?
Yes. Due North is the ideal direction for maximum performance, however, where this orientation is not practical, collectors facing within 45° from North are acceptable, with a small reduction in efficiency of approximately 5%. Government requirements do not allow for panels to face East of North East or West of North West. Where necessary, roof frames are available that allow for panels to be installed on virtually any roof direction, while re-orientating the panels towards North. The inclination of the solar collectors should also be considered, and ideally should be the same angle as the latitude of the installation location, i.e. Melbourne has a latitude of 38°, therefore the angle of the solar collectors should also be 38°, however a pitch within 20° of the optimum is acceptable, with only a small reduction in efficiency.
