Types of Systems

Split Solar Hot Water Systems

The latest generation of solar hot water design is called a split system.  This system splits the panels from your tank, therefore only the panels are roof mounted, leaving the tank down at ground level.  This system utilises a circulation pump to transfer the hot water in the panels to the tank and replace the water in the panels with cooler water.  This pump is regulated by a controller that measures the temperature at various points in the system and is designed to optimise the solar contribution and, therefore, efficiency of the system.

1. ✓Higher efficiency due to better tank stratification   
   

2. ✓Easier installation due to tank being ground mounted
   

3. ✓No need to reinforce your roof structure as only the lightweight panels are roof mounted
   

4. ✓Low profile panels blend with your roof
   

Close Coupled Solar Hot Water systems

This is the original type of solar hot water system, which couples the tank and panels in one package up on your roof.

Close coupled solar hot water systems use the natural thermosiphon principle (hot water rises, cold water falls) to move hot water in the panels upwards into the tank.  The water in the panels is replaced by cooler water and the process is  repeated.

1. ✓No circulating pumps
   

2. ✓Low Maintenance
   

3. ✓Saves space at ground level, ideal for small blocks or courtyard homes
   

4. ✓Wide range of Colourbond colours available for the tank to blend with your roof
   

Panel Orientation

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.

Gas and Electric Boosting

All models in the Rinnai Solar range of solar hot water systems come with a choice of gas or electric boosting.  Each gas boosted solar hot water system utilises Australia’s No. 1 selling continuous flow hot water system: the Rinnai Infinity.  This combination offers the very highest efficiencies.  Where reticulated gas supply is not available, all Rinnai Infinity’s have the option of being LPG (or bottled gas) compatible.  Where reticulated gas or LPG is not available, then there is the option of electric boosting on all models.

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.

Frost Protection

If frost is an issue in your area, then frost tolerant collector panels (FTCs) will need to be installed.  FTCs have an inbuilt mechanism to allow for expansion as the water in the panel freezes.  This system does not require frost dump valves which waste huge volumes of water, or glycol based anti-freeze systems which are inefficient and require routine checking and maintenance.

As FTCs only have normal water flowing through them, they are easy to set up and install and are virtually maintenance free.

Rinnai Beasley solar hot water systems are the premium models in the Rinnai Solar range.  The tanks are made in Australia from high quality, long lasting 316L marine grade stainless steel.  The panels are an all copper construction with the latest generation titanium oxide selective surface coating, which offers the very highest efficiencies and are also made right here in Australia.

Rinnai Sunmaster solar hot water systems are designed for the price conscious buyer.  This system would particularly suit new home owners requiring the installation of a solar hot water system to comply with 5 Star home energy ratings, but at an affordable price.  The tanks are a space saving slim-line design which is perfect for today’s smaller blocks.  The panels are an all copper construction with an ammonium chromate (AMCRO developed by the CSIRO) selective surface and are made right here in Australia. 

The Rinnai Sunmaster range is only available in split system configuration.