There
are many websites that provide general information about solar hot water. Our website differs in that we offer information & product options specifically relating to Solar Hot Water in South Australia.
Hot Water Now was formed by 3 South Australian's who have all been involved in the Solar Hot Water market in South Australia since the times that solar products were the exclusive domain of those sporting dreadlocks.
South Australia presents a unique situation for the solar hot water industry, with hard water, hot dry summers, frosty winters, different rebates, different legislation & higher energy prices all part of the purchase decision in SA.
The following product information will provide all the 'pro's & con's' for installation within South Australia.
Product configuration
There are 2 configurations for solar hot water systems 1. on roof or 2. split systems.
On roof - product information & images
Split system - product information & images
Back up heat source
Electrical backup (off peak or peak) - Glossary of terms
Gas backup (Natural Gas or LPG) - Glossary of terms
Frost Protection
We recommend the use of split system solar technology when you are in a high frost area. The benefit of installing a split system is that you have 2 stages of frost protection.
Stage 1. - Our 'split' solar hot water systems are fitted with a patented 'brain' called Hot Logic. Hot Logic is able to constantly sense the temperature in the panels, & when the panel temperature falls below 5 degrees water is circulated through the system to remove the 5 degree water from the panels. By circulating water also ensures that the water in your 'flow & return' pipes do not freeze.
Stage 2. - If for any reason the Hot Logic controller malfunctions or there is a power interruption, a mechanical frost valve is relied upon to release the water from the panels.
Our manufacturer is that sure of this protection, that they offer a full 7yr product warranty for all panels in frost areas even if the Hot Logic & Mechanical Valve were to fail.
Tank Material - Mild Steel Versus Stainless Steel.
There are 2 main materials used when making the solar hot water storage tank either Mild Steel or Stainless Steel. Due to the water quality in South Australia, & depending on the application one material may be better than the other.
Why use Stainless Steel tanks in SA?
Stainless steel tanks are alot lighter than mild steel tanks & they don't have a sacrificial anode - so there is little maintenance required.
These benefits make Stainless steel the ideal material for 'on roof' style hot water systems, to reduce load on the roof & to reduce maintenance of the tank.
The downside of stainless steel is that, in general it's not ideal for hard water areas, as there are other options which more safely protect you from hard water corrosion.
Why use mild steel tanks?
Enamel lined mild steel tanks are the most common type of hot water systems covering over 90% of the total storage hot water installed market. Glass lined mild steel tanks are the most common as they can withstand higher PPM of TDS than their stainless steel counterparts. ( better for hard water). Our tanks use positive dome technology, which is also ideal for the South Australian market.
How our products differ to the rest of the market!
1. We use EcoSmart/Dux Hot Water systems that are part of an ASX 200 Australian owned group (GWAIL) who have a long heritage in South Australia through their sister brand Caroma. Caroma still operates a toilet manufacturing plant in Norwood, South Australia & EcoSmart/Dux tanks are sourced from either Regency Park SA or Moss Vale NSW.
2. Our split system tanks have 'positive dome' technology that makes the tanks more resistant to SA's harsh water by allowing sediment to fall away from 'weld zones'
3. Our split system 'electric boosted' tanks have a nickel plated element installed, to better suit SA's harsh water
4. Hard water anodes installed as standard in all models. Even the metropolitan Adelaide water can be considered 'hard' at times, so as standard we install hard water anodes to ensure you don't get 'fizzing' in your hot water line.
5. Renewable energy certificates! Each system is rated by the Office of the Renewable Energy regulator & each system is attributed an amount of REC's which represents how efficient the system is. ie 40 REC's = 40MW of energy saved versus an electric hot water system (or equivalent) over 10yrs. Our systems consistently receive the highest REC's value for each product class. This means that the Government rates our products as more efficient.
6. Up to 24 Months interest free terms. Hot Water Now offers 12 or 24 month terms to make upgrading to solar as little financial burdon as possible. We also offer 'less for cash' pricing if you want to do a deal.
7. We take of rebates !!! We take care of the rebates for you & we can claim most incentives on your behalf allowing us to offer you a 'point of sale discount'.
More information about solar hot water systems are available from the links below;
