We've answered a range of questions frequently asked about the Conergy Hot Water Systems. If your question isn't answered below, contact us via email
What is the advantage of using Solar Thermal?
Solar thermal energy is used widely in Australia for heating water for our domestic use in Solar Water heaters. This is an excellent and economic energy solution as, by using the sun's heat for making our hot water, we cut down on the amount of fossil fuels needed to be burnt to supply electricity to do the same thing.
How does a solar hot water roof mounted system work?
Solar collector(s) and a tank are combined and located on the roof structure, facing north. The sun heats the water in the collector and once the water in the collector heats up, the thermosiphon process means the hot water rises and flows into the storage tank. The colder water at the bottom of the storage tank then travels into the collector and starts to heat up. This process is a continuous cycle and can save the average household up to 90% of their hot water energy requirements and related greenhouse gas emissions.
How does a solar hot water split system work?
Split system consist of north facing roof mounted collector(s) and a separate tank on the ground, usually located close to one of the major hot water consumption areas, such as the bathroom. The sun heats the water in the collector and once the water in the collector heats up a sensor device activates a 28watt circulation pump which starts to pump the hot water into the storage tank on the ground. The pump also pumps the cold water from the bottom of the tank into the collector(s). This process is a continuous cycle and can save the average household up to 90% of their hot water energy requirements and related greenhouse gas emissions.
How do the roof mounted and split systems compare?
The energy benefits of the two systems are about the same. While the heat loss is less in the split system, as the tank is not as exposed to the elements as the roof mounted tank, some additional energy is required to operate the low wattage pump in the split system. So the decision of which system to use comes back to structural design of the roof, personal taste and ease of access for servicing.
How does a heat pump work?
A Conergy heat pump uses heat energy from the air around us to heat water. The basic principle of a heat pump is a reverse refrigerator. It uses a working fluid which vaporises as it extracts heat from the air. The working fluid then transfers this heat to the water in the tank via a coil in the tank. As the working fluid is pumped around the coil, it releases heat to warm the hot water. The release of heat turns the vaporised fluid back to liquid and the cycle begins again.
While a fridge uses the cold air and discards warm air, the heat pump uses the warm air and discards the cold air. Compared to hot water created through fossil fuel, the heat pump only requires 30% of this energy for the electricity to run the pump. Therefore 70% of the energy required to create the hot water comes for free from the heat in our environment.
Can I use Conergy solar hot water products with a gravity fed water system?
Yes, no problem. All our thermal products can be plumbed into a gravity fed system.
How do the Conergy solar hot water systems compare to similar products?
Before you can sell in Australia, or achieve any of the state or federal government rebates, your product must comply with the rigorous Australian Standards for hot water and solar hot water. Our products comply with all these standards. The federal government Renewable Energy Certificate program, called RECs, is an indication of solar efficiency. If you compare any of the Conergy products with an equal competitor model, you will find that Conergy achieves more RECs than any of our competitors. Find more information on our products.
What are RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates)?
RECs are certificates that are awarded with solar hot water systems, and are a federal government initiative designed to encourage the uptake of products that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These are tradable certificates and are traded on the market by energy companies who buy them from renewable energy producers (ie. households and companies who own the systems). As part of the process, customers who purchase solar hot water systems can sell their RECs to their supplier/installer, or sell them independently to a buyer of their choice. You can earn various amounts of RECs depending on the type of system you are replacing with a Conergy system. We can discount the total cost of the system you purchase from us by the value of the RECs you assign to us.
How long does it take to install a Conergy system?
Installation can be completed within 2 to 3 hours depending on the type of system you are installing. For instance, if you are replacing an existing solar system it will be 2 hours, but if you are replacing an existing electric or gas hot water system then it will be closer to 3 hours.
Who or how will the Conergy system fit onto my roof?
The Conergy solar hot water system will be fitted by an authorised Conergy installer. The collectors will need to face the equator which means if you live in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia, then your unit will be positioned in a north, north westerly or north easterly position. The installer will call to discuss the installation with you prior to any work being done on your home.
How many people can a Conergy system supply?
Typically a single 300 litre Conergy system will adequately service a home of between 4 to 8 people comfortably, however, larger systems are available for very large households or multiple systems can be installed. All systems come with an electric booster as standard or optional Gas Booster which can be switched on whenever you need hot water, giving you hot water 24 hours a day.
What happens if the Conergy hot water system is damaged in a storm or by accident?
If your panels or unit is damaged in a storm or by accident then your household insurance should cover any damage received (you’ll need to confirm with your insurance company). Only the parts of the system which are damaged will need to be replaced.
What electricity or gas tariff should my solar booster system be connected to?
Speak to your Conergy representative/installer for their recommendation.
Are state government rebates available?
Yes, there are currently rebates available in most states. Please check with your installer regarding available rebates. |