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Solar geysers

Choosing a solar water geyser is not a simple process. Although two households may have the same amount of dwellers, hot water usage can differ greatly. The first step in choosing a solar geyser is choosing what kind of solar geyser would suit your needs. The most common types of solar geysers include direct systems, indirect systems and evacuated tube systems

DIRECT SYSTEMS usually consist of one or more solar panels or evacuated tubes. Water is pumped into the solar panels, where it gets heated by the sun and stored in a geyser. Although these systems are reasonably effective, they tend to have a shorter life span. Chemicals in water erode the panels, pipes and geyser and parts need to be replaced fairly often. The water can also freeze in colder weather, resulting in cold water and damage to the system.

INDIRECT SYSTEMS also consist of one or more solar panels or evacuated tubes. Instead of pumping water into the panels directly as one would with a direct system, an anti-freeze substance circulates through the panels.Once the liquid inside the panels is hot, it flows to the geyser. The liquid then either circulates into a sleeve that is fitted over the geyser or into copper pipes inside the geyser, heating the water. The copper pipes are a less effective way of heating the water because only a small volume of water comes into contact with the pipes at any given time. The pipes also allow less room for water, meaning a 300-litre tank will have less than 300 litres of water due to the presence of the pipes. Indirect systems have a longer life span, because the anti-freeze is non-corrosive. It also retains heat longer and can’t freeze, even in the coldest conditions.