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All solar systems work on the same basic principles, but not all solar systems offer the same level of performance. It’s important to know the differences between them, so that you choose a system that is right for your requirements.
By using our Solar System Calculator you can compare the solar performance of our different systems.
How Solar Systems Work
Solar System Designs
Boosting your Solar System
How Solar Systems Work
Most solar systems work on the same basic principles. Water is passed through solar panels (usually made with copper piping) on your roof. This water is heated by the sun’s rays and stored in a tank until you need to use it.
Due to considerations of climate and the amount of sunlight that actually hits your roof (clouds and trees have an effect here) – your water may not be heated to the temperature you require by the sun. To counter this, it’s normal for solar systems to be boosted using gas or electric heaters to achieve the desired water temperature.
When does solar work?
The solar panels begin the process of gradually heating the water in the morning as soon as the radiant heat from the sun is absorbed by the collectors on your roof. This continues throughout the day until late afternoon.
What happens on cold, cloudy or rainy days?
On cloudy and rainy days the solar gain is less, but the collectors still absorb heat. On these days the solar system will usually require the assistance of a booster to maintain the water at a suitable temperature.
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Solar System Designs
There are two common solar system designs - Split Systems and Close Couple Systems. The main differences between them include differing amounts of solar gain, how complex they are to install, and how they affect the look of your house.
How you choose to boost your solar system also has a large effect on how well it performs. Ideally you’ll be looking to choose a system that gives you the most solar gain for your particular circumstances.
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Differences in the quality of components your system uses will also affect both the durability and performance of your system. Rinnai Solar Heating Systems use a range of components offering different levels of performance and efficiency.
Split System
Ideal for people who don’t want a tank on their roof. The tank is at ground level and water is circulated by a pump between the panel on the roof and the tank. This pump is automatically regulated by a controller that monitors the temperature in both the tank and collector panels and optimizes solar gain.
Benefits:
- Easy roof top installation.
- Streamlined appearance - minimal impact on the aesthetics of your roof line.
- Does not require reinforcement of the roof structure, as the water storage tank (which contributes most weight) is at ground level.
- Simple service access (ground level).
Close Coupled System
A very efficient solution that offers the greatest solar gain. Collector panels and the tank are installed on the roof, which removes the need for a pump to circulate the water. However, you’ll need a roof strong enough to support a weight of approximately 1 ton and these systems are more difficult to service because everything is on the roof.
Benefits:
- Technically very efficient, economical to install and low maintenance.
- Once on the roof it is a simple installation process.
- No recirculating pumps and pipe runs – reducing heat losses and improving running efficiencies.
- No electricity required to operate pumps to circulate water through the panels.
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Boosting your Solar System
A boost is basically an auxiliary heating system that kicks in if the sun is not providing enough energy to heat water to your required temperature. In the New Zealand climate a solar system will need some form of boost to ensure you have enough hot water throughout winter and the less sunny days of summer to meet all your needs.
Rinnai Solar systems can be boosted either with an electrical element in the storage tank or by a Rinnai Infinity Solar gas-powered system.
More about Solar Boost options and how gas boost works
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