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Other types of Solar Water Heating
Solar Hot Water
These systems have been available and have provided homes with water heating for many years now.
There are currently two main types of solar hot water systems.
Flat Panel
The commonly recognised flat plate solar collector, which is made up of a number of copper pipes running through a glass covered collector which is usually connected to a water storage tank on the roof. The hot water can then thermo siphon itself through the tank and heat the water.
Evacuated Tube Collectors
Evacuated tube solar collectors use a glass tube inside a vacuum which has copper pipes running through the centre. These pipes are joined to a common manifold which is connected to a slow flow circulation pump that then pumps water to a storage tank below.
Right photo - 3 KW “SV system” (which has become affordable), with an average output of 15 Units or 15 KW/day in the December-January 2015
The grid tied system is hooked up to the te Wera Multi fuel Boiler as well in this home to disaster proof the dwelling as it also runs off solid fuel i.e. firewood.
As the energy company only pays out 7c /unit, & charges 27 it is more cost effective to dump excess energy into the boiler cylinder especially in the summer months.
Special Cornerstone Eco Homes design Solar Panels as the roof cladding rather than over the top of the cladding material.
Eco ProdWater Heating Options
The "te Wera" (The Heat) Boiler system can run radiators strategically placed throughout the home or under floor, which in a Cornerstone Eco Home could be an overkill depending on location and an "energy audit" which would identify required energy needs.
The main thing is that the boiler can supply all the requirements for potable and non potable water usage for the household, with minimal energy input.
The "te Wera" can run on alternative fuels with the most popular being wood or diesel or both options in one, & comes with a backup to electricity. Can be heated to usable temperature in 30 minutes & has an output from 35-45 KW making this a very good off grid option. Can also be hooked up to Solar Panels or tubes so that summertime excess energy can be utilised for water heating & winter sunshine can boost the supply.he suns free source.
Solar Electricity
These specially designed panels make use of the sun’s energy, they allow you to power your home and thus alleviate (or reduce) your reliance on grid power for your electricity needs.
The solar power system is made up of solar panels, inverter, switchboard, meter, optional batteries and a mains grid. The sun’s light on the panels create electrical energy.
This energy is then fed in to the inverter and converted to AC energy. This AC power is then used to power your home so you can use it for all your regular electricity needs. Any additional electricity that your solar system creates and you don’t use can be fed back into the Main Grid.
Many energy providers offer “credits” or have “buy back” systems in place for the surplus energy that you send to the Main Grid.
WIND POWER EXPLAINED
Wind turbines operate on a simple principle.
The energy in the wind turns two, three or propeller-like blades around a rotor.
The rotor is connected to the main shaft, which spins a generator to create electricity.
Wind turbines are mounted on a tower to capture the most energy at 4 meters or more above ground so they can take advantage of faster and less turbulent wind.
Wind turbines produce electricity which when feed to the solar controller, is added to the electrical energy produced by the solar panels to power the home or building.
Due to the visual and noise pollution of wind turbines they are generally only used in Rural areas.
