Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Mar 29, 2007 12:35 pm Hi there,
Just want to get general idea about how safe is solar power water heater. It's state govt. requirement now to have either solar power water heater or rain water tank installed in all new home across victoria. But I heard some horrible stories about solar power water heater. I one case builder installed solar water system up side down, after few weeks or so water started getting accumulated inside the ceiling and few weeks later whole family room ceiling collapsed. I think this story was shown on "channel 7". In another case one of my friend's friend installed solar power heater in their new home, and then they went out for couple of weeks of holidays. When they returned they found whole house was flooded with water leaking from the solar water system on the roof. They couldn't shut the water going to system because they was no tap or stop valve to cut the water. They end up cutting the main water and with big insurance bill. So if you have any advice or other good/bad story to share then it will be much appreciated. Regards, Hardy Re: Solar power water heater 2Mar 29, 2007 2:30 pm By what you have said it sounds like bad installation/installers.
Solar hot water systems are quite good. I would go for and have a solar hot water system with a copper tank. Steer clear of anything that has annodes in them as they are just futher maintenance problems down the track. solar 3Mar 29, 2007 7:58 pm We have bought our first solar hot water system 3 years ago. We have done one thing in different way. We installed panels on the roof and tank in the garage (last longer). The booster was electric. During these 3 years we had no problems at all. We actually found that our thermostat doesn't work in winter when we had a few guests. Even then the water was still warm, just not hot.
In our new house we installed solar hot water system only moving the 400L tank to the corner outside the house. It is a good investment. I am somehow scared of a gas... thanks kate Re: Solar power water heater 4Mar 30, 2007 6:15 am Check this thread:
http://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?t=1590 There are a couple of links to solar systems whcih have the tank on the ground. You lose a little efficiency, however you don't get the problems associated with a big heavy tank on the roof. Cheers Perry Re: Solar power water heater 5Mar 30, 2007 7:02 am Check out 'Solar Heat Pump' hot water systems (just Google it).
The system works on the principle of a refrigeration circuit, drawing heat out of one space and discharging it into another. They comply with Government requirements, and no need for a Tank on top of your roof. 0 1341 DIY, Home Maintenance & Repair Hi everyone Question about Brevis gas heating undergound - was recently installed by previous owners (<1 year old) but live in a relatively large house - 4 bdr - and only… 0 1200 Would also like an opinion from anyone that has used xcem over hebel for floors. Thanks 1 14218 |