Browse Forums Heating, Cooling & Insulation 1 Jul 31, 2008 10:42 pm we are building a 4br, 27sq house.
At the moment the bricks are going up, so roof is on.. Included is solar hot water (presumably to meet the 5 star rating req) I know its my fault for not looking in to this earlier, but I've just discovered that our builders think a 160L tank and 1 solar panel on the roof are adequate for the hot water needs of our house. So, I've decided we need approximately a 270-350L tank and at least 1 more, possible 2 additional solar panels on the roof. Is it going to be easier to get the contract varied, pay the cariation cost, and do this now, or can it be retrofitted easily enough after the house is completed? Just from the other upgrades we have made, everything seems cheaper if we dont get it through the builders... Building in manor lakes 2008 Re: solar hot water dilemma 2Jul 31, 2008 10:51 pm Because you can still use all the existing plumbing, it can be upgraded or added to at a later date.
I would first get comparative prices of the current spec unit, and the desired one. Then I'd try to upgrade the small unit to a larger one with the builder - but compare the overall variation cost. If the variation charge is the same or more than a few hundred extra than the actual cost of the bigger one, then it would be better to leave it be & let them install the small one. Then, go & buy the bigger unit later, pay a plumber/whoever to fit it, and sell the smaller unit on ebay to recoup some cost - you'll come out in front compared to the variation cost. Re: solar hot water dilemma 3Jul 31, 2008 11:04 pm Thanks, I never even thought about selling the one they install to re-coup any cost.
If we do replace it after installation, is there anything to stop us changing to a different brand than whats installed? I would not have thought so but osmeone I work with suggested we'd have to stay with the same brand of system so that it would work with the panel/s? Building in manor lakes 2008 Re: solar hot water dilemma 4Aug 01, 2008 12:06 am Interesting problem you've got there. I must admit I didn't take too much notice of the number of panels and tank size either, but I did specify that I wanted a split system (panels on roof & tank on ground) rather than a roof system. However they did give the model number in the contract (or adenda) so would be easy enough to check it all out.
I'm not sure on the compatibility between brands, they could have different flow rates (pumps), and it might depend on how it's plumbed in (gas backup, electric etc). My thinking was that any solar panel should work with any brand tank, but I suppose you'd have to look at the figures (voltage, etc etc). Nothing's as simple as it seems is it! I would be asking the builder for the variation cost and also investigating the cost if you were to do it yourself. Main thing I'd be worried about is the installation cost, from my understanding the systems are pretty heavy and could be expensive to remove from the roof and get another one up there (crane hire?). It's a guess not a fact, and also the basis on which I chose a split system instead - you may want to consider this as I imagine it also gives you the freedom to get a tank of any size you like. Which also brings to mind that you should ensure that your roof has suitable reinforcements to take the weight of a bigger tank than originally specified, otherwise it could well cost more than you bargained for! hot water 6Oct 06, 2008 4:45 pm I am surprised that the option of heatpump hot water has not been explored. This really is a low energy option without the complications of solar. You can buy retail a popular brand at under $3500 inc GST, receive RECs rebates of about $1150, get state "solar" rebates as well, be conditionally eligable for another $1000 fed rebate if replacing electric--- and operate at about 25% of the cost of electric or bottled gas. But-- do your research carefully--- from the 6 or 7 brands available, performance and brands vary.- advice from the ships doctor. Re: solar hot water dilemma 7Oct 06, 2008 5:05 pm I was told that a 170L solar, gas boosted HWS actually means there will be something like 300L hot water before it runs out, by keeping 170L solar-heated and provide another 130L of gas-heated water. Is this true?
Another person (the builder's sales consultant) told me "you'll never run out of hot water". I don't think he's right! Re: hot water 8Oct 07, 2008 2:26 pm Ships Doctor I am surprised that the option of heatpump hot water has not been explored. This really is a low energy option without the complications of solar. You can buy retail a popular brand at under $3500 inc GST, receive RECs rebates of about $1150, get state "solar" rebates as well, be conditionally eligable for another $1000 fed rebate if replacing electric--- and operate at about 25% of the cost of electric or bottled gas. But-- do your research carefully--- from the 6 or 7 brands available, performance and brands vary.- advice from the ships doctor. This is not the case when building a new house, at least in NSW. One cannot get any rebates for installing an efficient system. Greg the sun master is the solar heating to "warm" the water in the tank the S26 is your hot water system which will heat the water (25 degrees?) so with both turned on you… 2 14073 I want to build a decking to the drawn shape outlined in black. The problem is how close can I build to the gas hot water unit? Will I be able to build around it and be… 0 20236 DIY, Home Maintenance & Repair Hi, I've got a brand new (2nd hand) Bosch Hydropower 16H tankless hot water heater. Since it was installed I have noticed it leaks a lot. I took the cover off and it looks… 0 24147 |