Browse Forums Eco Living 1 Dec 09, 2012 6:25 pm Hi. I am completely new to building, particularly from an energy efficiency point of view. I was wondering if someone can tell me what sort of provisions we should have our builder make for future solar hot water or solar power installation? We may organise to have it installed during construction but are not sure yet. So I thought if, before we sign the contract, we can include provisions for this it will be helpful and save us money in the long run. Re: Provisions for solar power / hot water 2Dec 09, 2012 6:51 pm Its easier to install panels on a tin roof rather than on tiles ((less chance of something breaking. Avoid vents such as kitchen extraction vents on North Facing roof. Shorter cable run if meter box is close to north facing roof. If only have a small North Facing Roof or you want lots of Solar power panels it may be better to get the Solar hot water on a west facing roof (see http://www.anewhouse.com.au/?p=3604) The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: Provisions for solar power / hot water 3Dec 10, 2012 6:11 pm Thanks bashworth. I was thinking though more along the lines of any wiring or conduits or pipes or .... whatever, that the builder can put in now to allow for the future installation or connection of these things. Re: Provisions for solar power / hot water 4Dec 10, 2012 8:22 pm Basworths comments are more relivent. Lot harder to move vents etc once house is complete. On the other hand running cable is easier especiall in a single store house. If you think you will be getting solar hoter get it installed at the start and maybe west is better especially if you tend to have showers in the evening. If your in vic you need to get solar hot water or water tank as a minimum. Re: Provisions for solar power / hot water 6Mar 09, 2013 4:21 am we have not made any special provisions for cables etc for our solar power . we are getting it installed after handover. the solar hot water is being installed during construction and we have lock up now and the solar hot water is not on the roof yet so looks as though they will do that when ready. all the rain we have holding them up i have not seen any special cables etc for the hot water yet either. with our older house we had solar power installed only a few years back and have had no issues. 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… 3 12005 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 20197 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 24133 |