In most States replacing an electric water heater with a gas boosted solar water heater can reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions by approximately 3.7 tonnes per year, equivalent to taking a small car off the road.

WHEN DOES THE SOLAR WORK?

The Rinnai solar panels begin the process of gradually heating the water in the mornings 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.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Booster selection and even the type of hot water system has an impact on the environment. The table opposite shows the approximate tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions for various systems.

If your system selection is based on environmental impact, your number one choice should always be a gas boosted solar system. A Rinnai INFINITY continuous flow (non-solar) hot water system is a second choice, as it generates around half the greenhouse emissions of an electric boosted solar system.

Benefits:

• AMCRO selective surface – long lasting and high performance.
• 7 riser tubes for effective transfer of solar energy to the water.
• High efficiency collectors for improved solar contribution.
• Copper Solar absorber to maximise efficiency in collection solar energy.
• Aluminium casing – corrosion resistant and ideal for coastal areas.

FROST PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Non-frost tolerant panels damaged by frost are not covered by warranty for any damage due to freezing or frost.

The Rinnai FTC panels are warranted against frost damage caused by temperatures down to -6°C. Ask your Rinnai Solar consultant for the best solution for your needs.

Storage Tanks

Benefits:

• Stainless Steel tanks do not require sacrificial anodes, saving on replacement costs every few years.
• A tank designed specifically for solar systems to ensure maximum solar efficiency, reducing energy costs.
• Well insulated to ensure that the heat stored from the sun is not lost overnight.
• Circulation pumps are pre-installed on the tanks saving valuable installation time.
• All brass or copper fittings for longevity and resistance to leaking.
  

SOLAR SPLIT SYSTEMS.

With split systems only the solar collector panels sit on the roof and the storage tank is located at ground level. The main benefit of this system is that the tank is installed remotely from the panels in the most convenient location – usually on the ‘blind side’ of the house. A small pump circulates the water from the tank through the panels to collect the heat energy from the sun. This pump is automatically regulated by a controller that monitors the temperature in both the tank and collector panels and optimises solar gain.

Benefits:

• Easy installation on roofs.
• Streamlined appearance - minimal impact on the aesthetics of your roof line.
• Split systems do not require reinforcement on the roof structure, as the weight associated. with water storage is at ground level.
• Collector panels and the tank do not need to be installed at the same time – ideal during. construction of new homes and major renovations.
• Tall solar tank provides better heat stratification, improving efficiency.
• Simpler service access (ground level).
  

SOLAR CLOSE COUPLED SYSTEMS.

With close coupled systems, the solar collector panels and the storage tank are both located on the roof. The advantage of this system is the ability to free up space around the base of the house. In the close-coupled installation, the solar tank is mounted above the collectors on the roof, and the water heated in the panels rises by the natural thermosiphon principle through the collectors into the tank, and is recirculated through the panels until the water reaches the required temperature.

Benefits:

• Technically very efficient, economical to install and low maintenance.
• No recirculating pumps and pipe runs – reducing heat losses and improving running efficiencies.
• No electricity required to operate pumps to recirculate the water through the panels.
• Eliminates the need for a storage tank at ground level – ideal for courtyard homes or small blocks.
• Wide range of Colorbond® colours available. Ask your Rinnai Solar consultant for selection.
• Gas booster can be recessed in a wall cavity saving precious space.

Colorbond® is a registered trade mark of BlueScope Steel Limited.

GAS BOOSTING

Each Rinnai Beasley gas boosted solar system incorporates an independent boosting unit. Powered with the same technology as Australia’s No. 1 continuous flow hot water system – the Rinnai INFINITY, a host of additional benefits are available:

Benefits:

• Gas is the most economical and environmentally friendly way to boost the water temperature if required.
• Operates only when the hot tap is turned on and even then, only if the water in the tank is not already at 60°C.
• Continuous flow booster ensures endless flow of hot water regardless of whether the sun is shining or not.
• Specifically designed solar gas boosters are available in 2 sizes – the S20 and the S26.
• Available in both Natural Gas or LPG configurations.

The size of the booster depends on many factors including the number of bathrooms, your location and hot water usage patterns. The best solution can be provided by your Rinnai Solar consultant.

ELECTRIC BOOSTING.

Boosting with electricity is also available and we recommend its use where connection to either Natural Gas or LPG is not feasible.

Benefits:

• Often possible to use the cheaper off-peak tariff.
• On days with good solar gain, the tank will normally reach 60ºC with minimal electric boosting.
• Full range of element sizes that you can select from.

Element sizing is determined by factors such as tank size, availability and use of off-peak electricity periods and your solar zone. Ask your Rinnai Solar Consultant for the best solution to your family’s needs.