Solar Power / Hot Water

Nugget

Nugget

Well-Known Member
Silver Stacker
I'm after forum members experience & advice on Solar Power & Hot water systems.


My Hot Water System (HWS) is sub-standard and out of date, I'm not even getting a shower at it. I'm interested in a Heat Pump or a Solar set up, but there's the alternative which is an electric HWS which would be cheaper to install which would allow for more money to be thrown at my Solar Panel Array.


My daily use electricity wise is at worst (summer, at home, running air-con) is 13.22 kWh. Now from my research I know that's not enough info. I work arvo shift so peak energy production from the panels I'd be home, so I can run the washing machine & use that power.

A salesman suggested a 3 kw system at around $6k installed. Premium inverter & panels he assures me.

The HWS $2,600 + $1650 install for a evacuated solar or $2,970 + $850 install for a Heat Pump (Compressor 49 DB).



The installer would be a local business with a shop front so if it's not a fly-by-night operation
 
Mate... just checking... but is the tank actually full?

Try pulling on this tap. If its full, water should immediately start pouring out of the overflow. If its empty... it'll take a while. Hold it open until water starts coming out the overflow drain pipe.

179_20140423_213149-1.jpg


Just a warning, but the last place I rented had a heat pump outside the back bedroom and it was noisy and had a green LED light that lit up the whole bedroom through the window. :(
 
No probs. They boil off during summer when they aren't used as much.

Dodgey plumbers charge poor old lady pensioners hundreds to do what you just did.
 
Clawhammer said:
No probs. They boil off during summer when they aren't used as much.

Dodgey plumbers charge poor old lady pensioners hundreds to do what you just did.
Click to expand...


I owe you more than a beer. Maybe a whole night out?

Seriously I'm kicking myself because it's not like I haven't done this before (as a renter). Side note - I lived in a block of units. When I learned of this "trick" I did it for my neighbours and they all benefited. We are talking 20 units!





NOTE - My qstns still stand
 
On a side note, knowing you're a mad keen cyclist... check out this car mounted solar shower system.

http://www.roadshower.com/

A bit excey $$$ but you might be able to bodgey up something yourself... they are looking for a Brisbane distributor too!!!
 
Clawhammer said:
Mate... just checking... but is the tank actually full?

Try pulling on this tap. If its full, water should immediately start pouring out of the overflow. If its empty... it'll take a while. Hold it open until water starts coming out the overflow drain pipe.

http://forums.silverstackers.com/uploads/179_20140423_213149-1.jpg

Just a warning, but the last place I rented had a heat pump outside the back bedroom and it was noisy and had a green LED light that lit up the whole bedroom through the window. :(
Click to expand...
also you need to release it a few times a year to keep it operating properly . They can seize up & burst the tank or pipe joins if it doesnt release when needed.
 
Clawhammer said:
Dodgey plumbers charge poor old lady pensioners hundreds to do what you just did.
Click to expand...

You reminded me of this youtube clip I saw a while back :)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv5XrG-qy0Q[/youtube]
 
Nugget said:
I'm after forum members experience & advice on Solar Power & Hot water systems.


My Hot Water System (HWS) is sub-standard and out of date, I'm not even getting a shower at it. I'm interested in a Heat Pump or a Solar set up, but there's the alternative which is an electric HWS which would be cheaper to install which would allow for more money to be thrown at my Solar Panel Array.


My daily use electricity wise is at worst (summer, at home, running air-con) is 13.22 kWh. Now from my research I know that's not enough info. I work arvo shift so peak energy production from the panels I'd be home, so I can run the washing machine & use that power.

A salesman suggested a 3 kw system at around $6k installed. Premium inverter & panels he assures me.

The HWS $2,600 + $1650 install for a evacuated solar or $2,970 + $850 install for a Heat Pump (Compressor 49 DB).



The installer would be a local business with a shop front so if it's not a fly-by-night operation
Click to expand...

You would have to check what sought of feed back price you would be entitled to. (QLD .06c?)

Price seems high

Try these guys
http://www.energymatters.com.au/specials/queensland-solar-power-special/
$4,277 Installed 3kw system.
$5,677 Installed 4.5kw system

We used them a few years back and did a great job and provided a quality system. They will be around for a while too to honour warranties if needed.

Our 2.6kw system covers all our electricity annually with a feedback payment of approx $1000 per year. (we are on a .52c feedback price)
Our energy use on average is 12.5-13.5kw per day all year round.
Here in Adelaide my system will produce more than our daily needs between Spring and Autumn.

Cheers

Edit..................Dam..............didn't realise how old the thread was :rolleyes:
 
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