CQ Solar Hot Water Specialists
Chromagen
Thermosiphon (roof top) Systems
The Roof Top systems have been the most popular used till recent times. They work on the natural thermosyphon principle that the sun heats the water in the solar collector (flat plate panel), hot water rises naturally to the storage tank, cold water then returns to the panel. They are the most simplistic system as no circulating components are required. Storage Tank sizes are 200 or 300 litres. A 300litre system, full of water, can weigh up to 500kg, which can be a significant weight on the roof.
Chromagen make superior panels with a copper absorber plate hence gaining maximum heat absorption from the sun. Most of, if not all, our competitors are made with aluminum.
Within the NE -NW aspect these systems require only the single panel. A twin panel roof top system, within this aspect, would boil frequently in the hotter months wasting precious water.
They are fitted with an automatic electric backup booster that will maintain the water temperature at 60 deg.C during the night and overcast/rainy weather.
They come with a 7/7year warranty on the tank and the panel. An extended warranty up to 12years is available.
Download the Chromagen Brochure
Solar Split Systems
A Chromagen split system storage tank is positioned at ground level and the panels are naturally positioned on the roof. A low energy circulating pump and solar controller are utilised to ensure correct water circulation.
Ideally in a retro-fit situation the new storage tank will be positioned where the existing electric hws was (internal/external) for an easier installation and the same ‘draw time’ for hot water to reach the taps.
Benefits of this system are from an aesthetics point of view, and also less weight on the roof. Having twin panels within the NE to NW aspect also has a far greater solar contribution. The split system will not boil over and waste water like the roof top as it has sensor leads that signal to the pump to stop circulating when it has reached its preset temperature.
They come with the same warranty as the Roof Top system and are Aussie Made. They are available with gas or electric boost (back-up).
The split system is also available in a Closed Loop model for areas that are frost prone or have poor water quality. This model utilises a heat exchange liquid that heats the water indirectly from the sun.
Download the Chromagen Split System Brochure
Download the Chromagen Split Single System Brochure
Edson Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water
Although this product is Australian Made, Evacuated tube technology has been used in Europe for many years & is more efficient in cooler climates than standard flat plate panel technology. They are a premium system that will perform best in all conditions especially in winter when thermal energy is at its lowest therefore giving you the best possible solar contribution to heat your hot water all year round.
The system works much the same as a split system however instead of a standard flat plate panel it uses a pre-designed combination of ‘evacuated tubes’ that are fitted together to form a ‘solar collector’ on the roof. These tubes act like a thermos flask, retaining up to 97% of the sun’s thermal energy, resulting in increased efficiency. The thermal energy is then transferred to the top of each tube, via a ‘heat pipe’, to a manifold. Heat transfer then occurs between the heat pipe and water passing through the manifold. This hot water then circulates back to the tank.
Due to the cylindrical shape of each tube they are able to passively track the sun throughout the day. And because of its ‘thermos flask’ like performance the tube is able to withhold heat therefore wind & cold temperatures have less effect on its efficiency. The tube will still be working for some time after the sun has gone down. It is also very efficient at absorbing solar radiation during overcast conditions.They are frost tolerant down to – 15 deg.C.
For each per square metre of absorption area over an entire year, the evacuated tube collector has an average heat output between 25% – 40% greater when compared to a flat plate collector.
They come in 250ltr & 315 ltr storage tanks and are also available in stainless steel with a 15yr warranty. The enamelled steel tanks come with a 7yr warranty. All evacuated tubes have a 10yr warranty. There are both gas or electric boost models available.
Heat Pumps
Heat pump technology has been tried and tested for over 30years to provide real energy, environmental and money savings.
Heat Pump hot water systems are an ideal energy efficient alternative to electric hot water heaters and the installation of a solar water heater with roof panels. They are easy to install and service, and are suitable for installations in more locations with less effort.
Heat Pumps for hot water take heat energy out of the surrounding ambient air in any weather, day or night, with temperatures even down to -10Deg.C, and transfer it to water thus heating it up. They do this by the use of a compressor that pumps a refrigerant gas around the system, just like a fridge or air conditioner. Still electric they use approximately 80% less power than a conventional electric hot water system.
Stiebel Eltron Heat Pump
The Stiebel Eltron is a free-standing (non-split) mains pressure heat pump that has recently been rewarded for excellence, by the Master Plumbers’ Association of Qld, by winning the “Environmental Product of the Year Award” in July 2010. The 300litre enameled steel tank model has the ability to use more water , more efficiently than its competitors.
It will supply on initial demand 540litres of hot water at 40deg.C even though it is a 300litre storage tank. To put that in perspective you’ll bathe in water temperature between 34-38deg C.
The system is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, is simple to install and is recognized for its brilliant all year-round savings in running costs. This heat pump provides constant, efficient and environmentally friendly hot water all the time. A 5year warranty is applicable.
Quantam Eco Hot Water Heat Pump
Saving the Environment, One Heat Pump at a Time!
Over the years and especially in more recent times there has been growing interest in technologies that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Since the 1970’s, Quantum has been dedicated to manufacturing the highest quality products with a strong focus on technical innovation and energy efficiency, making it possible for Australian households to use a sustainable source of energy to produce hot water
Quantum Heat Pump
Hot water heat pumps are often confused with solar hot water and in some ways this confusion is justified. Solar hot water heaters rely on incidental sunshine to affect the heating while hot water heat pumps take heat from the ambient air and use this energy source to heat the water.
Quantum heat pumps don’t require sunshine to operate nor do they require large roof panels, in fact the units look very much like traditional hot water heaters. Day or night, rain, hail or shine, they produce hot water, but with efficiencies around 300% more than traditional hot water systems.
The aptly named hot water system, the “Quantum”, utilises heat pump technology which was first developed back in the mid 70’s by the University of Melbourne. The technology has been progressively developed, and Quantum, using their patented ‘Tank Wrap’ technology, offers the advantage of having the quickest hot water recovery rate for its size.
In dollar terms, households are offered the opportunity to slash not only their greenhouse gas emissions but they can also expect to enjoy a massive 75% reduction in their hot water running costs when compared to traditional hot water systems. Heating hot water accounts for around 40% of your energy bill. By installing a Quantum heat pump hot water system, you’re able to reduce that by 75% and it costs hardly anything to do it.
