The uptake of domestic solar hot water systems has increased slightly recently and the market for replacing existing gas and electric systems is now quite buoyant.
Commercial property developers are also aware of the benefits of green building practices, often opting to use solar hot water, and will emphasise these sustainable features when marketing to prospective clients.
Limited roof space – less is more
The Solar Lord UTUBE has an absorber efficiency of 98.4 per cent, while the aperture efficiency is 85 per cent. The technology is industry-recognised and independently tested by Fraunhofer SEI.
Being at least 30–40 per cent more efficient than flat panel collectors, half as many collectors are required, hence half as much roof space. Even with this reduced collector area, Solar Lord tubes can still supply the same if not more annual solar input than the old flat panels. Because there are fewer collectors, installation costs are also reduced significantly.
Low pitched/flat roofs
Flat plates and ‘heat pipe’ style evacuated tubes require pitching frames (approximately 30 degrees) or they simply will not operate. This is because they rely on heat rising, and this cannot happen if the collector is lying flat or near flat.
The UTUBE’s efficiency translates directly into flexibility with installation; it can be mounted anywhere between 5 degrees and vertical.
This is ideal for tight spaces such as apartment building roofs where air conditioners or parapet walls may be prone to shading collectors.
Low servicing and maintenance
Each individual tube works independently and can be changed without interrupting hot water supply.
The UTUBE collector doesn’t require frost valves, and does not rely on glycol. However it has been approved for Level 2 Frost Protection (–25° Celsius).
Solar Lord products carry all accreditations including Australian Standards and Watermark and are backed by the standard Solar Lord Commercial Warranties.
