Solar Geysers

Solar Geysers for Simple, Reliable, and Clean Energy Year-Round

Harness the power of the sun with ARD’s high-quality solar geysers, designed for reliable and energy-efficient water heating. Reduce electricity costs and enjoy a sustainable hot water solution for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Evacuated Tube Solar Geysers vs. Flat Plate Solar Geysers

Understanding the Differences to Choose the Best Solar Geyser for Your Needs

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NOTE: African Renewable Distributors supplies the full range of models for each brand that is showcased on our website here.

ITS Evacuated Tube Collector

Evacuated tube solar collectors are highly efficient water heating systems designed to maximize solar energy absorption. Their unique vacuum-sealed tubes minimize heat loss, allowing them to perform exceptionally well even in colder or cloudy climates. Ideal for both residential and commercial applications, these collectors provide consistent and reliable hot water while optimizing energy savings and sustainability.

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ITS Flat Plate Solar Collector

Flat plate solar collectors are one of the most common types of solar water heating systems, widely used for both residential and commercial applications. These collectors are designed to capture solar energy and convert it into heat, which is then used to warm water or other fluids. While less efficient in cooler or cloudy climates compared to evacuated tube collectors, they are highly durable and cost-effective in areas with consistent sunlight.

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Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors

How Evacuated Tube Solar Geysers Work

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Solar Energy Absorption

  • The system consists of multiple evacuated glass tubes that are highly efficient at capturing solar radiation. Each tube contains a copper or aluminum heat pipe (sometimes filled with a liquid or heat-conductive material), surrounded by two layers of glass with a vacuum in between.
  • The vacuum acts as an insulator, reducing heat loss and ensuring that heat is efficiently transferred from the sunlight to the water or heat transfer fluid inside the tubes.
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Heat Transfer

  • The heat pipe inside each evacuated tube absorbs sunlight and heats up quickly.
  • This heat is then transferred to a manifold where water circulates (in direct systems) or to a heat transfer fluid (in indirect systems). The heated fluid moves through the manifold and transfers the heat to the water in a storage tank.
  • In indirect systems, the heat transfer fluid doesn’t mix with the water; instead, the fluid transfers heat via a heat exchanger inside the storage tank, keeping the water clean and the system efficient.
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Water Heating

  • Once the water in the storage tank is heated, it is ready for use in domestic hot water applications like showers, washing, or cooking.
  • In most cases, an auxiliary heating system (such as an electric or gas booster) is used to ensure hot water is available even during cloudy or rainy days, or at night.

Key Features of Evacuated Tube Solar Geysers

High Efficiency

  • Evacuated tube technology is highly efficient at capturing solar energy, particularly in cold or cloudy environments. The vacuum insulation prevents heat loss, which means the system continues to work well even on colder days or when the sun is not at its peak.
  • They can achieve efficiencies of up to 90%, significantly outperforming traditional flat-plate solar collectors in less-than-ideal conditions.

Performance in Cold Climates

  • Evacuated tube systems perform well even in colder climates because of the vacuum between the glass layers, which insulates the system and minimizes heat loss. This makes them ideal for areas with colder winters or less sunshine.
  • They are frost-resistant, making them a great option for locations where freezing temperatures are common.

Durability

  • The tubes are made of high-strength borosilicate glass, which is designed to withstand impacts and extreme weather conditions.
  • The evacuated tube design also ensures a long lifespan, with many systems lasting 20 years or more with proper maintenance.

Modularity and Scalability

  • Evacuated tube systems are modular, meaning additional tubes can be added to increase heating capacity if needed.
  • This flexibility makes them suitable for various applications, from small households to large commercial setups.

Low Maintenance

  • With no moving parts, evacuated tube solar geysers require minimal maintenance compared to other solar water heating systems.
  • Occasional cleaning of the tubes and checking for any issues with seals or connections is usually all that is required.

Types of Evacuated Tube Solar Geysers

Direct (Open-Loop) Systems

  • Water flows directly through the tubes and is heated by the sun.
  • Suitable for areas where the water is not too hard (i.e., low mineral content) and where freezing temperatures are not a concern.
  • These systems are more affordable but are less ideal for areas with freezing temperatures.

Indirect (Closed-Loop) Systems

  • A heat transfer fluid (such as antifreeze or glycol) circulates through the tubes, and the heat is transferred to the water in the storage tank via a heat exchanger.
  • Ideal for colder climates where freezing temperatures are common, as the antifreeze fluid prevents the system from freezing.
  • Better suited for areas with hard water, as the heat transfer fluid doesn’t come into direct contact with the water, preventing scaling or mineral buildup.

Thermosiphon Systems

  • Rely on natural convection (thermosiphoning) to circulate water from the tubes to the storage tank. As the water heats up, it rises into the tank, while cooler water flows down into the tubes for heating.
  • These systems are simple, cost-effective, and don’t require pumps or controllers, making them a reliable choice for many homeowners.

Forced Circulation (Active) Systems

  • Use a pump to circulate the water or heat transfer fluid between the tubes and the storage tank.
  • More complex and costly but allow for greater control over the water heating process, especially in larger installations.

Applications of Evacuated Tube Solar Geysers

Residential Homes

Perfect for households seeking to lower energy costs and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, solar water heating systems provide an eco-friendly solution for domestic hot water needs. By harnessing the power of the sun, homeowners can significantly reduce their reliance on electricity or gas, leading to long-term savings while minimizing their carbon footprint. These systems offer a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible way to ensure a steady supply of hot water year-round.

Commercial Buildings

Ideal for hotels, resorts, and other commercial facilities with high hot water demand, solar water heating systems provide a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution. By utilizing solar energy, businesses can significantly reduce operating costs while maintaining a reliable supply of hot water. These systems not only contribute to sustainability efforts but also offer long-term savings, making them a smart investment for commercial applications.

Remote or Off-Grid Locations

Perfect for off-grid homes and rural areas, solar water heating systems provide a reliable and independent hot water solution where access to conventional energy sources is limited. By harnessing the sun’s energy, these systems ensure consistent hot water availability without relying on electricity or gas, making them an ideal choice for sustainable and self-sufficient living.

Flat Plate Solar Collectors

How Flat Plate Solar Collectors Work

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Absorber Plate

At the core of a flat plate solar collector is the absorber plate, typically made from materials like copper or aluminum, which have high thermal conductivity. The absorber plate is coated with a selective surface to maximize the absorption of solar radiation while minimizing heat loss.

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Transparent Cover (Glazing)

The absorber plate is enclosed in an insulated box with a transparent glass or plastic cover (glazing) on top. This glazing allows sunlight to enter the collector while reducing heat loss from convection and radiation.

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Heat Transfer

Water or a heat transfer fluid (such as glycol or antifreeze) flows through pipes attached to or integrated into the absorber plate. As the fluid passes through the collector, it absorbs heat from the absorber plate and is warmed.

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Insulation

The bottom and sides of the collector box are insulated to minimize heat loss, ensuring that the maximum amount of heat is transferred to the fluid rather than lost to the surrounding environment.

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Water Heating

The heated fluid is then circulated to a storage tank where it either directly heats the water (in direct systems) or transfers its heat via a heat exchanger (in indirect systems). The stored hot water is then available for use in domestic or commercial applications.

Key Features of Flat Plate Solar Collectors

Efficiency in Warm Climates

  • Flat plate collectors work best in warm, sunny climates where they can absorb a large amount of solar energy and perform consistently throughout the year.

Cost-Effective

  • Flat plate collectors are often less expensive than evacuated tube collectors, making them an attractive option for homeowners or businesses looking for solar water heating without a high initial investment.
  • While they may not perform as well as evacuated tube systems in colder or cloudier climates, their lower cost can make them more economical in regions with abundant sunshine.

Durability

  • These collectors are highly durable and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, including heavy winds, hail, and rain.
  • The sealed, glazed box protects the absorber plate and internal components, ensuring longevity with proper maintenance.

Versatile Applications

  • Flat plate collectors are suitable for a wide range of solar heating applications, from domestic hot water to swimming pool heating and space heating.
  • They can also be used in both direct and indirect water heating systems, making them adaptable to various climates and water conditions.

Low Maintenance

  • Flat plate collectors have no moving parts, which makes them easy to maintain. Occasional cleaning of the glazing and ensuring the seals and connections are intact are typically the only maintenance tasks required.

    Types of Flat Plate Solar Collectors

    Direct (Open-Loop) Systems

    • In direct systems, water flows through the absorber plate and is heated directly by the sun. These systems are suitable for areas with mild winters and low risk of freezing.
    • Simple in design and more affordable, but not suitable for regions with hard water or freezing conditions, as mineral buildup or freezing can damage the system.

    Indirect (Closed-Loop) Systems

    • In indirect systems, a heat transfer fluid (usually antifreeze or glycol) circulates through the absorber plate and transfers heat to the water in the storage tank via a heat exchanger.
    • These systems are better suited for colder climates, as the antifreeze prevents the fluid from freezing in cold weather, and the indirect system prevents scaling from hard water.

    Thermosiphon Systems

    • Thermosiphon systems use natural convection to circulate the water. Hot water rises from the collector into a storage tank above, while cooler water flows into the collector to be heated.
    • These systems are simple and don’t require a pump, making them cost-effective and low-maintenance, but they require the storage tank to be located above the collectors.

    Active (Pump-Circulated) Systems

    • Active systems use a pump to circulate the water or heat transfer fluid through the collector and storage tank.
    • These systems offer more control and can be used for larger installations or in locations where the storage tank cannot be positioned above the collectors.

    Applications of Flat Plate Solar Collectors

    Residential Water Heating

    Flat plate solar collectors are an effective and commonly used solution for heating water in homes. By capturing and converting sunlight into heat, these collectors reduce the reliance on electricity or gas for hot water, offering homeowners a more sustainable and cost-efficient alternative. Not only do they lower monthly energy bills, but they also help reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a more eco-friendly and energy-efficient home. With their durability and long lifespan, flat plate collectors are a smart investment for homeowners looking to improve energy efficiency and reduce their environmental impact.

    Commercial and Institutional

    Commercial and institutional applications benefit greatly from solar water heating systems, making them ideal for businesses, schools, hospitals, and other large facilities with high hot water demands. These systems help significantly reduce operational costs by lowering reliance on traditional energy sources, such as electricity or gas, which are often expensive. Solar water heaters provide a reliable and consistent supply of hot water, improving efficiency while also supporting sustainability goals. By reducing energy consumption, businesses and institutions can not only cut operating costs but also reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to a greener and more cost-effective operation.

    Swimming Pool Heating

    Swimming pool heating is made more efficient with solar collectors, especially in warm climates where they can provide consistent and low-cost heating. By harnessing the power of the sun, these collectors offer a sustainable alternative to traditional pool heating methods, significantly reducing energy costs. Solar pool heating systems maintain comfortable water temperatures throughout the swimming season, providing an eco-friendly solution that requires minimal maintenance and delivers long-term savings for homeowners, resorts, and recreational facilities.

    Space Heating

    Flat plate collectors can also be used for space heating, particularly in combination with radiant floor heating systems or other space heating methods. During cooler months, these collectors harness solar energy to help heat homes and buildings, reducing the need for conventional heating systems that rely on electricity or gas. By integrating solar thermal systems with existing heating solutions, homeowners and businesses can achieve significant energy savings while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. This approach offers a sustainable, cost-effective way to reduce heating expenses and carbon emissions throughout the colder months.

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