FAQs
At Endless Solar, we want to make the process of installing solar easy. Below is a list of commonly asked questions.
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- How do Endless Solar's Evacuated Tubes work?
- What is a Split System Design?
- How does gas boosting work? ... Does it turn on when I'm not using hot water?
- Are Endless Solar's Evacuated Tubes affected by frost?
- What happens if the Evacuated Tubes are damaged in a storm or broken by accident?
- How long does it take and what is the cost to install my solar hot water system?
- Are Endless Solar hot water systems expensive?
- What Rebates exist for installing solar hot water and how do they work?
- How can I be sure of the quality and performance of your products?
- How many RECs does the Endless Solar Hot Water system create?
- Who will install the Endless Solar Hot Water system for me?
- What size system will I need?
- Can I use an Endless Solar Hot Water system at my investment property?
- How did you estimate the energy savings of my electric/gas hot water unit?
- What electricity tariff should my electric boosted Endless Solar hot water system be connected to?
- Is solar water heating a viable alternative to gas or electricity?
- How long will it take for me to recoup my investment?
- Can Endless Solar Hot Water Systems be used in cold conditions?
- Will my water be heated on a cloudy day?
- Can I use an Endless Solar collector with my existing hot water system?
- Are the Endless Solar collectors noticeable on the roof?
- Can the Endless Solar collector be mounted on a flat surface?
- Will an Endless Solar collector be a fire hazard during hot, dry weather?
- Can the Endless Solar collector heat water to a high enough temperature?
- What maintenance of the Endless Solar collector is required?
- Can the Endless Solar Collectors be used for large scale hot water production?
- Can I heat my swimming pool or spa using an Endless Solar hot water system?
- Where can I purchase an Endless Solar Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water System?
- Can I use the LPG gas booster and then convert to natural gas at a later stage?
- Which type of solar hot water system is the best value for money?
- What are the main advantages of Evacuated Tube collectors in comparison to flat plate panels?
- Does my Evacuated Tube collector have to be installed on a North facing roof?
- What are the weights and dimensions of the Endless Solar System?
- Why does Endless Solar use Stainless Steel Tanks?
- What about hail?
1. How do Endless Solar's Evacuated Tubes work?
Most solar water heaters use "flat plate" technology which has been around for many years. Now there is a better alternative. Endless Solar uses state-of-the-art Evacuated Tube technology, a clever Australian design and highly efficient heat transfer techniques.
Flat plate solar water heaters reach peak perfomance only in the middle of the day. A great deal of the sun’s energy is simply lost through reflection off the flat glass panels, especially in the morning and afternoon.
Also, traditional flat plate collectors lose much of the energy that they collect when the ambient temperature is cool. During winter, they struggle against the outside temperature to put heat into your water.
Because the Evacuated Tubes in an Endless Solar water heater are cylindrical, they are always facing the sun and therefore they can absorb more of the sun’s energy all day long.
In fact, Australian Standards testing shows that an Endless Solar collector will catch and keep significantly more of the sun's energy than a comparably sized flat plate solar collector.
The tubes consist of 2 layers of 'Borosilicate' glass (very strong hardened glass) with a vacuum between these 2 layers.
This 'evacuated' layer in the tubes performs much like a thermos flask. The remarkable insulation provided by the vacuum catches and keeps about 97% of the energy absorbed from the sun.
This dramatically increases the efficiency of the collector and also protects it from the effects of cold air (the water in flat plate panels can freeze in very cold areas - destroying the panel).
An Evacuated Tube solar collector is the perfect system for very cold areas, and is the only reliable solution for all climates in Australia.
The sun's energy absorbed by the tubes is then transferred to your water via a special heat pipe inside each tube.
A small amount of evaporative liquid inside each heat pipe is turned to gas by the sun’s energy. This gas then rises to the tips of the pipes which are inserted into an insulated heat transfer manifold located on your roof. Cold water is then pumped through this manifold absorbing the heat and storing it in a highly insulated water tank located on the ground.
The result is an incredibly efficient system to harness the heat of the sun even in extremely cold areas. Because the system is so efficient it does not require full sun and it can work in cloudy or even rainy days.
Learn more about Endless Solar's Evacuated Tubes.
2. What is a Split System Design?
An Endless Solar system is a ‘split system.’ The sun’s heat energy is captured by a stylish, low profile solar collector on your roof and stored in a highly insulated water tank located on the ground.
The system can be boosted, when required, by gas or electricity. The superior performance of a Endless Solar system means that for a large part of the year you will experience a reduction in your energy bills as the supplimentary boosting is generally very low. Once you install a high performance system from Endless Solar, the savings start immediately.
3. How does gas boosting work? ... Does it turn on when I'm not using hot water?
No. Our Natural Gas and LP (Liquid Petroleum) Gas systems are designed to only provide boosting when it is needed. The booster will turn on and boost only when it detects that the water temperature leaving the storage tank is not hot enough for use. This may occur when you have used all your solar-heated water in your storage tank, or during extended periods of limited sunshine.
4. Are Endless Solar's Evacuated Tubes affected by frost?
No. Traditional 'flate plate' panels are vulnerable to freezing in cold weather. Now you don’t need to compromise your investment (for example by using expensive chemicals like glycol) in order to prevent it freezing. Many traditional panels require regular and costly maintenance programs to meet Australian Standards for reliability in cold weather.
Evacuated Tube technology works extremely efficiently in cold climates. In fact, in Antarctica the British Research Station, Halley VI, has chosen to install Evacuated Tube technology to help preserve power and conserve energy.
Evacuated Tube solar collectors are the technology of choice in countries that experience extremes in temperature. For example, they are widely used in Germany, China and Canada.
Endless Solar Evacuated Tube Collectors have exceeded the Australian Standards (AS/NZ2712:2007) tests for both hail and freeze resistance (down to minus 15 degrees C) without the need for a heat exchanger or glycol.
5. What happens if the Evacuated Tubes are damaged in a storm or broken by accident?
The Endless Solar System is very strong and uses high impact resistant, toughened Borosilicate glass which performs well in all weather conditions.
However in the event that a tube is broken, the system does not stop working. Because the system is modular, if tubes do need to be replaced this can be done quickly, easily and cheaply. The replacement process is very similar to changing a lightglobe.
By contrast, the replacement of a flat plate panel can cost hundreds of dollars and require costly installation procedures.
Evacuated Tube Collectors from Endless Solar have exceeded the Australian Standards (AS/NZ2712:2007) tests for both hail and freeze resistance (down to minus 15 degrees C) without the need for a heat exchanger or glycol.
6. How long does it take and what is the cost to install my solar hot water system?
Installation is easy. Systems supplied by Endless Solar are lightweight, modular and include comprehensive installation instructions, you can expect an average single storey installation to take approximately 8 hours depending on your type of roof, whether you are retrofitting an existing home or new home and how experienced and knowledgeable the plumber is.
Please contact us for advice.
7. Are Endless Solar hot water systems expensive?
No. An Endless Solar hot water system can save you over 80% of your household’s electricity or gas expenses year after year. With energy prices rising rapidly, installing a ordinary electric or gas water heater means an increasing energy bill for the life of the unit.
You can protect your home against rising energy prices by installing a high performance solar water heater from Endless Solar. Choosing a highly efficient solar water heater is much more economical than buying an ordinary electric or gas water heater. In only a few years, the capital cost can be offset by the lower running costs. This means that your initial investment will begin to pay you back quickly.
More than ever, people are looking for products that operate effectively for a long time without ongoing, costly maintenance. Endless Solar has developed a system that is expected to last 3 to 4 times as long as traditional solar water heaters. We have created a product free of ' built-in obsolescence'. High quality components mean that an Endless Solar system will not end up as landfill in five years.
In the long term, it's an investment that pays for itself and continues to save you and your family money. Best of all, an Endless Solar system is the best way of conserving the environment. It looks better, works harder and lasts longer.
8. What Rebates exist for installing solar hot water and how do they work?
There has never been a better time to buy a solar hot water system. There are a number of significant financial incentives to make the switch to solar.
RECs: The RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates) program is aimed at increasing the use of solar hot water systems by providing a cash back rebate value that consumers receive after purchasing a solar water heater. The amount and value of REC’s received depends on where you live and on the type of system you purchase. The RECs can amount to many hundreds, or even thousands of dollars.
Endless Solar is duly recognised by the Federal Government for our high performance systems through the number of RECs created by each system.
Federal Government Rebate: Solar Hot Water rebates are available from the Federal Government. This rebate is currently $1000.
State Government Rebates: Additional rebates also exist in a some states, especially in NSW and VIC.
Learn more about RECS and Rebates
9. How can I be sure of the quality and performance of your products?
The entire range of products supplied by Endless Solar meets the rigorous tests set by Standards Australia and the relevant Australian Industry certifying bodies. Our products are made from high quality components and are backed by generous warranties.
Our systems meet the requirements of State and Federal Government rebate programs and they qualify for some of the highest energy performance ratings in the market.
At the end of the day, the quality and reliability of our products and the service we provide, is best told by our customers. We receive regular praise from customers and have included some of their testimonials on this web site - See Customer Testimonials.
10. How many RECs does an Endless Solar Hot Water system create?
The number of RECs that you receive depends on the size and type of system you purchase. As a general guide you can expect to receive between 24 and 48 RECs.
Endless Solar systems generate more RECs that any comparable system on the market.
Learn more about RECs.
11. Who will install my Endless Solar Hot Water system for me?
A solar hot water system from Endless Solar must be installed and commissioned by an authorised and licensed plumber. The plumber must follow all safety regulations and will ensure that the system is positioned correctly. A detailed installation manual is provided with each system. The plumber must also check and sign off on the forms required for the RECs.
Endless Solar is an Affiliate Member of The Master Plumbers' and Mechanical Services Association of Australia and our friendly sales team can help you find an appropriate plumbing professional in your area.
12. What size system will I need?
Solar hot water systems from Endless Solar come in a full range of sizes... suitable for any domestic, commercial or industrial installation. For domestic systems, the exact size depends on the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and the number of people living in the home. We have types and sizes of systems to suit every home or business.
The following is a good indication of your domestic needs:
If you need a larger system, such as a commercial-grade or specialised industrial system, our engineering team can help. We use the latest TRNSYS modeling and design software to ensure you achieve the right result. Call us for more information - 1300 889 585.
13. Can I install an Endless Solar Hot Water system at my investment property?
Yes. If you have an investment property, a solar hot water system from Endless Solar will enhance the appeal of your real estate by offering a number of advantages such as reducing your property's gas or electricity bills, and improving the reliability of the hot water supply. A high quality solar hot water system can ensure that you meet government building requirements... now and in the future.
Having an evironmentally friendly, energy saving property can also increase its overall value. You may even be able to add your Endless Solar hot water system to your depreciation schedule and claim it as a tax deduction.
By intalling a solar water heater, you can increase the energy rating of your home.
14. How did you estimate the energy savings of my electric/gas hot water unit?
There are many ways to estimate the savings of a solar hot water system. At the end of the day it all comes down to the type of system installed and how much water you use.
At Endless Solar we test all our components to Australian Standards and simulate the performance under different conditions. We are one of a small number of manufacturers who have the technical capacity to calculate and simulate any solar hot water system design.
Our customers say it best... check out our Customer Testimonials.
Learn more about energy savings.
15. What electricity tariff should my electric boosted Endless Solar hot water system be connected to?
Your Endless Solar Hot Water system should generally be connected to an off-peak 1 tariff where possible.
It is important that the electrical boosting system does not operate during daylight hours, as this will prevent the solar component from working effectively.
A qualified electrician can recommend the best alternative for you if you don’t have off-peak 1 available. In these circumstances an electrical timer can be fitted to help ensure that your electric booster only runs during non-daylight hours with the lowest energy tariff.
Please contact your energy provider to confirm your requirements, as each State varies.
16. Is solar water heating a viable alternative to gas or electricity?
Because weather conditions vary, solar hot water should not be viewed as a total replacement for gas or electricity, but rather as a major partner. Solar cannot totally replace the need for gas or electric heating - as there are sometimes days when there is little sunlight.
But, when averaged over a year, a correctly sized an efficient solar water heating system can provide more than 80% of a household's hot water needs. The boosting system is automated so that hot water is available, regardless of sunlight levels.
Please call us for more information suited to your needs.
17. How long will it take for me to recoup my investment?
Your annual electricity or gas saving will vary... depending on the climate, your geographic location and your current hot water usage.
An average household spends around 30-40% of its total energy costs on heating water. The upfront cost of installing solar may be recouped in only a few years by the savings you'll make on your energy bills. The quality and durability of the materials used in systems supplied by Endless Solar means that you can receive major savings well beyond the pay-back point.
18. Can Endless Solar Hot Water Systems be used in cold conditions?
Yes. One of the major performance advantages provided by Evacuated Tubes when compared with old-fashioned flat plate solar panels is reliability in cold weather. Flat panels suffer from significant efficiency loss in cold conditions. In cold areas flat plate solar panels may require the purchase and maintenance of a glycol system to prevent them freezing.
19. Will my water be heated on a cloudy day?
Yes. Even when the sun is hidden by cloudy weather, Evacuated Tubes from Endless Solar can absorb the diffuse radiation to provide heat. If it is a heavily clouded or rainy day, then gas or electric backup may be required to maintain your water at the required temperature. The backup systems provided by Endless Solar are fully automated so you don't have to worry about running out of hot water on a rainy day.
20. Can I use an Evacuated Tube collector with my existing hot water system?
Yes, an Evacuated Tube collector from Endless Solar can be retrofitted to most existing tanks using our special conversion kit.
However we do recommend that you consider replacing your existing tank if it is more than five years old, since normal mild steel vitreous enamel lined tanks often have a very short life after this period. We can replace your old tank with a long-lasting, well-insulated marine grade stainless steel tank.
Due to increased Government incentives, the overall cost difference between retro-fitting and installing a full system is now quite small. Please give us a call for more information.
21. Are Endless Solar collectors noticeable on the roof?
The sleek design of our collector and the lack of tank on the roof mean that a solar collector from Endless Solar looks great on any roof. The low profile means that from a distance they often look like a skylight. While solar is encouraged by local governments, please check with your local council regarding any possible building restrictions in your area.
22. Can an Evacuated Tube collector be mounted on a flat surface?
Yes. Evacuated Tube collectors from Endless Solar can be mounted on a flat roof, or even on the ground by using one of our fully adjustable stainless steel frames.
23. Will an Endless Solar collector be a fire hazard during hot, dry weather?
No. Solar collectors from Endless Solar use components that are all high temperature rated and non-flammable so even during strong sunlight with the circulation pump turned off (stagnation), the system will not catch alight or give off any sparks. The majority of the solar collector's components are stainless steel, copper, aluminium and hardened glass.
24. Can the Endless Solar collector heat water to a high enough temperature?
Certainly - in good weather the Endless Solar collectors are capable of bringing water to boiling point. Generally, this is not necessary. Endless Solar systems have the necessary automatic controls to ensure a reliable hot water supply that is tuned for Australian conditions to deliver water at a peak temperature of around 70ºC to 80ºC in the summer.
Since scalding can occur at 54ºC (130ºF), Australian plumbing regulations limit the maximum temperature of hot water to sanitary outlets to 50ºC (122º F). This is achieved by the use of a solar rated tempering valve that must be fitted when the system is installed. Licensed plumbers are required to fit a solar tempering valve to all installations.
Do not use tempering valves that are not solar rated, as they are a safety hazard.
25. What maintenance of the Endless Solar collector is required?
Under normal circumstances no maintenance of the system is required other than the simple checks specified in the Owners Manual. The round shape of the tubes and the gaps in between them mean that regular rainfall and wind help keep the Evacuated Tubes naturally clean on your roof.
26. Can the Endless Solar Collectors be used for large scale hot water production?
Yes. Endless Solar collectors can be connected together to provide large scale hot water production for commercial settings such as nursing homes, government buildings, schools, hotels, office buildings or swimming pools.
Learn more about commercial solar hot water.
27. Can I heat my swimming pool or spa using an Endless Solar hot water system?
Yes, however, pool or spa installation requires specialised design plus certain additional components such as a heat exchange system - due to the corrosive nature of salt or chlorine pool water.
28. Where can I purchase an Endless Solar Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water System?
Endless Solar Hot Water systems are available right throughout Australia. Contact Us
29. Can I use the LPG gas booster and then convert to natural gas at a later stage?
Yes. The Endless Solar design is both modular and versatile. It is possible to change from LPG to natural gas. The burner manifold can be changed and the PC board reprogrammed. Please call us to discuss your options.
30. Which type of solar hot water system is the best value for money?
The high-efficiency, robust construction and long service life of Endless Solar systems makes a compelling case for purchasing our product.
To determine the best value for money in your case, consider the following:
- Efficiency
- Winter performance
- Ease of installation
- Versatility
- Quality, service life and warranty
- Ongoing costs and maintenance
- Customer service and expertise
Learn more about buying a solar hot water system.
31. What are the main advantages of Evacuated Tube collectors in comparison to flat plate panels?
There are numerous benefits that Evacuated Tubes offer over the traditional “flat plate” panels. Although Evacuated Tubes are relatively new to the Australian market, they were invented here in Sydney over 30 years ago and they are a well proven, superior technology, widely used around the world:
Increased Efficiency
Flat plate panels only provide peak energy output at midday, when the sun is perpendicular to the panel's surface. At other times of the day, the heat collection of a flat plate panel is either increasing or decreasing.
The round shape of Evacuated Tubes means that the sun is always perpendicular to the surface of the tube throughout the day, resulting in higher energy collection from early morning through to late afternoon.
Evacuated Tubes can absorb the sun's energy from a wide range of angles and can be mounted on even east or west facing roofs with only a small decrease in performance. The tolerance to a broad spectrum of radiation means that the Endless Solar collector can operate effectively under a diverse range of conditions including low light.
This versatility means that you're not limited to where you place the collector, unlike older technology such as flat plate panels.
Minimal Heat Loss
Because air is removed (evacuated) from the glass tubes to form a vacuum, the insulating properties of the tubes is extremely high. As a result, wind and cold temperatures outside only minimally affects the efficiency of an Evacuated Tube collector.
With Evacuated Tubes, the collected heat is conducted to the cold water using a specially designed heat pipe. Well over 95% of the heat captured in the tubes is held in the collector.
Natural Frost Protection
Endless Solar collectors can be used in sub-zero temperatures without damaging the system. By contrast, under similar conditions, flat plate panels require expensive and complicated "antifreeze" systems to be installed (remember this when comparing system costs).
The glycol that is used in flat plate systems needs to be regularly replaced in order to prevent damage through freezing. This is an ongoing cost, requiring replacement of the glycol every 3 years or so, with the added risk of glycol leaking into gutters or rainwater tanks at times of glycol changeover, or if the flat panel is damaged by storms.
Superior Winter Performance
The high solar energy absorption of the Endless Solar Evacuated Tube collectors, even during overcast conditions, combined with the superior insulating properties of the tubes, provides excellent water heating all year round. While some flat plate panels may produce similar heat output in summer conditions, they generally have reduced performance during winter - when you need the most hot water.
Learn more about Evacuated Tubes
Learn more about Endless Solar Hot Water Systems
Learn more about the Efficiency of Evacuated Tubes
Learn more about Endless Solar's Evacuated Tube Collectors
32. Does my Evacuated Tube collector have to be installed on a North facing roof?
No. Because of the significantly better optical properties of a Endless Solar Evacuated Tube collector, you can locate your collector on a roof facing north-east or north-west with only a minimal reduction in efficiency. You can even place the collector on an east or west facing roof.
The optimal place to locate your solar collector is on a north facing roof.
Even if the only unshaded place to mount the collector is on a south facing roof, it can be mounted on a reverse frame facing north.
33. What are the weights and dimensions of the Endless Solar System?
Endless Solar Systems are modular, lightweight and easy to integrate with any house or project. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have a question.
Learn more about the weights and dimensions of our storage tanks
Learn more about the weights and dimensions of our collector
34. Why does Endless Solar use Stainless Steel Tanks?
Endless Solar uses Marine Grade Stainless Steel to construct the storage tank cylinder.
Stainless steel tanks have a natural oxide barrier to corrosion, therefore removing the requirement for a sacrificial anode and reducing ongoing maintenance costs and potential heath issues.
Our tanks are lighter, and can withstand much higher temperatures than glass lined tanks and are much better suited to the high temperatures coming from our high performance solar collector.
A UV stablised polymer outer casing provides an attractive finish and eliminates the rust which can occur on the outer casing of vitreous enamel steel tanks.
You have the option to install the storage tanks either inside or outside your home.
35. What about hail?
Endless Solar uses only the highest quality materials that handle the rigors of the Australian climate. A solar hot water system from Endless Solar will work better, keep performing... and last longer.
Endless Solar's Evacuated Tubes are built for strength without compromising their optical properties. Endless Solar collectors have passed the AS/NZS 2712 :2007 Standards for Impact Resistance.
However, if some of the tubes are damaged, our clever design means that:
- Your system doesn't stop working
- It won't leak
- It's quick, cheap and easy to replace any damaged tubes
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