Novasun 150L Instruction & Installation Manual - page 13
Copyright © 2014
Ikhwezi Solar (Pty) Ltd, Novatherm CC, Solar Assist (Pty) Ltd
12
12.
System Selection and Sizing
12.1
Introduction
Individuals purchase solar hot water systems for
many reasons. Some buy to realise savings on
their energy spend, others out of concern for the
environment, others as they have no other means
of heating water or it could be a combination of
the above. Whatever the motivating factor is it is
important that the type and size of the system
selected are going to best meet the consumers’
needs and expectations.
12.2
System sizing
In deciding on the system required, apart from
conducting a site visit to ascertain the proposed
installation site and associated mounting,
plumbing and wiring considerations, the sales
representative should also consult with the
prospective customer as to their hot water
requirements.
It is critically important that the prospective buyer
provide accurate information in this regard, as
the results of providing incorrect information can
result in a system that either over or under
performs, given the specific needs of the
customer.
The onus is on the prospective buyer to provide
the sales consultant with an accurate disclosure
of the hot water requirements and usage patterns
in order that a load profile can be formulated.
A load profile would include information such as
how many showers are taken per day and how
many litres are used, how many baths are taken
and size of baths, how much hot water goes
towards washing dishes and doing laundry, etc.
Only once this information is analysed can a final
recommendation be made on system size.
12.3
System type
System type can relate to a number of system
characteristics as follows:
Direct vs. Indirect (refer section 5 above)
Close-coupled vs. Split (refer section 4
above)
The decision between direct versus indirect is
described in section 5 above, but basically this is
determined by whether or not frost or poor water
quality dictate an indirect system.
NOTE: THE DIRECT NOVASUN
(THERMOSIPHON/PUMPED) SOLAR
WATER HEATING SYSTEMS CAN BE
USED IN ALL CLIMATE AREAS OF
SOUTH AFRICA
The decision between close-coupled and split
system is largely an aesthetic decision based on
customer preference, but there is a cost
implication in that split system requires additional
plumbing, system controller, circulation pump and
mounting structures which translate into a
greater installed cost.
As the Novasun systems have been SABS tested
in a thermo-siphon and pumped configuration
and registered with Eskom accordingly, a split
system installation can be claimed for on the
rebate programme if the system is a thermo-
siphon or pumped system. That is, even though
the tank is installed inside the roof there is
enough space that the tank is above the level of
the collector/s, allowing a thermo-siphon to
operate or a pump to force the circulation.
NOTE: Please visit www.Novasunsolar.co.za for
more information on system.