A 500 ℓ to 2 000 ℓ integrated multi-energy source water heating system can be used in the healthcare, hospitality and up-market residential markets in South Africa, says Nobel solar water heater local distributor Enerjetic director Peter Strydom.

The system uses solar energy as its main energy source, but gas and electricity can also be integrated as alternative energy sources to heat the water when insolation is insufficient. The hot water can also be used to provide under-floor heating and hot water radiators in rooms.

The European-manufactured Nobel solar water heating system consists of a separate solar panel array connected to heat coils in a stand-alone tank that heat the water. This system enables other energy source to be integrated easily for water heating and the hot water used to provide heat for other systems.

“Hospitals, while under pressure to reduce energy consumption, require hot water on demand, which means that the system must have a fail-over energy source. Similarly, guests staying at hotels expect hot water to be available to them at all times,” says Strydom.

“The standalone tank means that it can be hidden from sight with only the solar panels being placed on the roof, which matches many residential complexes’ rules about rooftop systems and the aesthetics of buildings,” he explains.

The system, designed for use in northern European climates, is built with expansion joints on the exterior components of the system and, thus, will weather the large daily temperature swings on South Africa’s Highveld, he notes.

New designs for buildings should be done with renewable- and alternative-energy sources and systems in mind. However, the fact that the system components are separate means that the systems can be included in existing buildings, for example the hot water tank can be housed in the basement, garage or similar area, says Enerjetic technical director Andrew McNamee.

The solar panels are moulded, single-piece marine-grade aluminium. The single-piece design enables good heat transfer and retention. The glycol solution within the solar panel closed-loop jackets retains heat well overnight. The system has been deployed in North Africa, the Middle East, Mediterranean European states and northern European states.

“It is critical to size the system to the requirements of the building or house. This is necessary to ensure savings in electricity costs and to guarantee a return on investment,” emphasises McNamee.

The Nobel system has a five-year warranty and Enerjetic has a network of trained and accredited partners throughout South Africa that can install the new systems, concludes Strydom.

Story highlights:

* An integrated multiple energy source solar water heating system can heat water and be augmented with gas or electricity energy sources.
* The system consists of separate components that are linked with forced circulation pumps and can be placed where needed.