Over the past fifteen years or so, the cost of producing solar energy has halved. This is largely due to rapidly advancing technology, resulting in smaller and cheaper cells. While these photovoltaic cells have become smaller and cheaper, they have at the same time become immensely more efficient. With the help of modern technology, these cells are now able to focus the sunlight they trap onto an extremely concentrated area.

Solar power is without a doubt, one of the most environmentally friendly energy resources in the world today. Of course with all the current concern regarding global warming, producing zero emissions rates high on the agenda. By taking advantage of the technology we have available, we are able to utilize natural sunlight, provided free of charge with compliments from the sun. Thanks to the efficiency of today’s photovoltaic cells, it’s become ever more practical and financially viable to place these solar power systems on home rooftops. Once installed, you can be sure of a virtually trouble free system, capable of providing you with electricity, central heating and even hot water.

The photovoltaic cells used today have advanced to such an extent, that they are now able to more…

Electric and gas hot water systems accounting for approximately 20% of a household’s greenhouse gas emissions,and by installing a solar water system you will reduce these emissions and also save up to 75% of your water heating costs! Table below is sourced from the Debartment of Environment and Climate Change NSW.

How does solar hot water work

There exist two types of collectors:

• flat plate collectors (great for when tank must also be roof mounted)
• evacuated tubes (great for frost prone areas)

Flat plate collectors work on copper pipes running through a glass covered collector, often connected to a water storage tank on the roof. The hot water can then thermo-syphon itself in and out of the tank, thus heating the water. The updated option of flat plate collectors are evacuated tubes.

Evacuated tubes use a glass tube with a vacuum inside it and copper pipes running through the centre. The copper pipes are all connected to a common manifold which is then connected to a slow flow circulation pump which pumps water to a storage tank below, thus heating the hot water during the day. The hot water more…