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Split System | Closed Coupled | Gravity Fed

Split System (ground tank) hot water systems consist of solar collector panels which sit on the roof and the storage tank is located at ground level. The main benefit of this system is that the tank is installed remotely from the panels in the most convenient location – usually on the ‘blind side’ of the house. A small pump circulates the water from the tank through the panels to collect the heat energy from the sun. This pump is automatically regulated by a controller that monitors the temperature in both the tank and collector panels and optimises solar gain.

Benefits of a split system:
• Easy installation on roofs.
• Streamlined appearance - minimal impact on the aesthetics of your roof line.
• Split systems do not require reinforcement on the roof structure, as the weight associated. with water storage is at ground level.
• Collector panels and the tank do not need to be installed at the same time – ideal during. construction of new homes and major renovations.
• Tall solar tank provides better heat stratification, improving efficiency.
• Simpler service access (ground level).

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Closed Coupled (roof tank) hot water systems, the solar collector panels and the storage tank are both located on the roof. The advantage of this system is the ability to free up space around the base of the house. In the closed-coupled installation, the solar tank is mounted above the collectors on the roof, and the water heated in the panels rises by the natural thermosiphon principle through the collectors into the tank, and is recirculated through the panels until the water reaches the required temperature.

Benefits of a closed coupled system:
• Technically very efficient, economical to install and low maintenance.
• No recirculating pumps and pipe runs – reducing heat losses and improving running efficiencies.
• No electricity required to operate pumps to recirculate the water through the panels.
• Eliminates the need for a storage tank at ground level – ideal for courtyard homes or small blocks.
• Wide range of Colorbond® colours available.
• Gas booster can be recessed in a wall cavity saving precious space.

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Gravity Fed (ceiling tank) hot water systems are located in the roof space. Solar hot water systems are also available with gravity fed storage tanks.

The hot water pressure depends on the height difference between the tank in the roof space and the water outlet, it's usually not enough to allow several hot water outlets to draw from the tank at the same time.

Benefits:
• Gravity fed systems do not require much maintenance.
• Gravity fed systems can last for a very long time.
• Can easily have solar collector panels connected to them.

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Take advantage of government rebates available for solar hot water.*

*Please read the guidlines for eligibility