1. Is solar water heating a viable alternative to gas or electricity?

Solar should not be seen as a alternative to gas or electricity, but rather a supplement. Solar cannot totally replace the need for gas or electric heating as there are sometimes days when there is little sunlight. When averaged over a year, a correctly sized solar system can provide 60%-70% of a household's hot water needs. Providing more than this is unadvisable, as too much heat will be produced in the summer. The hot water system can easily be automated so hot water is guaranteed regardless of sunlight levels.

2. How long will it take to recoup my investment?

Mnornsolar solar collectors are much more affordable than many other solar hot water heaters. For a household of 4, the price of a full system may not be too much more than a new electric or gas system. Depending on you location (solar levels) and current hot water usage the annual electricity or gas saving will differ. However in a normal household that spends 25% of its electricity bill on hot water heating, the full cost of the purchase may be recouped as quickly as 4-5 years in reduced bills. You will definitely make considerable savings during the life of the solar hot water heater.

3. Can Mornsolar solar collectors be used in cold conditions?

Yes. Mornsolar collectors can be used in temperatures as low as -50°C, although performance is greatly reduced in such extreme conditions. Good heat output is still achieved in mild sub-zero conditions.

4. What happens if one of the solar tubes is broken?

Firstly, tubes are very strong and not easily broken, but if the worst should happen, solar tubes can be replaced very easily. They are inexpensive and available though your local Mornsolar distributor. The Mornsolar solar collectors can operate with several broken tubes, but the efficiency will be reduced, so it is recommended that broken tubes be replaced immediately.

6. Can I use a solar collector with my existing hot water system?

Normally yes. Simple retrofit valves can often be used to allow solar to connect to your existing cold water inlet. If your tank cannot accept the solar input directly an additional storage tank can be installed to pre-heat the cold water prior to entering the existing tank.

7. What maintenance of the solar collector is required?

Under normal circumstances no maintenance of the system is required. Due to the shape of the tubes regular rainfall and wind should keep the tubes clean. Should a tube even be broken it should be replaced. This, however, is an inexpensive and easy job. Any "handy" person can install a new tube (while adhering to local health and safety regulations). Mornsolar solar collectors can operate with several broken tubes, however the efficiency will be reduced slightly.

8. Can I heat my swimming pool or spa using a Mornsolar solar collector?

Mornsolar collectors are high temperature collectors, and are therefore ideal for spas, as the volume of water is small and temperature requirements high. For swimming pools, however, the volume of water is large and the temperature rise required is only several degrees. The cost of heating a pool using solar tube collectors (for domestic purposes) may be prohibitively high. For large scale swimming pools, however, Mornsolar collectors may be an extremely viable supplement to gas or electricity.

9. Which collector is the best value for money?

Rather than looking at just peak efficiency levels when comparing solar collectors, cost per unit of energy produced is much more logical. For example: Although collector A may be 20% more efficient than collector B, if collector A is 30% more expensive, then in fact collector B may be a better choice, as per kWh of energy produced per day it is cheaper. When payback time is of concern, not only price per kWh of the product is important, but also of the end system. In this regard Mornsolar solar collectors provides a fruther dvantage as Mornsolar solar collectors are very easy to install, and that can make a huge difference in terms of total install costs. For more information comparing collector performance please click here.

10. Can Mornsolar solar collectors be used in a drain back configuration?

Yes. The end port version of the Mornsolar solar collector is well suited to drain back use. The question is often asked if the solar collector will be damaged when the pump turns off and the system stagnates in good sun - no it won't, as the collectors is designed to withstand stagnation. What must be considered though is the insulation used on the piping close to the collectors, as this must be able to withstand stagnation temperatures.