Hello I am new to this Forum and have watched this discussion with interest.
I have a 11year old 300L Edwards Flat Panel System on the roof of my house in Queanbeyan NSW which works fine in summer, but needs lots of boosting in winter. The water supply is tank water with pressure pump. I was looking at replacing it with a roof mounted evacuated system. I have had quotes for split systems that even with rebates (though I am not eligible as I already have a solar HWS, dodgy installers said don't worry we will fix it, wink,wink) that come out at around $4000 to $5000 after install minus rebates. My two concerns are, I am honest and do not deal with crooks and the quotes were way too high and all required extensive plumbing modifications plus pumps, etc which would increase the risk of system failure.
I would like to simply replace my existing 300L Edwards system with an evacuated tube system including install for around $2000. The price to replace the Edwards flat panels from the local agent is $1700 each panel, as I need two. This is $3200 to replace a product that as soon as the warranty expires delaminates its solar absorbent coating and has required considerable boosting through its life. Yes, I have repainted on panel as an experiment, which did improve performance, but I would like to reduce boosting and get away from a product that performs poorly in my climate in winter.
The internet shows several Chinese import Evacuated Solar Hot Water systems, which are all stainless steel with 20 to 30 tubes for under $1500 (which is less than one Edwards replacement panel). These look attractive as I have an existing solar hot water system and not eligible for most rebates. All I need is a quality system as described below. If my roof can support a 300L Edward's system for 10 years i am sure it will support a replacement 300L system (appearance is not critical, as the roof also has 2KW of panels and various antennas, vents, chimney, etc).
Evacuated tube system with 30 tubes mounted at 55 deg (roof slope 20 deg plus stand to add 30-35deg)
Stainless steel tank
Electric booster heater in tank.
Fitted on roof to replace existing Edwards system (hence plumbing and electrical install simple extension of existing pipes)
The most difficult of all a reliable honest installer in the Quenbeyan and ACT area who would charge a reasonable price for a days work and to fit the new system to replace the old system.
Please let me know of any suitable systems that can be purchased installed for about $2000 (not unreasonable as plumbing needs minimal modification unlike split systems). Or even better an installer or company that does good work in my area.
Posted Thursday 10 Nov 2011 @ 10:27:55 pm from IP
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