• A split system is the most commonly used system.
• Split systems can be of the direct / open loop or indirect / closed loop type.
• When using a direct / open loop system and water quality is under suspicion, do a water analysis at a lab to determine the water quality. The water should have less than 600ppm of Total Dissolved Solids / Minerals. If the water quality is not up to standard, use an indirect / closed loop system.
• In order for any solar system to work there must be circulation between the solar collector and the geyser in order to take the heated water from the solar collector to dump it into the geyser. With the Split system this is done with an electrical (230V AC) or a 12 Volt DC pump.
• To ensure the system is always filled with water an air/steam release valve is installed at the outlet of the solar collector or at the highest point of the installation. Air/steam collect at the highest point of a installation.
• A controller is used to optimize the performance of the solar system and must be installed if an Eskom rebate is involved. When installing a split system with a 12V pump a battery backup is essential in cold areas for the anti freezing facilities of the controller.
• The controller makes the system freeze resistant and has a build in timer as required by Eskom.
• The client qualifies for an Eskom rebate on the 150 liter and 200 liter split systems.
• The Q factor is the name given to the power generated by a solar water heating system in testing by the SABS. Usually issued in units of Mega Joules but can equally be expressed in Kilo Watt Hours.

• Nupower submitted a 200 liter and 150 liter split system to SABS for testing and received the following Q factors;

            150 liter          Q factor = 17.419 MJ    or    4.84 kWh

            200 liter          Q factor = 23,885 MJ    or    6.63 kWh

·         Eskom rebate on split systems are: 150 liter  R2419.00  

                                                                         200 liter    R3317.00