Copyright © 2014
Ikhwezi Solar (Pty) Ltd, Novatherm CC, Solar Assist (Pty) Ltd
13
13.
Owners operating and maintenance
instructions
13.1
Introduction
Dear Customer,
Thank you and congratulations on your purchase.
Your system is one of the most advanced available
and is proudly produced in South Africa.
It will provide years of service and savings. The
information below is provided to give guidance in
the effective use and maintenance of your system
and should be retained for future reference.
Yours sincerely,
WE Geysers (Pty) Ltd
13.2
Operating and efficient use
Savings in energy costs achieved is dependent
upon usage patterns and the extent to which
electrical backup is used. The following will assist in
understanding system performance:
Solar radiation is greater on clear, sunny
days, between 9am and 3pm. During periods
of use the system operates at approximately
twice the maximum ambient temperature and
during periods of non-use, it is possible to
achieve well over 90°C.
On days of high radiation schedule washing
loads as close as possible to mid-day.
On low solar radiation days avoid heavy hot
water usage.
Electrical backup, which is thermostatically
controlled and governed by a time-clock,
should be set at 55°C. The time-clock has
battery backup in order to prevent settings
being lost during general power failures. In
order to claim an Eskom rebate, a time-clock
is mandatory. We would advise the use of a
time-clock in any event, as this is the most
efficient method of operating a solar system.
Time-clock settings should, generally
speaking, be set for two hours in the morning
and two hours in the evening. For example, if
you bath at 06h30 and 18h00, set your time-
clock for 04h00 to 06h00 and again for 15h00
to 17h00. Ensure backup time periods do not
coincide with localised load shifting by
municipalities employing ripple relay devices.
This will ensure that if there was not
sufficient solar gain during the day, you will
still have hot water in the evening and early
morning.
Solar systems without time-clocks rely on
thermostats to control when the element
switches on and off. This is not efficient or
cost-effective. An example of this would be,
using hot water in the morning which causes
the thermostat to automatically activate the
element to heat your water. However, this is
when the sun will start to heat your water.
Therefore, if you do not have a time-clock or
it is not programmed properly, you will not
save as much energy as you will use both
electricity and solar energy to heat your
water simultaneously.
An override function is provided on the time
clock so you can over-ride programmed
heating times and heat up your water
electrically. This should only be used when
strictly necessary (e.g. during periods of more
than normal usage when guests are in the
residence) and remembering to revert to pre-
programmed settings. This will save you the
optimum amount of electricity and provide
the necessary reduction in peak-period use.
If you wish to set your timer differently, you
should discuss this with the dealer. However,
your timer must not come on during Eskom’s
peak electricity use periods. These may
change from time to time so please check
with your installer.
