Evacuated solar tube technology has significantly improved the efficiency of solar hot water systems with efficiency gains of up to 40% over traditional 'flat plate' solar hot water heaters. Habitat Hardware recommends Apricus solar hot water heaters.
Habitat Hardware and SALA Homes have tested many flat plate and evacuated tube solar hot water heaters over the years and have found the Apricus system to be more cost effective, efficient and easiest to install and maintain. While relatively new to Australia, Apricus is a global company with its own manufacturing plants which gives it significant cost, technological and quality control advantages over many other evacuated tube solar hot water manufacturers.
To see how an evacuated solar hot water heater differs from traditional solar hot water heaters click here.
The Apricus Advantage
- High efficiency solar conversion - provides up to 40% greater heat output than traditional flat plate systems.
- Passively tracks the sun.
- Lightweight and easy to install.
- Competitively priced, flexible payment options.
- Flexible mounting options
- Reliable and Durable
- Maintenance Free
- No pollution risk
- Meets both Australian and International standards
- Generous Government rebates and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
- Suitable for solar thermal heating and cooling applications
Installing just one Apricus solar thermal collector can reduce CO2 levels as much as planting more than 200 trees and is the perfect choice for people wanting to become part of the SOLUTION by reducing their carbon footprint.
Options
Standard systems come with a glass lined storage tank, however a stainless steel tank upgrade is available.
An electric hot water booster is included with the standard Apricus hot water heater, however an LPG or natural gas booster is available.
Collector sizes vary depending on the solar exposure in a particular area and on your hot water consumption rate, however collectors are available in 10, 20 and 30 tube models.
Pricing
The cost of an Apricus solar hot water heater varies depending on the size of the system you install which will be determined by the number of people in your household and the geographical area in which you live. However, the cost of systems start at $3643 (excluding rebates and installation). The Solar Hot Water pricing table will give you a better idea of the cost of systems. We suggest that you contact one of the Habitat staff members to discuss your individual requirements before placing an order.
Other applications
Apricus solar thermal systems are also widely used in commercial applications to provide hot water, space heating, industrial hot water and air-conditioning. If you are interested in non-residential solar thermal applications please contact us directly. These are very specialised applications of the system and require consultation.
Other cost-effective Habitat Hardware products that will further reduce you environmental impact include:
Photovoltaic solar electricity panels - generate your own electricity.
With generous government grants as well as Renewable Energy
Certificates (RECs) photovoltaic systems are now remarkably
affordable. Have a 1 Kw solar energy system for as little as $3500 (after rebates)
Water saving shower heads
Habitat Hardware recommends and uses the Eco Shower range of shower roses.
In keeping with Habitat Hardware’s product selection policy the Eco Shower range of shower heads are a locally produced (NSW and QLD), high quality shower rose with a 30 year guarantee and a market leading flow rate of 7.5 litres per minute. Conventional water saving showers restrict the flow of water, however Eco Shower uses a patented system where air in passively drawn into the shower head to modify and improve the delivery of water. This high efficiency range of shower heads deliver significant energy and water savings to homeowners.
Highly efficient T5 fluoroescent lighting
The Philips T5 fluorescent light range is a highly efficient and cost effective lighting solution. It is longer lasting, delivers improved lighting quality and has reduced mercury content compared to conventional fluorescent light fittings – coming soon!
