split system A split system only has the collector panels on the roof. The tank is located where your current tank is. A small electrical pump is necessary to pump the hot water down from the panels into the tank. However, the energy for the pump is offset in reduced heat losses, as the tank is more protected. Roof top
If the ideal location of the collector panels is far away from the location of the old hot water tank, a split system will result in better water usage. The reason is that the hot water is stored closer to where it is used. That means you do not have to wait for the hot water to reach your shower.
An added advantage is the in-built frost support. If the temperature falls below 5 degrees the pump automatically starts circulating the water. That brings warmer water back up to the panels so that the chances of it freezing are reduced.
The disadvantages, slightly more expensive to buy and install.
With roof mounted systems, the tank is directly above the collector panels. The Thermosiphon principle is based on two naturally occurring phenomena, dark objects absorb heat and hot water rises.
Hot water is lighter than cold water, so it naturally flows up into the tank (or rather gets pushed up by the colder water sinking down).
Water flow happens through the mains pressure. As hot water is taken out (from the top), new cold water flows in and gets heated up in the panels.
Using these natural physical laws makes it reliable and cheap to run.The disadvantages: You might not like the look of the tank on the roof.
There are also some situations were the hot water would need to travel too long before reaching your shower. In such cases, a lot of water is wasted and we recommend the split systems.
For more information visit - www.conergy.com.au