How it all works

The Main Components

The main components of the EcoSmart solar system are the water storage cylinder, the solar collectors (usually between 1 and 3 panels), a circulating pump, the Hotlogic controller and ancillary energy support [AES] [AES = electric element or instantaneous gas heater]

The solar collectors contain a multi tube copper water way system bonded to a solar absorber plate, the combination of which collects solar energy and transfers it to the water within the collector circuit. The absorber plate system is enclosed in an insulated casing covered with a high strength, low iron glass sheet that maximises energy absorption.

In this open circuit system, the circulating pump draws cold water from the bottom of the cylinder and pushes it up into the solar collectors. The water is heated in the collector by absorbing heat from the sun and continues on its pumped circulation path back to the top (hot section) of the EcoSmart storage cylinder, ready for use.

Next Generation

The multi award winning EcoSmart system brings solar hot water into the 21st century. The system's next generation technology is engineered to maximise solar absorption, increase energy effi ciency and add value to your home. EcoSmart hot water benefits include:

• State of the art collector technology with selective surface coating and tempered low iron glass for exceptional efficiency.
• Thermally insulated cylinders which can be located on ground level for safer installation and easy maintenance.
• The patented Hotlogic processor controls water circulation to suit weather conditions and usage.
• On cloudy days or during heavy usage, the booster automatically tops up the hot water supply.

The EcoSmart cylinder comes assembled with the Hotlogic processor, circulating pump and electric heating element fitted within the cylinders casing.

• EcoSmart next generation split system design eliminates that ugly roof mounted cylinder.
• EcoSmart utilises multi temperature sensors and glass lined vitreous enamel water cylinders.
• EcoSmart cylinders have an electric boost element fitted at mid height enabling maximum solar gain using the lower cold zone, while ensuring you always have hot water available from the upper hot zone.

Get The Most From The Sun

Every EcoSmartâ„¢ solar hot water system thinks for itself thanks to the patented Hotlogic processor technology. Hotlogic constantly monitors and adapts water circulation to suit changing weather conditions and water usage. Hotlogic checks your system over 300 times a day to ensure hot water is available from the cheapest energy source. On cloudy days it automatically engages the back up gas or electric booster. At the same time this next generation solar technology actively protects the longevity of your system. These are just a few of the reasons Metro Solar chose EcoSmart, as they have the most advanced and cost effective system available.

Frost Protection

EcoSmart offers a two stage frost protection system to cope with New Zealand's harsh winter conditions.

• A temperature sensor is fitted to the top of the solar collector panels, and once the outside air temperature reduces to 5ºC, the Hotlogic controller circulates water from the lower solar zone of the cylinder to the solar collector, until the water temperature within reaches 9ºC.
• Should however the temperature in the solar collector continue to fall and reach 2ºC (in the case of a power cut or severe weather) the circulating pump will stop and the frost protection valve mounted on the solar collector will open, discharging a small amount of cold water on the roof to draw warm water from the solar zone of the water cylinder to warm the solar collector. Important: The optional frost protection valve must be installed if you live in an area that experiences any frosts.