As a former Microsolar user, if you're going for this, use copper or thermoplastic pipes rated for 110°C minimum with acceptable pressure tolerances. Polypipe commonly rated for 80°C max.

Microsolar water heater can reach 95-100°C so thermal degradation is slower. On cloudless sunny day, a 6 hour charge on a optimally oriented MV60THE (270L) without electric hot water heater as backup, it is enough to last 3 sunless rainy days for 4pax 10min shower twice a day for homes with 2 bathroom equipped with hot water with each bathroom no more than 6m radius from the tee branch of the pipe coming down from the solar water heater's hot outlet . All this assuming 1/2" hot water plumbing is used.

Cloudy days can recharge the hot water due to its cylindrical borosilicate tubing with 2 valves (cold downtube and hot riser) and a selective reflector beneath the array of tubes that reflects the sun's rays at the lowest line of sight in the morning or as the sun goes down.

Optimal orientation means the whole solar hot water array regardless of which model you choose is aligned N-S or NNE-SSW or NE-SW. This way, it maximises the time in capturing the sun's energy as it transits across the sky every day.

This post has been edited by halcyon27: Jan 4 2018, 03:32 PM

Hi Halcyon,
I have installed the polypipe for hot water and completed all the house plumbing works. From the information you have provided it seems my hot water piping is not adequately suitable for Microsolar brand. Is Solarwave brand acceptable for my House? I am of impression Solarhot, Microsolar, Summer and Solarwave all are tube heating type whereas Mysolar are panel heating type. I am also of impression only Solarhot and Microsolar does not require additional Tnb supply for heating the water on cloudy days, whereas other brands require Tnb supply thus additional yearly electricity cost.
In my findings with limited resources, excluding Solarhot (expensive Australia Brand), Microsolar is the best in terms of material made, heating capacity, not require additional tnb supply, better efficiency but price is expensive and only 2 years warranty. Whereas Summer, Solarwave and Mysolar comes in 2nd, 3rd and 4th in terms of price, efficiency and all requires additional tnb supply and such extra yearly cost, all 3 comes with 2 years guarantee and 8 to 9 years warranty. Is it true Microsolar is fully Msia made whereas Solarwave is China made and Msia assembled? Please give me some pointers to choose among the above mentioned or other brands in term of efficiency, low initial cost, fast ROI, long lasting, good after sale service. Tq

This post has been edited by Muuru: Jan 4 2018, 04:31 PM

Use the search box at the bottom to search the topic using keywords. Yes Microsolar is manufactured here. I'm not familiar with the other brands except Solarhart which I've used before. No comparison because they use the same collector plumbing design whilst Microsolar's one is unique amongst them.

However, what I said still stands. Microsolar requires copper or if the manufacturer indicates as acceptable, a suitably thermal rated and pressure rated thermoplastic plumbing. You can access the roof space to take a picture of the hot water pipe esp at the printed section. Perhaps that can be googled to find out who manufactured and what model. From there, the thermal performance can be searched if it's rated for 110°C minimum and the pressure is within the limits set by the solar hot water manufacturer. Nothing less, not even 90°C or 100°C for Microsolar because the pipes will be carrying hot water near or at boiling point when sufficiently charged.

Since the plumbing is in place go with the rest like Summer, etc.

This post has been edited by halcyon27: Jan 4 2018, 06:28 PM

Yes. All depend on many factors. Assuming 4 adults showering 10m twice a day and solar water heater at 60 gallons and without using backup heater, piping is same length at no more then 8m in total, the other dependent factors come into play:

If solar water heater array align optimally, solar energy capture duration maximised esp on cloudless sunny days. Assume this is the same.

If raised temperature high enough, thermal decay slower as more cold water is mixed with hotter water. Microsolar at optimal is 95-99°C. Definitely need more cold water to downmix vs at 75°C thus use lesser hot water. This is the main differentiator between Microsolar vs the competition due to her unique design.

If solar capture can be maximised on cloudy days, a higher recharge rate can be obtained even if less than maximum potential. This is the secondary competitive edge between Microsolar vs its competition. Cloudy days recharge rate is where she shines is contributed by her underside reflectors.

This post has been edited by halcyon27: Jan 5 2018, 09:53 AM

If you haven't buy 1 yet, get the Microsolar without the heater model.

That should save you from modify additional cost.

Prices subjected to change so get them to quote. Send them an email. They have 3 models if not mistaken. 28gal/128l, 60gal/270l 80gal/360l.

I bought the M60VTHE for RM4750 in 2008. Installation costs another RM300.

This post has been edited by halcyon27: Jan 5 2018, 12:08 PM

@halcyon27 got the price.

Why you need a solar power or genset for a solar heater?

Your area got always power trip ?

I'm not selling..At post-3 was what I bought the 60 gallon for.

try aquasolar

What was your requirement? It sounded like 2x270l array by that price? Is it a large home with many bathrooms ? There are limits to what works.

This post has been edited by halcyon27: Jan 5 2018, 05:00 PM

What is your requirement? how many users and bathroom?

Normal solar heater that provide heating element, mostly give low power heating element (1.5 or 1kwatt), and it take ages to heat up large tank. You may end up having 2-3 solar panel and 2-3 heating element if you need high volume of hot water.

Such level you need to ask commercial water heater to study and implement. Gas and electric maybe better option, but won't be cheap.

I have this experience 2yrs ago at mt.k. 1 of the hostel is using microsolar. I think got 2unit. But by the night time, it not enough hot water for the occupant. So my friend have to come to my hostel to take shower. Which is an instant heater.

Don't think solar heater is suit for hostel. Even with heater, you need to always ON it.

If you plan to supply good hot water, Normal instant will not be sufficient, you need the high power type like 4.8Kwatt (https://www.panasonic.com/my/consumer/home-appliances/home-shower/jet-pump/dh-4hp1m.html ) When i was staying in Bangkok boutique hotel, they was using older model panasonic 4.8Kw instant water heater, is good and enough to make a hot bath tub.

If just want to provide warm water, not for bathtub, normal instant will do. You need to calculate the load what the possible concurrent load for your hostel.

Haha, that will justify the service provide

The cheapest way to provide hot water is using hot water tank with gas or electric.

Try learn from the western side how they provide hot water without interruption. They are best as this with saving.

One forumer uses this for his home's shower stall. I think it cost RM2500 or thereabouts.

Commercial scale needs different level of solution. Solar needs to combine with co generation. Hot water recirculation is also important to reduce wastage.

Saturday la. Call them again next Monday.

You need to look for the water tank storage gas type. Not instant heater gas type.

Depending how many units you looking. My brother house in Singapore HDB using gas, different brand around 1k SGD with installation.

I m not sure.

Nothing is pointless. To get the cheaper and best, every call and finding is important.

I only have rinai instant heater.