Alternative Technology Assn Forums

1. 

   Solarsucker
   Member

   Hi all, Looking for install cost for Evac Tube System. My water heater (elec-offpeak)is on the way out so shopping for a new one. Research suggests Evac tube the best way to go, so looking at Apricus, Hills or AAE.
   Unit prices can be found on the net as well as (suggested)standard install price.
   My question is has anyone got a standard install? Can anyone tell me what a standard install is? Mine is a very simple job yet Im getting quotes around 2 grand for what one described as an afternoon job! And for good luck one slipped another grand on the unit price. Are we just sitting ducks or can we buy the unit and arrange our own install (licensed plumber of course)?

   Posted Friday 19 Nov 2010 @ 5:23:59 am from IP #
2. 

   Solgen
   Member

   I had a Hills system installed almost 2 years ago and am very happy with it. To go from 2000 kWh pa down to 100 kWh pa for hot water is quite a saving in CO2 emissions.
   I don't know what a standard installation is. My panels are about 6m from the tank. The installation took a 1.5 days and cost around $2000. The first day the plumber changed over the tanks so we would still have hot water the following morning (off peak hot water), and installed the frames for the tubes. The second day he completed the tube installation and then the rest of the time was spent running the connecting pipes and setting the system up. I did the electrical part which is relatively simple but probably saved him about an hour. Overall it took about 12-14 manhours for the job.

   Posted Friday 19 Nov 2010 @ 9:23:07 am from IP #
3. 

   amun-ra
   Member

   every install is different but low set tin roof with short pipe run about 1800 plumbing
   300 electrical takes about 1.5 days for 1 man yes you can buy the unit and have it installed by your plumber as long as he is acredited to install solar (qld) if you want rebates which unit are you looking at and in what area ,not selling but will give you rrp for a particular unamed system.if you wish
   20-250-ESM $3834.6

   Posted Friday 19 Nov 2010 @ 11:11:05 am from IP #
4. 

   thatmosis
   Member

   We have evacuated tube system and my wife and I installed it in a day from unpacking to finished. Its simple and should not take a plumber more than that if it is on a fairly simple roof,ie; tin but might take a bit more on tiles or slate..

   Posted Saturday 20 Nov 2010 @ 1:34:10 am from IP #
5. 

   solar_star
   Member

   my electric boosted system was installed on a high set single storey tin roof in 1 day. They started with 3 guys but were down to 1 by afternoon. My tank is inside the house which made life quite a bit more complicated for them. Installation cost was $1600 (melbourne) and included taking the old tank away. Pipe runs to the tank would have been a couple of meters. Electrical required disconnect and connect and I had to pay that separately ($200ish from memory)

   Things to think about :

   to meet the AAE warranty the pump should be where AAE say not where the plumber finds it most convenient. You should read the installation instructions yourself not just rely on the plumber doing his/her job.

   Make sure that the pipework is insulated - this includes where it goes through roof space, under floors etc. If they have to go under the house and cut pipes this is your chance to get insulation slid onto pipes without you spending ages under the house faffing about.

   Posted Sunday 21 Nov 2010 @ 8:09:00 pm from IP #
6. 

   Solarsucker
   Member

   Thanks all for your input,
   Downloaded the Edson AAE installation guide from their website and it included a definition of "Standard Installation Checklist" and lists the following as a standard install.
   Mains pressure water supply
   Single story property
   North facing roof (approx)
   Pitched roof (at least 15dg)
   Same for same boost and tank location
   15m max tank to collector
   Max 6m head pressure
   I probably fall outside of this as I run purely on rainwater on a pressure pump.
   All things considered I'm leaning towards an AAE system but the company didn't answer my email and don't have a distributor in SA. I was given a contact here, looked but so far not bothered to send me a quote.
   Would appreciate any advise as who to contact for an AAE system and will arrange installation myself. (licensed plumber of course)Thanks

   Posted Tuesday 23 Nov 2010 @ 3:57:45 am from IP #

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