Please note:
- Collector peak efficiency is only achieved when ambient temperature and water temperatures are the same. During normal use, this is only likely to happen for a short period of time each day, and usually only when ambient temperatures are high (summer). Therefore during normal use, the solar collector can not always perform at such a high level of efficiency. This is true for all evacuated tube and flat plate collectors, not only SunSurf collectors. In order to provide more realistic figures, the above calculations are based on "normal" operating conditions under which the difference between ambient temp and manifold water temp is around 30-40oC.
- When making comparisons with other products please take the above point into consideration. Do not simply use the peak efficiency values for energy output, as this will provide inflated figures. IAM values also play an important role in determining total energy output from a solar collector. Please
click here to learn more about how to interpret IAM figures.
- Monthly and annual values are calculated using 28 days and 336 days respectively to account for days of very low solar radiation.
- Energy output values are approximations. Actual energy output and overall system efficiency will depend upon installation location, climate, insulation, system configuration and many other factors. On rainy or heavily overcast days energy output will be greatly reduced.
- Energy is produced in the form of heat. In transporting and converting this energy, such as for air conditioning or central heating, some energy (heat) will be lost, as no system or insulation is 100% efficient.
