Cutting-edge solar-heating system installed in Rangihaeata house
Installing the high-tech solar-heating system were plumber Paul Gee (left) and electrician Martin Nigl.
Only the second unit of what is currently the most high-tech and quite possibly the most efficient home solar-heating system yet imported into this country has been installed in a new Rangihaeata Road home.
Owner Adriana Morani says she went for the German-engineered Solar Rosa Home hot water and underfloor heating system, even though it came with a $20,000 price tag, because it would repay long-term dividends.
“Basically, I’ll never have to worry about where the hot water is coming from ever again. Even a few days of complete cloud will hardly affect it, that’s how efficient it is,” she says.
Six ultra-sleek solar panels on her roof now heat her 800-litre, insulated steel hot-water cylinder downstairs, which works in conjunction with conducted underfloor heating throughout the 130-square-metre house. The double level Euro-type design dwelling (which comes complete with a spacious al fresco dining deck) works as a heat sink that holds all its heat right down to the plastic exterior door joinery, which doesn’t lose heat in the way that aluminium and even wood does. Another interesting feature of the eco-friendly house is a specially aerated worm farm incorporated into the multiple sewerage tank system, which deals to the waste in the heavy pakihi country.
Gerard Hindmarsh
