Is solar water heating a viable alternative to gas or electricity? Solar should not be seen as a alternative to gas or electricity, but rather a supplement. Solar cannot totally replace the need for gas or electric heating as there are sometimes days when there is little sunlight. When averaged over a year, a correctly sized solar system can provide about 70% of a household's hot water needs. Providing more than this is unadvisable, as too much heat will be produced in the summer. The hot water system system can easily be automated so hot water is guaranteed regardless of sunlight levels. How long will it take to recoup my investment? Aucklat solar collectors are much more affordable than many other solar hot water heaters. For a household of 4, the price of a full system may not be too much more than a new electric or gas system. Can Aucklat solar collectors be used in cold conditions? Yes.Aucklat collectors can be used in temperatures as low as -30oC, although performance is greatly reduced in such extreme conditions. Good heat output is still achieved in mild sub-zero conditions. What happens if one of the solar tubes is broken? Firstly, tubes are very strong and not easily broken, but if the worst should happen, solar tubes can be replaced very easily.The Aucklat solar collectors can operate with several broken tubes, but the efficiency will be reduced, so it is recommended that broken tubes be replaced immediately. Will water be heated on a cloudy day? Yes. Although the heat output of the solar collector is reduced on overcast days it will still be able to provide heating. If it is a heavily clouded day or raining, then more gas or electric boosting may be required to maintain water at the required temperature. This system will be automated so you don't have to worry about running out of hot water on a rainy day Are the solar collectors noticeable on the roof? If only the collector is mounted on the roof it should blend into the roof design quite well. Aucklat solar collectors are very thin and can be flush mounted on a roof. From a distance they look somewhat like a skylight. Can Aucklat solar collectors be mounted on a flat surface? Yes they may be mounted on a flat roof, or on the ground by using a stainless steel Flat Roof Frame What maintenance of the solar collector is required? Under normal circumstances no maintenance of the system is required. Due to the shape of the tubes regular rainfall and wind should keep the tubes clean. Should a tube even be broken it should be replaced. This, however, is an inexpensive and easy job. Any "handy" person can install a new tube (while adhering to local health and safety regulations). Aucklat solar collectors can operate with several broken tubes, however the efficiency will be reduced slightly.