PowerOptimal Elon® 100 brochure V2.13
V2.13
The PowerOptimal Elon® The Most Cost-Effective Solar Water Heating Solution
Conventional wisdom has it that solar thermal is the most cost-effective solar water heating solution. Well, it is time to update conventional wisdom! The innovative and patent-pending PowerOptimal Elon® breaks the mould in bringing solar PV (photovoltaic) and water heating together in the most cost-effective package ever. Meeting national building regulations on water heating is now made easy with the PowerOptimal Elon®.
With competitive capital cost, very long lifetimes and almost non-existent maintenance, this is the lowest cost per kWh of water heating your money can buy anywhere.
HOW IT WORKS
The Elon® uses advanced proprietary switching technology to allow for direct provision of DC (Direct Current) power from solar PV (photovoltaic) modules to electric geyser and optimised solar power use in a single compact unit. The system can be connected to the grid (AC mains) as well, and intelligently switches between AC and solar power supply. The system requires no inverter and no battery, and can be connected to standard AC geyser heating elements and AC thermostats, which translates into the most cost-effective solar water heating option today.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Based on a lifetime cost per kWh of water heating (Levelised Cost of Energy or LCOE), the Elon® brings you the lowest cost of any water heating option in South Africa at about R1.15/kWh. The average residential price of electricity in South Africa in 2024 (based on a middle-class household in the four largest metropolitan areas) is about R3.12/kWh and increases every year. Reduce your exposure to ever-increasing electricity prices by installing an Elon® system.
There are many other benefits to the PowerOptimal Elon® solar PV water heating system:
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WHAT DOES THE SAVINGS TRANSLATE TO IN PRACTICAL TERMS?
Below is a comparison of the energy cost per shower for various energy supply options.
WHO IS POWEROPTIMAL?
PowerOptimal is an award-winning company with a mission to bring affordable, reliable and sustainable energy solutions to households and businesses across the African continent. The company is built on proven South African electricity demand management technology, with a strong track record of successful installations over more than 10 years.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How can solar PV water heating be more cost-effective than solar thermal? Isn’t solar thermal efficiency much better than solar PV?
It is true that solar thermal collectors are currently more efficient per square meter (area) than solar PV modules in collecting solar energy. However, overall efficiency must also take into consideration factors such as heat loss in piping (especially in winter) and energy use of solar thermal circulation pumps.
Solar thermal system lifetimes range from about 7 years (for cheap imports) to about 15 years for high quality (and more expensive) systems. (In a comprehensive analysis, Sandia National Laboratories found that about 50% of solar thermal systems fail within a 10-year period.) Solar PV modules are routinely guaranteed at 80% performance after 25 years, and the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory uses a lifetime of 33 years in its solar PV system calculations.
Solar PV module costs have dropped dramatically – by over 80% in the past 5 years – and the trend is continuing. This has changed the paradigm. Whilst solar PV systems will continue to require more roof space than solar thermal in the short term, the key issue is not roof space, but cost. Solar PV systems have become cost-competitive to solar thermal, and the much longer lifetimes and lower maintenance translate into a lower lifetime cost per kWh.
What is SANS 10400-XA?
It is a set of energy efficiency regulations that are compulsory for new buildings and for additions and extensions to existing buildings. One of the key requirements of SANS 10400-XA is that no more than 50% of the annual volume of domestic hot water must be heated using grid electricity.
The PowerOptimal Elon® makes meeting this requirement easier than ever before, providing a new cost-effective alternative to heat pump and solar thermal systems.
Do I need to change the heating element on my existing geyser to install a PowerOptimal Elon® system?
Not necessarily. PowerOptimal Elon® works with existing standard AC heater elements, but the best element size (power rating) depends on the size of your solar PV array. If you are building a new house, you can just specify the right heater element from the start. Refer to the table on the next page for a guide or ask the PowerOptimal agent or your installer about the best module & element matching configuration for your needs.
Where can I buy an Elon® system?
For installers and resellers: Kwikot (part of Electrolux South Africa) is the sole distributor of the PowerOptimal Elon® in South Africa. Contact David Crawley (Product Manager: Water Care APAC & MEA) at david.crawley@electrolux.com for more information. International enquiries can be directed to PowerOptimal.
For residential customers: Contact PowerOptimal to get a referral to one of our preferred installers depending on your location.
How many solar modules do I need?
The most important factor here is the total size or power of the solar PV array (measured in kilowatt or kWp) rather than the number of modules. The size of solar PV array required depends on the number of people in the household and your hot water usage levels. A minimum of 1 kWp is recommended. Below is an easy selection guide. Refer to the PowerOptimal Elon® 100 Technical Specifications or the full selection guide (available on the downloads page) for a more detailed guide.
* 6-minute showers at 40 ºC with 8 litre/min (low-flow) showerheads
What is the payback period for an Elon® system?
This depends on your current electricity tariff, how many solar modules you install, your hot water use, and electricity price increases in the next few years, but typically payback period is in the range of 2½ to 5 years. With a typical solar module life expectancy of more than 30 years, this means that you will enjoy at least 25 years of free hot water!
Where can I learn more about the PowerOptimal Elon®?
Visit our website at www.poweroptimal.com or contact the PowerOptimal team for more information and technical data sheets.
CONTACT US TODAY TO GET A QUOTE OR LEARN MORE ABOUT THE POWEROPTIMAL ELON®
Patented:
GB2583814
ZA2019/02129
info@poweroptimal.com
+27 72 794 3037