Andrew Pollard.
This report describes and examines the performance of the solar water heating (SWH) systems used in the Waitakere NOW Home, the Rotorua NOW Home and three of the Papakowhai Renovation houses.
A variety of systems were used in these houses and performance varied from 75% of the water heating being provided by solar in one of the Papakowhai Renovation houses to 36% of the water heating needs being met by solar in the Rotorua NOW Home.
Reasons for the performance levels are suggested, including sizing, latitude angle, insulation around cylinder, and using timers and thermostats.