Solar should not be seen as an alternative to gas or electricity, but rather as a supplement. Solar cannot totally replace the need for gas or electric heating, as there are sometimes days with little sunlight. When averaged over a year, a correctly sized solar system can provide 60%–70% of a household's hot water needs. Providing more than this is not advisable, as too much heat will be produced in summer. The hot water system can easily be automated so hot water is guaranteed regardless of sunlight levels.

QIRUI 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 much more than a new electric or gas system. Depending on your location (solar levels) and current hot water usage, the annual electricity or gas savings will differ. However, in a normal household that spends 25% of its electricity bill on hot water heating, the full cost of the purchase may be recouped in as quickly as 4–5 years through reduced bills. You will definitely make considerable savings over the life of the solar water heater.

Yes. QIRUI collectors can be used in temperatures as low as -30°C, although performance is greatly reduced in such extreme conditions. Good heat output is still achieved in mild sub-zero conditions.

Firstly, the tubes are very strong and not easily broken. But if the worst should happen, solar tubes can be replaced very easily. They are inexpensive and available through your local QIRUI distributor. HAINING QIRUI solar collectors can operate with several broken tubes, but efficiency will be reduced, so it is recommended that broken tubes be replaced immediately.

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 or rainy day, more gas or electric boosting may be required to maintain water at the required temperature. This system can be automated so you don't have to worry about running out of hot water on a rainy day.

Normally yes. Simple retrofit valves can often be used to allow solar to connect to your existing cold water inlet. If your tank cannot accept the solar input directly, an additional storage tank can be installed to pre-heat the cold water prior to entering the existing tank.

If only the collector is mounted on the roof, it should blend into the roof design quite well. HAINING QIRUI solar collectors are very thin and can be flush-mounted on a roof. From a distance they look somewhat like a skylight. You may need to check with your local council regarding building restrictions when installing your solar collector.

Yes, they may be mounted on a flat roof or on the ground using a stainless steel flat roof frame. The collector should be installed at a minimum 20° angle to ensure optimal heat pipe operation.

If you have a system operating in areas with subzero temperatures, freeze protection must be implemented. The easiest means of preventing freezing is to use a controller with a low-temperature setting: when the manifold temperature drops below a certain pre-set temperature (5°C / 40°F), the pump will circulate, warming the collector with water from the bottom of the storage tank. The pump will not run continually — just periodically — with frequency depending on the outside temperature. In extremely cold areas, a closed loop using a glycol/water mix may be appropriate.

No. The QIRUI solar collector's components are all high-temperature rated and non-flammable, so even during strong sunlight with the circulation pump turned off (stagnation), the system will not catch alight or give off any sparks. The majority of the solar collector's components are stainless steel, aluminum, glass or glass wool. The manifold outlet should be fitted with a temperature relief valve, which will prevent the manifold temperature from exceeding 99°C / 212°F.