The performance of a solar water heating system in a dwelling in Christchurch, New Zealand

Tests have been made on a solar water heating system installed in a house in Christchurch, New Zealand. The system consisted of commercially-available flat plate collectors connected in a natural circulation loop to an insulated storage tank with electric booster heating. System temperatures, insolation, electricity consumption, hot water usage and circulation flow rates were measured and recorded on a Cassesse-Tape Data Logger, and the data were processed on the Department's mini-computer. Information has been obtained on insolation on an inclined surface and on hot water consumption patterns, as well as on the solar system performance.