The inclusion of energy efficiency measures in the National Construction Code (NCC) is part of a comprehensive strategy being undertaken by the Australian, state and territory governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The NCC has now been amended for minimum energy requirements and makes the standards mandatory efficiency measures for all building classifications (effective May 2012). New efficiency standards also apply to hot water systems. These requirements will eliminate inefficient solar hot water systems installed on new houses and projects.

Solar Lord was set up in 1998 as a national energy wholesaler with a mission to develop and source solar products for domestic and commercial applications.

The company strives to qualify, test and certify its products and systems to meet – and in most cases exceed – government legislation and regulations; and to promote and assist the development of sustainable energy.

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About Solar Lord

The Solar Lord UTUBE solar hot water system (winner of the 2007 Housing Industry Association Product of the Year), has already fulfilled efficiency obligations on the new NCC due to its superior performance.

98.4 per cent absorber efficiency – Solar Lord’s UTUBE system has set new standards in the industry and is leading efficiency targets without adding an extra collector (flat plate systems under new standards). A single UTUBE collector can heat a 340 L storage tank to meet 65 per cent savings.

2.5 m² roof space – 40 per cent less roof space is required to achieve the same solar input. Solar Lord UTUBE systems only take one half to two thirds of the roof space as other systems for a three to four bedroom house, and saves roof space for other solar applications.

East/west orientation – a unique German design with a high incidence angle modifier allows the collectors to be installed on west-facing and/or east-facing roofs, and tilted to north without compromising efficiency, therefore saving time and money on awkward framing work.

Flexible installation – Solar Lord collectors can be installed horizontally or vertically to suit various roof scenarios.

Low pitch – the system works on low-pitched roofs with minimal impact on performance and efficiency.

Hail impact protection – industry-proven and independently tested.

Replaceable – tube replacement cost $30, with no downtime, plumber, or crane required for replacement.

Natural frost barrier rated to -25° Celsius – a natural frost barrier means that no frost valves or high maintenance Glycol systems are needed for cold areas.

Wind load – Solar Lord hot water is the only solar system to pass the manufacturers’ wind test for AS 4040 and AS 1170. The collectors and its frame can resist wind pressure in cyclone regions and high rise apartment buildings.

Commercial value – most significantly-sized projects in the planning stage are requesting a 60 per cent energy saving for solar hot water to achieve GreenStar ratings. The superior aperture (85 per cent) and absorber efficiency (98.4 per cent) of the Solar Lord UTUBE has made the targets achievable and practical.

The UTUBE has reduced upfront capital costs, increased value for money and has a quicker return on investment in medium and high density apartments alike.

Coupling this industry experience with the most up-to-date, efficient and versatile solar collectors on the market means that whether you are a designer, builder or installing plumber, Solar Lord can assist you to adhere to the new standards from inception right through to handover. Solar Lord is synonymous with sustainable energy that is more efficient without the hassle and extra cost.