Rheem 52D180
Roof Top Solar Hot Water System
The 52D180 Hiline® is a roof mounted solar system with proven reliability. Designed in Australia with the tank manufactured in Sydney, the product works via the thermosiphon principle. This simple system operates without circulating pumps and electronic controllers found on split solar models. And with everything conveniently located on the roof, it frees up usable space at ground level while keeping hot pipe work out of reach of young children.
Family size
180
Capacity (L)
1
Collectors
5/3/1 yr
Warranty†
52D180 Hiline Solar: Key Attributes
Optimal Performance
Most suitable for areas that receive medium to high levels of solar radiation, and is suitable for frost prone or harsh water chemistry areas.
Booster Options
The electric boosted model is equipped with an in-tank element. Alternatively the system can be installed as a pre-heater with an inline gas booster water heater.
Ceramic Lined Tank
Corrosion protection for the water heater’s solar tank is obtained by using a proven, high quality vitreous enamel and a sacrificial anode.
Environmental Incentives
There is an incentive resulting in a financial benefit to households that install solar hot water, under the Renewable Energy Target – a Federal Government legislated scheme. Your Solahart Expert can deduct the value of the financial benefit as an upfront discount off your system.
The 52D180 Hiline® is available with either in-tank electric or continuous flow gas boosting. Boosting is a back-up feature that provides hot water during poor weather periods. The electric boosted model will provide a boost volume of 90 litres. There is a larger model designed to suit a larger hot water load. The gas boosted model features an inline 6-star continuous flow gas booster, which only turns on to heat water when the water temperature flowing through it is less than 58°C.
Space saving roof mount design
Reliable, low maintenance operation
Eligible for Government rebates and incentives
Energy Efficient – cuts energy use by up to 60%^%
* The suggested price is comprised of RRP less the applicable solar incentive and excluding installation. Solar incentive value applies to 52D180/1NPT system in Zone 3.
^ Energy savings of up to 70% shown is based on Australian Government approved TRNSYS simulation modelling of a Rheem 52D180/1NPT and using a small load in Zone 3 and apply when replacing an electric water heater. Any savings will vary depending upon your location, type of Solahart system installed, orientation and inclination of the solar collectors, type of water heater being replaced, hot water consumption and fuel tariff. Maximum financial savings off your hot water bill are achievable when replacing an electric water heater on continuous tariff.
† Warranty Details: 5/3/1 warranty; 5 year cylinder and collectors supply, 3 year parts, 1 year labour.
How Roof Top Solar Systems Work
Solar Operation
The solar Hiline system has its vitreous enamel lined solar storage tank installed on the roof directly coupled to the solar collectors. It works on the simple scientific fact that hot water rises. As the sun heats the water in the solar collectors, the increase in temperature causes the water to rise through a copper pipe into the storage tank. This allows cooler water from the solar storage tank to flow into the solar collectors to be heated by the sun's energy. This process continues while solar energy is available and until the water in the solar storage tank reaches a temperature of approximately 75°C.
Automatic safety controls are fitted to the water heater to provide safe and efficient operation.
Orientation of Solar Collectors
To help maximise system performance, solar collectors should be installed with an optimum orientation facing true north (in the southern hemisphere) or true south (in the northern hemisphere). Always check for true north or true south using a compass or other suitable device.
To help maximise system performance, solar collectors should be installed with an optimum inclination. This is equal to 90% to 100% of the local latitude angle when collectors are oriented within 60° of true north or true south, and between 10° and 20° if the collectors are oriented between 60° and 90° from the optimum orientation. Generally, improved summer performance is obtained from an angle of inclination less than the optimum angle and improved winter performance is obtained by an angle of inclination greater than the optimum angle. If the angle of inclination varies by 20° from the optimum angle, the solar collectors will receive about 10% less total annual solar radiation.
solar boosting
In-Tack boosting
An isolating switch is installed in the electrical meter box for an electrically in-tank boosted model. This should be left switched on to allow the booster heating unit to operate if required. The booster heating unit is for heating the water at times of low solar energy gain, such as during very cloudy or rainy weather, or during the colder months. The booster heating unit will only activate if heating is required and power is available from the switchboard. When the water is below the thermostat setting, the booster heating unit will turn on and heat the water. The booster heating unit will automatically turn off when the temperature of the water reaches the thermostat setting. If the water temperature drops below the setting again the booster will re-activate.
In-Series Gas Boosting
An in-series gas booster (also known as a continuous flow gas booster) can be installed between the solar water heater and the hot outlets in the house. This booster should be permanently active. The booster senses the temperature of the water passing through it: if the water temperature is above its temperature setting it does nothing; if below it will automatically heat the water up to the preset outlet temperature setting. This gas booster ensures hot water delivery for a variety of hot water demands without the need for user intervention while enabling maximum solar energy contribution to the water heating. For more information on this booster, consult the owner’s manual for the product.