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Buyers should not select an evacuated tube solar hot water system from tank volume and tube quantity alone. Instead, they should also evaluate the hot-water load, climate, water pressure, water chemistry, roof conditions, backup-heating strategy and local compliance requirements.

The CASSKY evacuated-tube solar water heater product page presents integrated, pressurized and indirect product configurations. This project guide covers the broader procurement decision. Therefore, it explains how an EPC, distributor or project buyer can assess technical fit, supporting evidence and delivery risk before preparing an RFQ.

CASSKY’s public product information provides preliminary configuration guidance. However, buyers must request the exact working pressure, tank material, insulation specification, collector performance, electrical configuration, certificate scope, warranty, MOQ and production schedule for the offered model.


What Buyers Need to Decide First

A suitable solar water-heating system must match both the building and the operating conditions. Consequently, the first review should answer six questions.

Decision questionEvidence required
Can the system meet the daily hot-water load?Draw profile, inlet temperature, delivery temperature, climate data and modeled solar contribution
Does the hydraulic design match the building?Supply pressure, static head, circulation arrangement, pipe layout and system pressure rating
Can the system tolerate the local climate?Minimum temperature, freeze strategy, stagnation control, wind and snow conditions
Do the wetted materials suit the water?Water analysis, tank material, heat-exchanger material and supplier limits
Does the offered model meet the project specification?Model-specific drawings, test reports, certificates and market documents
Can the buyer receive and maintain the equipment?Packing details, spare-tube plan, replacement parts, manuals and confirmed delivery schedule

If the project team cannot answer these questions, it should treat the quotation as preliminary.


Where Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water Fits

Evacuated tubes reduce heat loss between the absorber and the surrounding air. As a result, they can remain useful when the ambient temperature falls below the required water temperature.

However, the evacuated tube forms only one part of the system. The tank, heat exchanger, pipework, controls, backup heater and installation conditions also determine project performance.

Suitable applications

An evacuated tube solar hot water system may suit:

These applications usually offer regular hot-water demand. In addition, the solar system should replace a measurable amount of electricity, gas or another purchased fuel.

Applications that need additional engineering

Some projects require a pumped loop, external storage tank or hydraulic separation. For example, the following conditions usually need additional engineering:

In these cases, a complete system design matters more than the number of tubes.

Conditions that can make the product unsuitable

An integrated rooftop unit may not suit the project when:

For example, a 200-litre non-pressure thermosiphon heater may suit a low-rise building with gravity delivery. However, it cannot replace a pressure-rated hotel system simply because both products have the same tank volume.


Comparing System Architectures

The correct architecture depends on pressure, climate, building layout and maintenance requirements.

ArchitectureConditions where it may fitMain advantagesImportant limitations
Direct thermosiphon, non-pressureWarm climates, simple low-rise buildings and gravity-fed applicationsFew moving parts; no solar-loop pump; compact packageRoof carries the tank; limited pressure capability; potable water may contact the tubes; scaling and freezing need review
Integrated heat-pipe pressurizedVillas and small commercial loads that require pressurized hot waterPotable water normally stays inside the tank; maintenance teams can replace individual tubesBuyer must verify tank pressure, roof load, heat-pipe limits and backup-heater configuration
Integrated indirect-coil systemPressurized supplies, cold climates or projects that require hydraulic separationThe coil can separate the potable circuit from another fluid circuitBuyer must verify coil material, surface area, pressure drop and heat-transfer rate
Central pumped indirect systemHotels, dormitories, multi-building projects and centralized plant roomsExternal storage, controlled circulation and flexible backup integrationRequires more components, controls and commissioning work
Multiple decentralized unitsVillas, cabins or separated accommodation blocksShorter distribution runs and possible phased installationCreates more roof penetrations, tanks and maintenance points

CASSKY’s public product page lists preliminary market-reference configurations from 100 to 300 litres, 10 to 30 tubes and a common Ø58 × 1800 mm tube format. It also describes non-pressure, pressurized and indirect options.

Nevertheless, these ranges do not replace a model-specific datasheet. Buyers should confirm every quoted value before approving an order.


Conceptual Pumped Indirect System

evacuated-tube-solar-hot-water-system-diagram

Figure 1. Conceptual pumped indirect evacuated-tube solar hot water system. The solar heat-transfer fluid remains separate from potable water. Final collector area, tank volume, pressure ratings, safety devices and controls depend on the project.

In this arrangement, a pump circulates heat-transfer fluid through the collector and the lower tank coil. Meanwhile, potable water remains in a separate circuit.

A differential controller normally starts the pump when the collector temperature rises sufficiently above the tank temperature. Then, it stops the pump when the temperature difference becomes too small.

The solar loop also needs correctly sized expansion capacity, pressure relief, air management and filling points. Moreover, the designer must select these components for the loop volume, fluid type, design pressure and stagnation temperature.

The diagram shows a design concept. It does not represent the certified configuration or output of a specific CASSKY model.


Preliminary Product Configuration Boundaries

The following values summarize the preliminary information on the CASSKY product page. Therefore, buyers should use them only for initial screening.

Product itemPreliminary public range or optionProcurement requirement
Tank capacity100, 150, 180, 200, 240, 250 or 300 litresSupplier to confirm for the exact model
Tube quantity10–30 tubesSupplier to confirm
Common tube formatØ58 × 1800 mmConfirm dimensions, construction and replacement compatibility
Hydraulic configurationNon-pressure, pressurized or indirectSelect according to building pressure and climate
Inner tankSUS304 or market-specific optionConfirm grade, thickness, welding and water-quality limits
Outer casingStainless steel or coated steelConfirm material and finish
InsulationApproximately 50 mm PU as preliminary referenceConfirm thickness, density and declared heat loss
FrameGalvanized or coated steelConfirm material, coating and structural limits
Internal coilOptionalConfirm material, area, pressure and pressure drop
Electric backupOptionalConfirm voltage, rating, safety devices and certification
Controller and sensorsOptionalConfirm functions, sensor quantity and communications
Working pressureConfiguration-dependentDo not apply one pressure rating to every configuration
OEM brandingSubject to order scopeConfirm MOQ, artwork, labels, packaging and charges

Project Selection Input Table

Before requesting final sizing, the buyer should provide the following information.

Input categoryInformation to provideWhy it matters
Project locationCity, country and altitudeDetermines climate and applicable requirements
Weather dataIrradiation, minimum and maximum temperature, wind and snowAffects output, mounting, freezing and stagnation
ApplicationRooms, beds, users, meals, shifts or process cyclesEstablishes the source of hot-water demand
Daily demandLitres per day at a stated temperatureDefines daily thermal energy
Draw profileHourly or 15-minute consumption where availableDetermines storage and peak recovery
Cold-water temperatureMonthly or design inlet temperatureDirectly affects heating energy
Delivery temperatureNormal setpoint and sanitation requirementAffects collector output and backup demand
Water pressureMinimum, normal and maximum pressureDetermines tank and heat-exchanger requirements
Water qualityHardness, chlorides, pH and conductivityInfluences corrosion and scaling
Roof conditionsArea, slope, orientation, shading and structureDetermines installation feasibility
Plant roomSpace, drainage, access and service clearanceAffects external equipment selection
Existing backupBoiler, electric heater, heat pump or other sourceDefines control and hydraulic integration
Electrical supplyVoltage, frequency, phase and available powerSupports pumps, controls and backup heaters
Destination marketCountry, region and required programDetermines compliance documentation
Procurement planQuantity, delivery date and destinationSupports production and logistics planning
OEM scopeBrand, language, labels, cartons and manualsDefines private-label requirements

If a value remains unavailable, label it “to be measured” or “supplier to confirm.” Likewise, identify assumed values as “for sensitivity analysis only.”


Calculating the Daily Heating Load

The first calculation converts the hot-water volume into thermal energy:

Q = m × 4.186 × ΔT ÷ 3,600

Where:

Illustrative load calculation

The following example supports sensitivity analysis. It does not describe a completed CASSKY project.

Assume a guesthouse uses 2,000 litres of hot water per day. The cold-water design temperature reaches 15°C, while the storage target reaches 55°C.

Q = 2,000 × 4.186 × (55 − 15) ÷ 3,600

Therefore:

Q = approximately 93.0 kWh per day

If the project initially targets a 60% solar contribution, the solar system would need to provide an average of:

93.0 × 60% = 55.8 kWh per day

Collector-area sensitivity

A buyer should not divide the load by peak irradiance to determine the final collector area. Instead, the project model should include collector coefficients, pipe losses, tank losses, shading, orientation, load timing and controls.

For early sensitivity analysis only:

Assumed useful daily solar deliveryIndicative area for 55.8 kWh/day
2.0 kWh/m²/day27.9 m²
2.8 kWh/m²/day19.9 m²
3.5 kWh/m²/day15.9 m²

These assumed yields do not represent product ratings. Instead, they show how the result changes when usable solar delivery changes.

For initial weather analysis, the European Commission’s free PVGIS tool provides solar-radiation and temperature datasets. However, weather data alone cannot guarantee solar thermal yield.


How to Compare Collector Performance

A single efficiency percentage cannot describe collector performance across all conditions. In particular, output changes with irradiance and with the temperature difference between the collector and ambient air.

Collector reports commonly use a relationship such as:

η = η₀ − a₁(Tm − Ta)/G − a₂(Tm − Ta)²/G

Where:

Therefore, buyers should compare products using the same reference area, test basis and operating conditions. They should not mix gross area, aperture area and absorber area.

Evidence to request

For each shortlisted collector, request:

For example, a strong optical-efficiency term does not guarantee high output at a high operating temperature. Heat-loss coefficients also affect the result.


Storage and Backup Heating

The collector and storage tank must work as one system. Otherwise, an oversized collector may create frequent stagnation, while an oversized tank may remain at a low temperature and increase backup-energy use.

Storage values to distinguish

Buyers should separate:

Furthermore, projects with concentrated morning or evening demand need hourly analysis. A daily-volume figure may hide a serious peak-capacity problem.

Backup control

A boiler, electric element or heat pump can supply backup energy. However, the control sequence should preserve useful storage capacity for solar input.

For example, a backup heater that warms the whole tank before sunrise may reduce solar utilization later in the day. Therefore, many projects separate the solar-storage zone from the backup-heated zone.


Freeze and Stagnation Protection

Climate protection must cover the complete installation. Vacuum insulation around the absorber does not protect every manifold, valve or exterior pipe.

Freeze protection options

Depending on the product and climate, the designer may consider:

However, the supplier must approve the chosen method. The project team must also check fluid life, concentration, pumping requirements and maintenance procedures.

Stagnation and summer overproduction

Stagnation can occur when solar energy remains available but the building stops using hot water. Schools, dormitories and seasonal hotels provide common examples.

Therefore, the project may need:

Simply covering part of the collector array does not provide a general engineering solution. Instead, the manufacturer should approve any covering method.


Water Quality and Hygiene

Water chemistry affects tanks, heat exchangers, valves and maintenance intervals. Therefore, buyers should provide an actual water analysis rather than rely on a general description such as “municipal water.”

Water data to provide

The analysis should include:

Stainless-steel grade names alone do not prove water compatibility. For example, chloride concentration, temperature, fabrication quality and cleaning chemicals can all influence corrosion risk.

Hygiene and outlet temperature

Hot-water projects also need a hygiene strategy. The World Health Organization’s Legionellosis guidance identifies temperature management, maintenance and reduced stagnation as important controls.

Nevertheless, the project must follow local regulations and its water-safety plan. In addition, the designer should address scalding risk.

A thermostatic mixing valve can reduce distribution temperature where appropriate. However, the engineer must confirm its capacity, location, fail-safe behavior and maintenance access.


Testing, Certification and Compliance

Buyers should distinguish laboratory testing from certification, market compliance, factory quality control and project acceptance. Each category answers a different question.

Evidence categoryWhat it establishesWhat it does not establish
Collector laboratory testThermal coefficients and applicable durability, reliability or safety resultsComplete-system certification or annual project yield
Factory-made system testPerformance of a defined system configurationPerformance of a materially different collector, tank or controller
Product certificationThird-party conformity for the listed models and rulesCompliance of unlisted variants or the installed project
Market documentationConformity with stated destination-market requirementsSolar yield or installation quality
Factory quality controlConsistency of materials, assembly and inspectionField performance after shipping and installation
Project commissioningFlow, controls, temperatures, alarms and functional operationLong-term annual output without continued monitoring

ISO 9806 collector testing

ISO 9806:2025 specifies test methods for the durability, reliability, safety and thermal performance of fluid-heating solar collectors.

Therefore, an applicable report can support collector comparison. However, the report must cover the exact product.

ISO 9806 addresses collector-level testing. Moreover, its scope excludes arrangements where integral storage prevents separate collector-performance measurement. Consequently, an ISO 9806 report does not automatically establish complete-system performance.

ISO 9459 system performance

The ISO 9459 series covers solar domestic water-heating systems through different procedures:

Therefore, the buyer should identify the exact part, test configuration and operating conditions. A reference to “ISO 9459” without a part number provides insufficient evidence.

Solar Keymark

The Solar Keymark scheme rules distinguish collector products, factory-made systems and custom-built systems.

Consequently, buyers should check whether the certificate covers only the collector or the complete factory-made system. They should also compare the certificate model, collector variant, tank, controller and certificate holder with the quotation.

ICC-SRCC

For North American projects, ICC-SRCC separates collector and system programs. According to the ICC-SRCC program explanation, OG-100 applies to collectors, while OG-300 addresses complete solar water-heating systems.

Therefore, buyers should check the exact model in the ICC-SRCC certified product directories. An OG-100 collector listing alone does not create an OG-300 system listing.

Electrical backup components

An electric backup heater requires a separate electrical-safety review. IEC 60335-2-21:2022 covers particular safety requirements for electric storage water heaters within its stated limits.

In addition, the project must confirm national adoption, voltage, wiring, earthing, residual-current protection and ingress protection.

Model-specific documents to request

Request the following files for the offered configuration:

CASSKY does not publish every model-specific document on the product page. Therefore, buyers should request the applicable files during the inquiry.


Factory and Pre-Shipment Checks

The purchase specification should define the inspection plan before production starts. Otherwise, the buyer and supplier may apply different acceptance criteria.

Product checks

The inspection plan may cover:

Packing and loading checks

The buyer may also request:

However, sample inspection does not replace routine factory quality control. Therefore, the purchase order should also define the response to nonconforming goods.


Delivery and Installation Risks

Evacuated glass tubes require careful packing and site handling. Nevertheless, tube breakage risk does not automatically make the technology unsuitable.

Transport questions

The buyer should confirm:

Site questions

Before delivery, the project team should also check:

Furthermore, maintenance teams should be able to replace a tube without dismantling unrelated roof equipment.


Illustrative Project Case

The following scenario demonstrates the decision process. It does not represent a completed CASSKY project.

Project assumptions

Architecture decision

A non-pressure thermosiphon system conflicts with the pressurized building supply. Moreover, several full rooftop tanks would increase roof loading and complicate boiler integration.

Individual pressurized rooftop units could serve separate rooms. However, that approach would create multiple tanks, valves and maintenance points.

Therefore, a centralized pumped indirect system provides the stronger concept for further evaluation. It offers external storage, a separated freeze-protected loop and controlled boiler backup.

Nevertheless, the final decision still depends on roof structure, water chemistry, hydraulic distance, collector coefficients and lifecycle cost.

Next engineering step

At a 60% solar contribution, the conceptual solar target reaches approximately 55.8 kWh per day. However, the sensitivity calculation produces an indicative collector range from 15.9 to 27.9 m².

That range remains too wide for procurement. Therefore, the EPC should complete a project simulation using:

Afterward, the EPC can finalize the collector quantity, storage capacity and backup power.


Commissioning and Acceptance

The commissioning plan should use measurable conditions. A visual check that the pump runs does not prove correct system operation.

Mechanical acceptance

Confirm that:

Hydraulic acceptance

Next, confirm that:

Control acceptance

Then, verify that:

Handover acceptance

Finally, record:


OEM and Distributor Support

The CASSKY product page describes configurable components and private-label options. In addition, the CASSKY support page provides channels for technical files and OEM discussions.

Depending on the project and order scope, buyers may request:

However, buyers should not assume MOQ, tooling charges, lead time, certificate availability, spare-parts commitments or response times. Instead, they should record these terms in the quotation and purchase agreement.


Public Technical Resources

Buyers can access the following public materials:

The CASSKY catalog provides a public download. In contrast, buyers need to request exact model datasheets, drawings, test reports, certificates, inspection records and OEM files.


RFQ Checklist

A complete RFQ should include the following information.

Project conditions

System requirements

Product evidence

Commercial requirements

When information remains unknown, use “to be measured,” “for sensitivity analysis only” or “supplier to confirm.” Consequently, preliminary assumptions will not become hidden contractual requirements.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are more evacuated tubes always better?

No. Tube quantity must match tube dimensions, collector area, climate, storage and hot-water demand. Moreover, excessive collector area can increase stagnation risk.

Can a non-pressure heater connect directly to pressurized mains?

No, unless the manufacturer specifically designs and approves that arrangement. Instead, use a configuration with a suitable pressure rating or hydraulic separation.

Does ISO 9806 certify the complete system?

No. ISO 9806 addresses solar collectors within its scope. Therefore, the buyer needs separate evidence for complete-system performance or certification.

Does a vacuum tube prevent freezing?

No. The vacuum reduces absorber heat loss. However, water inside manifolds, valves and pipes can still freeze.

Can the buyer size the tank from occupant numbers?

Occupancy provides a starting point. Nevertheless, the buyer should also determine daily volume, delivery temperature and peak draw profile.

Does laboratory output guarantee project yield?

No. Laboratory data supports engineering calculations. In contrast, actual yield also depends on weather, orientation, shading, storage, controls, pipe losses, consumption and maintenance.

What should an OEM buyer verify?

The buyer should verify the exact model, bill of materials, pressure rating, electrical configuration, test scope, certificates, artwork, packing, inspection criteria, spares, lead time and warranty. Finally, the buyer should place every agreed requirement in the quotation or contract.


Request a Preliminary CASSKY Selection

For an initial evacuated tube solar hot water review, submit:

CASSKY can then review the possible system architecture and identify the technical files that apply to the proposed configuration. After that, the buyer can request model-specific drawings, test information and a commercial quotation.

Final selection should rely on the confirmed product configuration, project conditions and approved technical submittal—not on a generic tube quantity or tank-volume claim.

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