The time is right to take a serious look at solar water heating. A lifelong interest in energy efficiency and alternative energy has led
Arthur Williamson to a career developing and manufacturing solar energy systems. Regarded as one of New Zealand's experts in solar energy and thermodynamics,
he designed solar panels as part of an alternative- energy research programme at
"Thermocell collectors use an innovative heat-pipe principle that eliminates the need for costly copper, a component of most solar collectors at that time," he says.
Commercial production caught the end of the wave of interest in solar water heating, which arose from the oil crises of the 1970s.
"After an encouraging start, the market waned. By the end of the 1980s, sales of solar water heaters in New Zealand had fallen to a very low ebb," he says.
"In 1991, after retiring from the university, I acquired full ownership of the company and began to build sales slowly through the 1990s."
Business was further boosted by taking on other heat-pipe-based projects, including a successful passive cooling system for telecommunications equipment shelters on the Pacific islands of Tokelau.
"By 2001 it became evident that interest in solar water heating was increasing. With a new partner in 2002, the company has expanded its production capability and is able to keep up with the market."
Thermocell's main production focuses on the solar water-heating system developed by Williamson.
"Other products include passive cooling systems, which are used by a number of telecommunication installations in the Pacific.
"We also offer consulting services in energy efficiency, building- energy audits, passive cooling systems, alternative-energy systems and heat transfer.
"Our staff can design and develop energy-transfer equipment and manufacture prototype equipment at our Christchurch factory."
From a basic staff of three in 2000, the company now employs eight, including two full-time craftsmen plumbers devoted to the manufacture and installation of solar water heaters in Canterbury. It also supplies equipment to installers in other parts of New Zealand.
"Further growth is expected as electricity prices rise and the need for alternative, appropriate energy sources becomes more urgent."
Solar water heating can greatly reduce a household's electricity consumption, says Williamson.
"A solar water heater will usually reduce hot-water electricity use by 50 to 70 per cent, saving up to $400 or more a year."
* Information: phone 982-5000.
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