The direct system is used in frost free locations, where the ambient temperature never falls below 5 degrees and where water quality is good (less than 600ppm Total dissolved Solids/Minerals). The system is used with one or two Solar Collector Panels dependent on size of the tank.

The direct system, can be installed as a split system (pumped or thermosyphoned circulation methods), where the solar water heater is installed inside the roof away from the solar collector panels or installed as a close coupled system, where the solar water heater is installed outside on the roof and above or higher than the solar collector panels.