Solar Hot Water
There are basically 3 types of Solar panel, Flat Plate, Direct Flow, Evacuated tube.
Flat Plate
As its name suggests its a flat panel, comprising of loops of pipework in an insulated frame with a glass cover.They can be sited on a roof above the tiles or in the tiles like a Velux window, or mounted on a frame on a flat roof, or at ground level. A heat transfer fluid within the panel pipework is heated by solar radiation, it is then pumped through a “coil” in a special twin coil cylinder where it transfers its heat to the stored water. It is then pumped back to the panel to be reheated. The whole process is controlled by a solar controller that only circulates fluid when there is sufficient solar gain. The panels are robust and heavy by comparison to other panels.
Direct Flow
A Panel comprising of a manifold with several large glass tubes. Within the glass tubes there are smaller copper or glass capillary tubes to allow the flow in and out of heat transfer fluid within the main tube. As the pump forces the fluid through the capillaries they “gain” heat from the suns radiation, they are pumped back through the manifold to the twin coil cylinder to heat the water. As they have a forced flow, they are very versatile in their installation. They can be fitted vertically or horizontally on a roof or a wall or a freestanding frame. They are lighter and more efficient than flat plates, so use a smaller overall area to generate required heat.
Evacuated Tubes
A panel comprising of a manifold with several glass vacuum tubes. Within these vacuum tubes are specially coated copper conductors which get heated by solar radiation. Within the conductors there is a liquid. As it is heated it turns to vapour and rises up the conductor capillary to a phial located at its top. This phial sits within the manifold. As heat transfer fluid within the manifold is passed over the phial it conducts the heat and transports it to the solar coil within the twin coil cylinder to heat the water. The vapour within the phial condenses back to liquid, sinks back down the conductor, where it is reheated and the process begins again. Evacuated tubes are very efficient and also versatile in their installation. They can be fitted vertically or horizontally on a roof or a wall or a freestanding frame. They are light, efficient and use a minimal area to generate required heat.
In general - all panels will need to be installed in conjunction with a suitably sized twin coil cylinder. These can be open vented, unvented or thermal stores. They are usually about twice the size of a standard cylinder. The lower coil is heated via the Solar Thermal System and the top coil by the boiler or heat pump.
Then average installation is approximately £4000-£6000 installed and cost are affected by type and size of panels chosen, location of panels and the condition of the existing plumbing and heating system - which is normally the biggest variable. If sized correctly they will provide 50-60% of total annual hot water heat requirement.This reduces household fuel costs and cuts carbon emissions, saving money and the environment. It can give a property higher score on its energy performance rating and help achieve a higher level on the code for sustainable homes.
Grant funding is available in the form of the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive). Currently the RHIPP (Premium Payment)is giving £300 for domestic installations for this year with eligibility for the full RHI payment scheme when it begins next year.
We provide a full estimate of performance in line with the government approved SAP(Standard Assessment Procedure) with all our quotations.
We can provide a complete installation service from start to finish, as experienced installers as well as Registered Heating Professionals (RHP) and Registered Plumbers (RP) with the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers (CIPHE). We have full Public Liability Insurance and guarantee all our work, parts and labour for 12 months.
We Specify, Design, Install and maintain our domestic Solar Thermal Systems to best suit your individual situation and requirements.
We strongly recommend an independent structural roof inspection by a RICS surveyor before and after our Solar installation to ensure compliance, and for your peace of mind as well as that of your house insurance provider. It may also be beneficial when marketing your property.
We also strongly recommend an independent SAP survey for your property before we undertake installation. This will indicate current energy usage and carbon production. It will provide an energy rating and highlight the most cost effective energy saving improvements. It can also demonstrate the likely energy and carbon savings made by those improvements.
For further independent consumer advice and information please see:
www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/greenerbuildings/sustainablehomes
