One of the most cost effective affordable renewable technologies. Uses the light and heat of the sun to heat domestic hot water.
Solar panels (flat plate) or collectors (evacuated tube) are fitted to the house roof. They absorb heat which is transferred to water in a heat transfer system. The hot water is then stored in a large well insulated cylinder for later use.
'I could benefit from this if'
My house roof faces SE, S or SW, could support 3-5sq m of solar panels and there is space inside the house for a large hot water cylinder ( probably twice the size of the current one)
Advantages:
'Free' water heating during the summer months. SWH can provide 50% of a household's annual hot water requirements.
The boiler will be used less and so will last longer.
Low running and maintenance costs. Some systems use a solar powered pump.
No longer needs planning permission, unless the house is listed, or in a conservation area.
Disadvantages:
Simplest to install if existing boiler is traditional type with a hot water tank. Most combination boilers do not accept preheated water - although some of the newer, more expensive ones will.
Building regulations apply. (Installer will know about this)
Hot water will be more available at the end of the day.
Cost:
£3000 - £5000 depending on size and type of installation.
DIY kits are cheaper if you have the expertise. (see the Low Impact Living Initiative (LILI) http://www.lowimpact.org/ 01296 714184 for local courses.)
Could pay for itself in 10 years.
Sources of information:
Energy Saving Trust: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/
Low Carbon Buildings Programme: www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/home has information about grants which might be available, and has a list of certified installers.
Grants of up to £400 only available to people who have already installed other energy saving measures such as 270mm loft insulation,cavity wall insulation if appropriate, energy saving light bulbs and basic heating controls eg thermostats and timer.
Solar panels (flat plate) or collectors (evacuated tube) are fitted to the house roof. They absorb heat which is transferred to water in a heat transfer system. The hot water is then stored in a large well insulated cylinder for later use.
'I could benefit from this if'
My house roof faces SE, S or SW, could support 3-5sq m of solar panels and there is space inside the house for a large hot water cylinder ( probably twice the size of the current one)
Advantages:
'Free' water heating during the summer months. SWH can provide 50% of a household's annual hot water requirements.
The boiler will be used less and so will last longer.
Low running and maintenance costs. Some systems use a solar powered pump.
No longer needs planning permission, unless the house is listed, or in a conservation area.
Disadvantages:
Simplest to install if existing boiler is traditional type with a hot water tank. Most combination boilers do not accept preheated water - although some of the newer, more expensive ones will.
Building regulations apply. (Installer will know about this)
Hot water will be more available at the end of the day.
Cost:
£3000 - £5000 depending on size and type of installation.
DIY kits are cheaper if you have the expertise. (see the Low Impact Living Initiative (LILI) http://www.lowimpact.org/ 01296 714184 for local courses.)
Could pay for itself in 10 years.
Sources of information:
Energy Saving Trust: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/
Low Carbon Buildings Programme: www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/home has information about grants which might be available, and has a list of certified installers.
Grants of up to £400 only available to people who have already installed other energy saving measures such as 270mm loft insulation,cavity wall insulation if appropriate, energy saving light bulbs and basic heating controls eg thermostats and timer.
Solar Trade Association: http://www.solar-trade.org.uk/
Local installers:
A E Solar systems, Sheffield http://www.aesolarsystems.com/
Eco Heat and Power Ltd, Hebden Bridge http://www.ecoheat.co.uk/
Solar Utilities, Rotherham. http://www.solarutilities.co.uk/
UK Solar Energy Ltd, Sheffield http://www.uk-solarenergy.com/
3 comments:
From 6th April 2008 you no longer require planning permission provided certain conditions are met. www.energysavingstrust.org.uk/generate_your_own_energy/planning_permission_for_renewable_energy_technologies gives details.
Which? magazine October 2006 has an article on solar panels. They tested a small selection and rated Construction Resources Azur 6 as best for solar hot water. At 159 x 93 x 11 cm ( H x W x D ) it appears to fit within the 20cm condition for roof mount installations not to require planning permission. Which? say that 2 of the 1.3 square metre collectors are required for a typical family home and give an approximate system cost of £2000 to £3000. Which? is the magazine of the Consumers Association and as such does not accept advertising. I therefore trust them more than many other sources. www.constructionresources.com or 020 7450 2211.
It would be tremendously helpful if Sheffield folk that have gone down this route already could comment on their experiences. Which system did you go for? Who fitted it? How efficient are you finding it? Would you do the same thing again, or do you wish you had made some different choices?
Thanks
Graham
I had a system fitted by a solar water heating interesting enough though the owner paul said that there was not much between the solar collectors interms of performance and that there was no such thing as a solar specilaist as most had only been on a one day training course (he had been fixing alot of solar pecilist installs) and that you were better off with a experienced plumber, interesting point!
Post a Comment