Solar Hot Water systems and trends

[LMagic007]

I thought this topic of Solar Hot Water systems and trends may also be worth revisiting. The technology is evolving and I think its time to review and discuss just what's out there today.

Two Aussie info links below more about the concept of solar hot water, but I'm sure you can contribute with info pertaining to your own country;

http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au...ctsheet_07.pdf

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/publicatio...ral_energy.pdf

Solar hot water overlooked in rush to reduce pollution

WHILE federal and state governments argue over nuclear power and carbon capture and storage, one of the easiest ways of cutting greenhouse pollution is being ignored, energy experts say.

Putting a solar hot water system into a home was the equivalent of taking a small car off the road every year in greenhouse gas reduction terms, said Stephen Cranch, of Solahart.

Mr Cranch said that if solar hot water systems were installed in place of the more than 500,000 hot water systems replaced each year it would significantly reduce electricity demand.

Solar hot water overlooked in rush to reduce pollution - National - smh.com.au

Other ...

Solar Energy Technologies Program: Solar Water Heating


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People are welcome to discuss any experiences they may have had with Solar Hot Water systems.

And more ....... your call ........

[LMagic007]

Johannes Gleede installed a solar thermal panel in the roof of his semi-detached house in south west London ten years ago and paid around £1,500 for it.

From a flat plate solar collector slotted into his roof, water is conducted into a cylinder where it heats. You don't need direct sunlight, just light. And when we visited Johannes' on a December afternoon, the water was certainly hot enough for a shower.

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | The pros and cons of solar power

[LMagic007]

I note this model has 93% solar absorption capability. The article offers an interesting description on this system.

In fact it is very efficient, of the sun light's energy hitting the tube's surface, 93% is absorbed, whereas only 7% is lost through reflection and re-emission.
http://www.solarhome.tv/solar_solutions.html

It would be good to see the independant test results on this product.

In tests carried out by the DTI the system we designed before the LaZer2 system came out as the top performing vacuum tube system, whilst our innovative Solar Tracker won the 2001 Euro Solar Award.
http://www.solaruk.net/

Actually I think the DTI are now BERR

Energy - Introduction - BERR

[spadlet]

Originally Posted by LMagic007

Actually I think the DTI are now BERR

You think correctly

[Windguy]

Funnily enough, the solar hot water argument, was very similar to the one I used on the Liberal Party. I said instead of giving us another tax cut, we should just replace everyones hot water system with solar power, no need for new power plants (would've been exactly the same amount of money too. (2005 I think). What comes in instead, a government subsidy program, which guess what, Solar hot water system prices increase.......... mmmmmmmm.

Oh and all schools got solar hot water too.

To me the Liberal Party would've won far more votes by doing what I said instead of a tax break. And possibly we wouldn't be forking back out our money in interest rate increases.

[LMagic007]

Yes I do think that governments are going to have to be a little more forceful on some of these matters. i.e. re; new hot water systems. I'm not sure if solar down under is mandatory yet ?

I see the current government also rolling out the tax cuts, that are more inflationary, rather than channelling the tax cut into infrastructure, especially infrastructure that's more efficient in terms of operating cost, such solar powered ( with gas or electric boost ) hot water systems.

They could lower household operating costs by forcing householders to only install solar ( with boost ) on new systems and offer better rebates on conversions for existing systems, which would be the same net effect as a tax cut ( by lowering household hot water operating costs ) , whilst also helping tackle the coal fired dependency issue, thus killing two birds with the one stone.

Of course still the problem remains of probable shortage of plumbers to install the systems, which pushes up costs again in the free market. Somewhat of a balancing act it seems. Thus more plumbers need to be trained, as this process of conversions and upgrades is going to be big and long term.

I mean I think that all spending is inflationary to some extent, but some more than others. That though is another discussion for another day.

[Wobs]

From what I've read up on them:
Evacuated tubes are cheaper, and more efficient, but don't last as long.

The flat plate design is more expensive, but longer lasting.

Swings and roundabouts so far.

I'd love one, but don't use enough hot water to warrent it. And in winter, its doubtful it would provide enough for a heavy user without boiler backup.

The nature of the panels means that a south facing roof would be ideal, which limits them for many houses in the uk, although of course there's degrees of how appropriate a house's orientation is.

In the uk, there has been studies which show how little you get in winter, so you just need to temper you expectations.

The costs I've seen have been in the low 1000s, but vary. Payback would be rather long for most in the UK, but some may wish to take the plunge regardless (someone has near us).

The other alternative is making one yourself, although it won't be nearly as efficient, you could paint a radiator black, etc. Ultra cheap, and as such may be worthwhile for some.

[LMagic007]

This is not a plug, as I have no association whatsoever with this group or any other renewable energy supplier group, but talking about how long the tubes last, see this information for this particular brand, regarding warranty on the tubes.

We are so confident in the foolproof design of our LaZer2 solar panels that should any of the tubes lose their vacuum during normal operation in the first 25-years of use we will replace them free of charge!

Solar Hot Water for the UK and Europe

People can make of it what they want and please check themselves to satisfy themselves. I can't vouch on the correctness or otherwise of this information. Research the market broadly for yourselves. I have seen quite a few suppliers offering a 10 to 15 year warranty.

[Wobs]

Cool.
I've also heard of a few cowboy operators in the Uk, but I can't recall which they were. I suspect it wasn't them though.

[forfismum]

ahh for the good old days of double glazing ,the conversion to natural gas was a good time too.