Solar Heating

[Wobs]

Anyone had any actual experience in having one of

these installed on their house?

They seem far better than PV

for solar energy, and with gas prices being what they are, they're

very tempting.

Anyone had any problems with freezing pipes?

malfunctions? lack of anticipated performance? Obviously a south

facing roof is a good start!

I've read plenty of info from

people selling them, and campaigners etc, but not really anyone

with direct experience.

Opinions on them please: the Good,

the Bad and the Ugly!

I'm having a guy from a local solar company around for a chat tommorrow so if you have any questions I'd be happy to find out for you.

[Wobs]

Ooooooh great!

Well questions are very general really.

Things like projected payback.

How do they prevent freezing.

How is the circulation powered (this tends to differ between systems).

Is space heating included in the system.

What sort of temperatures for hot water are achieved at different times of the year with solar heating.

What are the fitting costs, and how much reinforcement of the roof would be required.

Ok, I'll find out and post it back here tommorrow evening.

[Wobs]

Great, thnk you very much.

A useful chart for working out how suitable your roof is:

[Claire]

I'll be interested to hear about that too, thanks adi. From what I hear solar thermal is more useful in this country than pv.

Thanks for the chart Wobs - what are the numbers (units and/or variable)? I'm presuming red means more suitable - is there a minimum recommended figure for it providing useful heat?

[Wobs]

Originally Posted by Claire

Thanks for the chart Wobs - what are the numbers (units and/or variable)? I'm presuming red means more suitable - is there a minimum recommended figure for it providing useful heat?

Percentage of the ideal for getting the maximum performance from a solar panel. So the further it is angled from South facing, the more energy you will lose out on.
(Ok, I worded that really badly, but I hope you get what I'm saying.)

A useful chart to bare in mind whenever you see panels on roofs that are not ideally situated.

Edit: you're right that in saying red is the best angle setting

[Claire]

I understood that fine Wobs, thanks for the explanation

[roqchiq]

You may also be interested to know that the DTI are currently offering grants to people (individuals and community groups) who want to install renewable energy supplies.

More info here:http://est.org.uk/housingbuildings/f...rbonbuildings/

Things like projected payback.

The guy didn't give a quote at the time although he mentioned the usual stuff such as improved property value, clear skies grant, rising energy prices etc. As soon as I get a quote I'll put it up.

How do they prevent freezing.

The pipes are fitted with a liquid comprising glycol and water that can withstand temperatures as low as -34.

How is the circulation powered

The circulation is powered by a pump system.

Is space heating included in the system.

No

What sort of temperatures for hot water are achieved at different times of the year with solar heating.

When the weather is hot the water reaches very high temperatures and a thermostat controller is provided to regulate the water temperature. In winter water is still suitable for all purposes.

What are the fitting costs, and how much reinforcement of the roof would be required.

I spoke to a franchise of the Worcester Bosch Group and they included fitting in the cost of the panel. No additional roof reinforcements would be required.

You can find out more about the product in question here. It has plenty of info plus some technical data sheets for it.