How expensive is a solar panel heating system

skinbok

Hi all,
I'm new to boards.ie but said I'd wade in and give my tuppence worth. Evacuated tubes seem to give off the best yield per m2. Saying that there are some panels which are gettin very close to the yield provided by the panels. A friend of mine has installed 6 panels (approx 14-15m2) of panels which feed into a buffer tank (1000litre) which feeds his underfloor heating directly which is backed up by an oil boiler and is very happy with it. This tank also feeds his showers, etc. Since UFH only needs 30 - 35 degrees the soloar can provide this easily on most days. Showers only require 40 - 45 degrees so even if the solar cannot provide this temperature constantly the oil only has to top this up by maybe 10 degrees.

bluepost

Has anyone any experience with the <SNIP>? I have gotten a very reasonable price from and I would like to know more about the quality of the product. Thank you.





Mod edit: Please dont post business names here. Read the forum charter.

ccsolar

Hi
Have you checked the SEI Greener home scheme (www.SEI.ie) to see if there registered, from there web site they only supply flat plate collectors and claim to be the market leaders in Ireland,.
Shop around it's the best way to find out if you are getting a good deal, look out for the hidden cost's with regards to piping and fitting.

CC

donegal.

ccsolar wrote: »

Yes , solar panels do work in Ireland even in winter.
If you use a lot of hot water on a daily bases (Kids, showers, washing machine, dishwasher ect) Solar panels will save you a lot of money.
You will have a shorter payback time as you all ready have your cylinder fitted+ the Grant.

CC

washing machines, dishwashers etc dont take in hot water (and the few that do only take in a tiny amount of hot water)

heinbloed

I don't know what donegal has in mind when writing

washing machines, dishwashers etc dont take in hot water (and the few that do only take in a tiny amount of hot water)

but that is simply not true.

If the plumbing capeabilities allow for it simply put a thermostatic mixing valve between the water supply and the machines.

If this is to much then buy a purpose made device, like for example this one:

http://www.olfs-ringen.de/html/alfa_mix.HTM

English manual here:

http://www.solarlink.de/PDF-Files/Alfamix/ALFABedienA4English.pdf

With CE mark, made in Germany etc...

There are many more of these equipments out there. Contact a competent plumber if you don't trust your eyes.

Here another discussion about the issue:

http://www.whitegoodshelp.co.uk/wordpress/can-i-connect-cold-fill-washing-machine-to-both-hot-and-cold-water-supply/

It would be rather stupid not to connect the warm water consuming devices to the cheap thermal supply, be it solar based or whatever.

heinbloed

Ammortisation can be done within 10 years.

See here for a Canadian sample:

http://www.solarthermalworld.org/node/2917

And here for foreign market trends:

http://www.solarthermalworld.org/node/2919


The toy installations (summer supply of DHW only) can hardly be justified.
I haven't seen a single standard domestic installation which can beat efficient gas or oil based thermal energy in price per kWh of delivered energy. Meassured at the tap, at the point of consumption.

Even electricity based water heating systems can beat ST by miles - if using direct electric heating and not storage heating.