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Want to install my own solar water heating system

  • 30-03-2011 4:33pm
    #1
    iwb
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,398 ✭✭✭


    Our house was built a few years ago and at the time we couldn't afford to put up solar panels. I really don't like to have the immersion on all summer when there is all this 'free' energy about.

    We won't qualify for a grant, as our ESB meter was installed in late July 08 and the cutoff was 30 June. They won't budge an inch on it.

    I got the double coil cylinder put in at the time and everything is in the garage. The roof is pointing in a reasonably good direction to catch the sun.

    I just wondered if anyone else has bought panels and installed them, rather than having a contractor put them in. I have seen kits in various wholesalers and wondered how difficult it would be to install. I am an electrician by trade and highly technical, so I won't have any concerns with wiring or controls. I have also done a lot of plumbing, so that won't be an issue.

    It would also be good to get advice on what and where to buy.

    Any feedback greatly appreciated.


Comments

  • #2
    Carlow52
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,389 ✭✭✭Carlow52


    the weight of the panels as well as making sure the fixing on the roof is secure and watertight would be the only concerns, as well as your own personal safety when on roof.

    There are safety harnesses out there that act like seat-belts so slow movement is okay but a fall= rapid movement will cause it to lock

    Have a secure fixing point on roof first: I used a length of 1" nylon rope down the other side to a few 9" hollow blocks


  • #3
    bertie1
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 509 ✭✭✭bertie1


    I am an electrican as well bought them from a company in Cork , no problem installing them. Straight forward enough. Pm me if you want the details


  • #4
    iwb
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,398 ✭✭✭iwb


    Thansk for the replies. Safety is often last on peoples list. I will definitely do as you suggest and tie on some way or other. I may have a safety harness somewhere.

    pm sent to Bertie1.


  • #5
    corazon
    Registered Users Posts: 114 ✭✭corazon


    I am also looking to do a solar hot water system myself. I will need to replace my cylinder also as it is too small. I have plumbing and electrical experience so don't mind having a go at it. Any advice on brands of panels or cylinders or other pointers?


  • #6
    iwb
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,398 ✭✭✭iwb


    Hi Corazon,

    I have done a fair bit of research and have settled on a supplier for what I need. As I don't need a cylinder, I haven't any idea on that if others here can comment. I have a stainless steel cylinder and one of the suppliers I talked to seemed to think that was overkill but I don't know.

    I have pm'ed you the details of the company I will use.


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