Solar
Have you collected your free energy this year?
OK, Solar won't provide hot water all year round but it will produce hot water during the summer months. Using a evacuated tube type collector will give you more hot water over a longer period than a flat plate collector. The reason for this is that the evacuated tube insulates the inner collector and the shape means that more surface area remains perpendicular to the sun for longer and the effects of the wind won't take the heat away by convection. The difference is like leaving a mug of coffee and a flask of coffee out side. Even if you put a lid on the mug to prevent evaporation the difference in temperature between the two even after a short period would still be great.
The system design means that it is able to collect heat from the sun even in winter when light levels are sufficient.
The system has recently achieved BS EN 12975 .
The tubes themselves are able to withstand hailstone impact of *35mm size. Even if one of the tube was broken the rest of the system would continue to function as the tubes are individually sealed and simply plug into a manifold. Replacing a tube is a relatively simple job. The current price for a replacement tube is about £20.
A 20 tube collector, at the time of writing, is only £395 and vented solar cylinders also from £395.
Solar cylinders differ from standard cylinders in that they have an extra coil inside for the solar circuit. This coil is typically much greater in surface area than ordinary cylinders and are thus able to recover the heat from the solar ciruit efficiently. The circuit is designed in such a way as to prevent heat loss from the cylinder or store through the collector at night or during low light conditions.
Solar controllers cost from £75.
With a standard circulatory pump and zone valves the component cost can come in at less than a thousand pounds.
Planning permission?
In West Cumbria it seems that as long as the panel falls within the pitch of the roof and the building is not listed or in a conservation area permission is not required however a pre application enquiry can be submitted to the planning department for clearer guidance on any individual proposal. This service is provided free by Allerdale Borough Council.
If you are interested in some free energy I would be happy to meet with you to discuss the possibilities without any obligation. Contact me
here. A demonstration tube is available for inspection.
* Scource: Navitron.
