For a small family, a 20 tube collector is recommended. This array measures 1.4 x 2.1m and weighs 45kgs. It is a compact and neat collector system, which compliments any style of property.
Indirect solar systems are installed to take maximum advantage of high grade solar gain in summer and the low grade solar gain available in the winter months. During an initial survey a Solarsense technician will normally recommend a dual coil domestic water heating installation, according to existing household facilities.
How do Active Systems Work?
90% of our installations have been Active Solar Heating Systems (refer to dual coil system). An electronic controller constantly compares the temperature of the solar collectors with the temperature of the water in cylinder. Whenever the collectors are hotter than the cylinder, the controller switches on the system's circulating pump. A mixture of antifreeze and water is then circulated through the collectors and the cylinder's heat exchanger, heating the cylinder in just the same way as a central heating boiler.
How will they look on my roof, and do they need planning permission?
Planning permission is not needed unless the building is listed or situated in a National Park or Protected Area. In these cases, planning permission may be needed. However, Local Authorities Planners look very favourably on solar energy systems nowadays.
The vacuum tube solar system is a neat, single panel (looking similar to a Velux roof light) unlike the large, old panels you may see on existing roofs.
How is the system installed and is there much disturbance?
Solar tubes are simply installed above the existing tile/slates, with just 2 holes drilled for the pipes. This is an extremely robust system; of the thousands of systems installed by us there has yet to be one affected by storms.
There is little disturbance in the house during the installation as most of the work is carried out in the airing cupboard and loft space. Most systems are installed in 2 days, with the hot water and heating switched off for ½ day. Normally, we will change your existing old cylinder to a new regulation, high grade, insulated tank with 2 coils - one being for solar and the other for the boiler.
Can the solar system integrate with my existing system?
Yes. The Solarsense system can integrate with virtually all systems, whether they are oil or gas boilers, wood burners, Rayburn or immersion heaters. For combi-boilers, a pressurised cylinder is installed either in the loft or in the cupboard. This gives improved performance from the combi-boiler in winter and bypasses it altogether in summer, going directly to the taps.
How much does the solar system do?
A vacuum tube solar system can pre-heat the water for a house boiler in winter and can provide virtually all hot water requirements for the rest of the year. The system comes with a digital controller that shows the hot water temperatures, thus enabling customers to work with the solar system and keep their boiler shut off completely for months.
What about costs?
With the Government showing its commitment to solar power by reducing V.A.T. to only 5% and providing a £400 grant for all homeowners, a strong incentive for a solar thermal installation is given. Furthermore, solar systems have come down in price in recent years. But as each system is tailor-made, we would have to conduct a survey to give an exact cost.
Is it worthwhile due to warmer weather and cheaper fuel?
Yes. Cheaper fuel cannot last. As we fight global warming, carbon taxes are being introduced across Europe. Never mind the ever-increasing real costs of the extraction of oil and gas.
Our hot water usage in the UK is actually increasing year by year. Demand for hot water has increased exponentially with the rise in showers, baths and general requirements. People seem to be 'cleaner' than ever before!
By joining in the widespread installation of solar heating, you will be benefiting financially and helping reduce global warming across the world.
