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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Why should I consider using solar energy?
• Because of reduced co2 emissions, you can rest assured that’s its better for the environment and you
will be helping to conserve the worlds diminishing supply of gas and oil.
• Utilising the use of solar energy will reduce the impact of rising gas and oil prices and you won’t be so
reliant on these conventional types of fuel.
• Installing a good solar system will add desirability if not value to your home.
How does a solar thermal hot water system work?
The principles are quite straight forward. Solar panels absorb energy from the sun to heat a fluid that is
pumped within a sealed circuit to an indirect coil in a water cylinder. This in turn heats your solar heated
domestic hot water (sdhw).
Where are the collectors fixed?
Our lightweight, compact and high performance solar collectors are easily sited on flat or pitched roofs.
Ideally the collectors should face south, but they work with up to 350 East or West of due south with only a
small loss of total efficiency. With homes that have roofs facing due East / West we are able to fit a system
appropriately called an East West Split, which comprises of a collector on each pitch.
Why should I opt for an evacuated tube rather than a flat plate?
Evacuated tube collectors like the Thermomax heat pipe are superior to flat plate collectors in situations
where there is a big difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the solar fluid.
They are the number one choice in northern and central Europe and in general for all those wanting to
optimise their year round solar gain.
The vacuum within the tube protects the heat absorbing fluid from the outside temperature, reducing the
chance of heat dissipation.
Surely there isn’t enough sunshine in this country to make it work?
Thermomax Solar DHW heating systems use an absorber plate that is coated in a special high efficiency
selective coating that ensures maximum radiation absorption and minimal thermal losses. This means
that it doesn’t rely on just direct sunlight, it uses diffused radiation too so the system can work even on
cloudy days. The Low Carbon Building Trust has calculated that there are sufficient radiation levels across
the whole of the U.K to provide useful energy, especially in the south. The design of the Thermomax collector
ensures that they capture solar radiation at a wide range of angles making them more efficient than
other designs during spring and autumn.
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UK solar irradiation kwh/m2 per annum |
Solar thermal, water & space heating |
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Collector gain |
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So why do I still need a conventional boiler?
Thermomax Solar DHW heating system will provide around 60% of annual domestic hot water requirements,
but an auxiliary power source is required to ensure there’s always enough hot water on demand. In addition,
the boiler will still be required to heat your central heating system. The intelligent solar control will facilitate
between your existing conventional power when there is insufficient solar gain available to heat the
water – particularly useful during the winter months.
How much will a typical system cost?
There is not really a typical cost. It depends on the number of collectors used, type / size of water cylinder,
installation details such as accessibility for scaffolding if required and the complexity of the wiring.
Are there any financial incentives available to install solar power?
Yes. We are approved installers and use approved products recognised by the DTI. Clear-Skies an initiative
funded by the government are offering up to £400.00 to encourage homeowners to install a solar energy
system. We carry all relevant documents and will assist you on completing your application. What’s more a
system that is installed by a registered installer attracts VAT at only 5%. More information can be found at:
http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
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Swimming pool heating |
Typical commercial installation |
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Domestic hot water |
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