Solar water heating
Discussion
There are various different types of panels all of which have optimum working conditions, and that means in this country they could be useless for most of the day - I was really dissapointed once I had all the facts, They will wear out before they pay for themselves.
All the claims made by the companies about power expectation and reduced energy costs is very questionable - I was hoping for good things from the course but came away thinking they have zero benefit in this country.
A 3ft by 3ft panel on an average day will produce the same amount of electricity that passes through an analogue phone line - that I am reliably informed will power a 20watt lightbulb for free !
All the claims made by the companies about power expectation and reduced energy costs is very questionable - I was hoping for good things from the course but came away thinking they have zero benefit in this country.
A 3ft by 3ft panel on an average day will produce the same amount of electricity that passes through an analogue phone line - that I am reliably informed will power a 20watt lightbulb for free !
blackcab said:
There are various different types of panels all of which have optimum working conditions, and that means in this country they could be useless for most of the day - I was really dissapointed once I had all the facts, They will wear out before they pay for themselves.
All the claims made by the companies about power expectation and reduced energy costs is very questionable - I was hoping for good things from the course but came away thinking they have zero benefit in this country.
A 3ft by 3ft panel on an average day will produce the same amount of electricity that passes through an analogue phone line - that I am reliably informed will power a 20watt lightbulb for free !
I think the OP is talking about the panels used for hot water rather than electricity generation. Everyone I ahve talked to about this says the former are well worth the investment, whereas they all agree that the latter is a waste of time and money.All the claims made by the companies about power expectation and reduced energy costs is very questionable - I was hoping for good things from the course but came away thinking they have zero benefit in this country.
A 3ft by 3ft panel on an average day will produce the same amount of electricity that passes through an analogue phone line - that I am reliably informed will power a 20watt lightbulb for free !
Yep, Go to the Navitron site ( http://www.navitron.org.uk/).
Solar hot water is one of the few renewable energy sources that genuinely works and pays for itself. You'll need a south facing roof to get the decent returns. For one person, a standard panel of around 2 square metres will be adequate. You could expect it to provide most, if not all of your hot water during the summer, about half during spring and autumn and a fairly negligible amount in winter.
Professional installation companies charge you well over the odds - they're like double glazing companies. Solar can be installed by a competent plumber, but he must read up on what's needed. Solar systems can reach high temperatures and pressures, so some care and sense is needed when installing.
Solar hot water is one of the few renewable energy sources that genuinely works and pays for itself. You'll need a south facing roof to get the decent returns. For one person, a standard panel of around 2 square metres will be adequate. You could expect it to provide most, if not all of your hot water during the summer, about half during spring and autumn and a fairly negligible amount in winter.
Professional installation companies charge you well over the odds - they're like double glazing companies. Solar can be installed by a competent plumber, but he must read up on what's needed. Solar systems can reach high temperatures and pressures, so some care and sense is needed when installing.
Thanks guys the Navitron site is a good read.
I note in the section on photovoltaic panels the FAQ says they are a waste of time unless you have no other power source.
I plan to mount my panel(s) on the flat roof of my garage so can achieve a South facing. Whilst they will not be as efficient I plan to build my own panels.
Steve
I note in the section on photovoltaic panels the FAQ says they are a waste of time unless you have no other power source.
I plan to mount my panel(s) on the flat roof of my garage so can achieve a South facing. Whilst they will not be as efficient I plan to build my own panels.
Steve
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