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The most easily installed and cost
effective solar energy
system currently available is Solar Thermal used mainly for water
heating.
Other forms, such as photovoltaic, wind, and water are
still either relatively expensive or not appropriate in many locations.
They are however developing quickly and we will be giving them
increaased coverage.
The biggest myth about solar water heating is that it is
extremely expensive.
Many people who are horrified at the cost of gas as price rise follows
upon price rise have considered other ways of heating their water and
will have thought of all that lovely sunshine on their roofs all summer
making their loft too hot for comfort. They have heard on solar water
heating – often via a glossy leaflet which comes with the junk mail –
and a few will have responded to these only to have a smooth talking
young salesman come calling who, after carefully surveying their
property, will give them an estimate of upwards of £6000 even
after any government grant has been deducted. Some companies exhibit
all the characteristics of ‘rogue traders’ starting with quotes of
£11,000 or more and then 'finding economies' which brings is down
to £6000 or £7000.
There is another way!
The cost price of the hardware has fallen dramatically. An
evacuated
tube heat collector which would have cost almost £2000 two years
ago is
now available for less than £400 and there are now ethical
importers
who sell the hardware for whole systems for between £800 and
£1100 depending on type of house. They also provide
advice and training for professional and do-it-yourself installers. An
example of this hardware is that supplied by Navitron.
You should expect to pay between £2500 and £3000 to
an ethical installer for
a
fully installed and operational system for an average one bathroom
house occupied by up to four people. this will give all the hot water
needed in the summer and at least half in spring and autumn. Even in
winter a useful amount of heat is fed into the system.
Installers providing this kind of service are listed on our links page HERE.
What you should expect from such a system
An efficient solar water heating installation will provide about 50% of
the hot water energy required over a year, 100% in the summer 25% in
spring and autumn and a small amount in winter. This is based on four
people using their water efficiently in an average house. Taking tub
baths, and teenagers taking root under the shower are definately extra!
As hot water usage
varies the amount of cash saved will also vary enormously but generally
it will take some time to capital back but saves a lot more than the
interest you would get on that money left in a savings account.
Types of system
There are a great many different
types of solar thermal system ranging from simple hot sheets to
sophisticated equipment with lenses and mirrors used to focus intense
energy onto a small area. In this guide we are going to concentrate on
those used for heating water which are designed for use in domestic or
small scale commercial situations.
Rubber sheets
simple flat panels
sophisticated flat panels
Evacuated tube systems
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