More Detail
Because we have never considered that, “one size fits all” when it comes to Solar, we are offering the kit in a variety of sizes based on your current cylinder size (or you may decide to go at least one size bigger).
Each kit will have the correct size of collector to power the cylinder, based on a South facing uninterrupted roof.
Kit can be fixed vertically to south facing wall
If the sunlight circumstances are less good then add at least one size.
For a flat roof with uninterrupted south aspect we can supply a sloping rig to take the frame.
We can quote for any cylinder sizes not shown
Kit prices are based on Cylinder sizes
VAT included but Note that installation costs for this product for domestic use or charities is at reduced rate of 5%.
120 liter/DS-18-47-1500…………………… £1467.10 plus delivery
150 liter/DS-22-47-1500…………………… £1637.10 plus delivery
180 liter/DS-18-58-1800…………………… £1654.10 plus delivery
200 liter/DS-30-47-1500………………….. .£1866.60 plus delivery
240 litre/DS-24 £1960.10 plus delivery
300 liter/DS-30-58-1800………………….. £2296.70 plus delivery
Payment for all sizes by arrangement-usually bank transfer. Generally the amounts are high for credit cards.
Delivery cost is UK mainland only excluding Highlands.
Because all cylinders are made to order the timescale for delivery will normally be two weeks from order
THE DECISION
A decision to install a solar thermal system is a substantial investment and must be based on an objective assessment of the benefits and disadvantages;the initial costs of both equipment and installation; the lifetime, running costs, and payback of the array.
Third party sources for evidence of cost/benefit are given later.(to follow)
Additionally the investor should add a more subjective view of the benefit to the general environment;reduced reliance on commercial electricity suppliers; and perhaps the fun of measuring both savings and enhanced quality of life.
At this time we offer only Evacuated Tube systems.The primary reason for this restriction is because it allows a closer match than plate collectors between the chosen size of the cylinder and the power output of the solar array,so both being more efficient and more cost effective.
COMPONENTS
The investor needs to consider these key initial components:
The evacuated tube (ET) array.
An ET is a double-walled special glass tube with a vacuum between the walls.At the lower end it tapers into a closed cone.It is initially open at the top end.
Inside it is coated with three metallic layers (giving a dark blue/green colour) to trap sunlight.The heat generated is passed to interior aluminium fins the length of the tube.
In turn that heat is passed to an interior narrow copper evacuated tube (with a small amount of water in it which easily boils in the vacuum) again running the length of the outer glass.
At the top end that tube becomes solid.The copper tube is sealed and plugged into the outer glass ET.The top solid rod fits into slots in a black manifold running across the tops of the tubes.
The manifold has water connections at both ends.
The ET array and the manifold are attached to an underneath dark metal frame which in turn is fixed at a slope.
We show below the typical size of the ET array to match with a cylinder size.
Note the sizing is based on a South facing sloping roof without shadows at any times of the year to give 65C on a summer day
Where there are variations then a larger (one size up) array should be chosen.
The descriptions below mean:
DS= Evacuated tube
18= number of tubes.
47= cm diameter of tube
1500= cm length of tube (add 10cm for manifold).
As a rule of thumb a 47cm tube produces 6.5L of water at 65C per day;a 58 cm 10.00L per day
The new HW cylinder.
Note-our system is not compatible with combi boilers.
A new cylinder is required because the solar system requires a separate and additional compartment from that for the immersion heater.
(Because it is larger than any existing cylinder the existing pipe connections will not reconnect without changes to them.)
Choosing the size is determined in two ways:
First, it is to be understood the solar system is not just augmenting the hot water, it will in the right conditions,augment the central heating to a significant measure.
Where there is an existing cylinder then generally a replacement of the existing size is normal.
Existing systems divide between vented and unvented
The more normal vented is the price we quote
Unvented needs a stainless steel cylinder and for your estimate purposes add £250.00
For a new house a three bed should have 150-200L; and a four bed 200-250L.
The Controller
We supply a top of the market controller with 26 functions and which if well set will beneficially improve your day to day environment and make savings in supplied electricity.It will deal with seasonal and holiday changes amongst others.
It is primarily activated by connected sensors in the manifold and the cylinder.
We recommend it is located so that it is easily accessible at all times.It is supplied connected to a normal 13amp 3-pin plug,so is plug-and-play!
It is supplied in a default setting.
INSTALLATION
We claim our system is DIY.
That can only be achieved with both plumbing and electrical competence and the necessary tools and equipment.
A realistic approach is to allow for the cost of one day each for a plumber and an electrician. For craftsmen with previous experience then half days should suffice.
The installation of the solar array is the most unusual part of the works. It is both heavy and large (but nowhere near as heavy as PV solar installations) and needs appropriate scaffolding and lifting ability.Weights and sizes are given below.
The frame is fixed directly to the roof timbers either by slipping tiles and using the supplied straps or drilling directly through slates and fixing with the roofing bolts to timber.
Note that the frame can be fixed on its own with the tubes subsequently added
Pipework.
Is two sorts:
Rejoining the fixed copper pipes to the cylinder in different positions.
Connecting the array in a closed water loop to the new solar coil in the new cylinder with the supplied preinsulated flexible 20M coil.
For this extra care should be taken with the outside connections to the Manifold to ensure 100% insulation at the one point where the system may be vulnerable to freezing. In addition to drawing back the insulation while making the connection and then returning it to cover the new joint you should consider adding further insulation to remove any possibility of a gap in the insulation.
Anti freeze fluid can be used instead of water but it adds maybe £100.00 to the cost
(note the controller will automatically circulate water if low temperatures are sensed).
Electricals
Installing the controller and connecting the sensors are the main tasks, alongside the new immersion heater. Our Controller comes with a 3pin plug attached-real plug and play!
The investor should consider the benefits of installing a smart meter at the same time, or preferably at an earlier moment, if only to measure changes in consumption.
Other Points
In the unlikely event of tube failure or damage, each ET can be replaced without shutting down the system.
Installing the system does not require special pumping
Each kit will comprise of:-
Twin coil copper solar cylinder (WMA part L Compliant)
Solar Keymark evacuated tube solar collector (Sized to match the cylinder)
Through Roof fixings/ Roof Straps (for slates or tiles)
Single line Pump Station with gauges and flowmeter and pressure relief valve
Solar Controller (top of the range with 26 functions)
Expansion vessel with mounting and connection kit (this will be replaced by a twin wall stainless steel header tank on the atmospheric system)
20 Meters of pre-insulated DN16 stainless steel corrugated pipe.
Drain for solar coil
Fittings to connect pipe to collector, pump, and cylinder.
*(You will need to supply electrical connections for the controller and wall fixings for the pipes and lead slate if required. The immersion heater is also left to you because of varying sizes and lengths requested by the end user)
Each kit will comprise of:-
Information sources:
1
http://www.which.co.uk/environment-and-saving-energy/energy/guides/how-to-buy-solar-panels/how-solar-water-heating-systems-work/
This is an extract:
How to buy solar panels How solar water heating systems work
Types of solar water heating systems
There are two main types of solar water heating panels – 'flat plate' and 'evacuated' tubes (referring to the way in which water interacts with the panel). Evacuated tubes are more efficient than flat plate versions, so are often smaller but generate equal amounts of hot water.
There are also 'drainback' systems. These drain water from inside the solar panel when the pump is switched off to prevent water freezing or boiling inside the solar panel.
Solar water heating explained
The illustration below shows how solar water heating systems work.
Pros and cons of a solar thermal system
Pros
- Solar water heating can provide you with about a third of your hot water needs.
- According to the Energy Saving Trust, solar water heating can save you between £50 (if you have gas central heating) and £85 (if you have electric central heating) a year on your water heating costs.
- From April 2011, owners of solar thermal systems will qualify for cash payments under the Renewable Heat Incentive - a typical household could earn an extra £200 a year on top of what it saves on fuel costs.
- Maintenance costs are very low - most solar water heating systems come with a 5-10 year warranty and require little maintenance.
- Grants of up to £400 are available from the government's Low Carbon Building Programme - but only until the end of February 2011
Cons
- Provides hot water but not electricity.
- You'll still need a boiler or immersion heater to make the water hotter or provide hot water when solar energy isn't available (on overcast days, for example)
- An unshaded, south-facing location is necessary to install solar panels.
- Initial costs are higher than conventional electric and gas-heater systems.
- Solar panels can be heavy, so your roof must be strong enough to take their weight, especially if the panel is to be installed on top of existing tiles.
- The cost of a typical solar water heating system is around £3,000-£5,000 - which works out as fairly expensive compared to the savings you'll make over its lifetime
2
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Solar-water-heating
3
http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/Microgeneration-Technologies/Solar-thermal-hot-water
4
MCS Installers
http://www.microgenerationcertification.org/Home+and+Business+Owners/Microgeneration+Installers/Solar+Thermal
Related Images:
Specs
Collector sizes and weights
Height Width Weight
DS-18-47-1500 1.6 meters 1.22 meters 38.67 kg
DS-18-58-1800 1.9 meters 1.5 meters 53.6 kg
DS-22-47-1500 1.6 meters 1.7 meters 47.3 kg
DS-30-58-1800 1.9 meters 2.5 meters 87 kg
DS-30-47-1500 1.6 meters 2.24 meters 64.5 kg
Solar cylinder sizes
CM
The cylinders are
120 litre 1050x400
150 litre 1300x400
180 litre 1500x400
200 litre 1800x400
250 litre 1800x450
300 litre 1800x500/2000x450