Hi,
I have just started a new build - 2,600 sq ft story and a half, south facing.
I have been talking to a plumber about heating the house and domestic water and he recommended Solar Tubes (Thermomax). Just wondering if anyone has experience of using these as opposed to the ordinary solar plates ??
Would they recommend them ? Do they actually heat the water sufficiently on cold/hazy/dull days ?
I'd also been interested in hearing peoples opinions of solar panels and/or heating in general as I have been in two minds whether or not to install solar.
Some people I have been talking to swear by it but others they the investment does not equal the benefit to get got.
Any help/opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Hi,
I installed 6 SQ Metres Flat panels in my new build 3 years ago - Initial Cost was €6000 (including installation) - Got a grant of €1800 approx. 300 litre Tank was supplied - so that was another saving - So real cost was €3600 approx - At that money they are worth it. The grant is gone now for new builds but I suppose there is more competition in the market.
The critical thing is not the panels but a well insulated hot water tank. My tank temp drops about 1 degree an hour on average - So it's 60 degrees at 10pm, it's 50 approx at 8am the following morning for showers etc.
We're in the house 3 years now - We have 1 electric shower but have NEVER used it. In general we always have plenty hot water. Even last week the panels would have worked quiet well. Most people will have oil or some heating on for 1-2 hours a day which will also heat the water - most important thing is to keep it warm afterwards!
During the summer months on the good days the panels heat the 300 litre tank to 90+ degrees and even if the next 24-48 hours are dull etc the water is still hot.
I think the general research on this forum proves that electric showers are very expensive and that no matter how expensive oil gets it would be cheaper to get the oil to heat the water..........
Hi
We installed 60 solar tubes last summer and we find them excellent. Apparently the Irish weather is more suited to tubes than flat panels as tubes work from day light instead of sunlight which is what the panels need.
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