Solar Panels & Tubes
Climate change is now a generally accepted fact. This has increased our focus on alternative energy sources, such as solar thermal water heating, and a greater understanding is emerging that even normal daylight is sufficient to generate some hot water via solar collectors and the sunny climes of the continent are not sole beneficiaries of the most abundant power source on the planet, the sun.
The most cost-effective, affordable renewable energy technology currently available for domestic water heating applications today is solar.
Solar water heating systems use heat from the sun to work alongside your conventional water heater. Solar technology is well developed with systems available to suit many applications. Solar energy can be converted into heat to generate hot water for domestic use whilst at the same time helping to reduce carbon emissions and reduce global warming.
The process is simple and effective and entirely renewable – something which has to be good for both the environment and for future generations.
Challenging government targets for renewable energy in new homes has resulted in most new built homes looking at solar as part of their strategy to meet such targets. In order to maximise the benefit from solar, the systems have to be purpose-designed for the application.
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How Solar Thermal Systems Work?
The solar panels collect energy from the sun which heats the fluid in the solar panels. When the fluid in the panels is hot enough, the pump station circulates the hot fluid around the system. The hot fluid is pumped around the coil at the bottom of the solar cylinder and heats the water contained within the cylinder.
The solar controller is the brains of the system, managing the solar system during daylight hours, enabling you to time your hot water, just like a central heating programmer, and measure the amount of energy you have gained from the sun.
If the temperature sensor in the cylinder detects that the solar panel hasn’t collected enough energy to heat the hot water to the required temperature, that’s when supplementary heat source cuts in and tops up the temperature of the hot water so that it comes out of your taps at the temperature required.
A Few Facts
Renewable energy solutions have been around for some time now. Many thousands of Irish homeowners have taken green initiatives in an attempt to reduce their carbon footprint in one way or another, not least of all by installing solar thermal hot water systems in their homes.
How Much Of Our Water Heating Energy Needs Could Be Provided By Solar?
During the summer months as much as 100% of the energy needed could be provided by solar. In winter, despite the lower intensity of the sun’s rays and fewer daylight hours as much as 30% could be solar. On average throughout the year up to 70% of a dwelling’s hot water requirement can be provided by solar power.
The balance is normally provided by traditional means; either indirect (via a gas, oil or electric boiler heating a second coil within the cylinder) or direct (via electric immersion heaters in the cylinder).
Government Grant Assistance
The SEAI provide grants to existing homeowners for installing renewable technologies, including solar thermal hot water systems.
At The Green Build Centre
A Custom-Designed Package
For maximum efficiency, the complete package is custom-designed for each specific application. Solar panels and hot water storage cylinder are sized to meet the requirements of the property.
Solar Collectors
High quality flat panel or evacuated tube solar collectors are supplied as part of the total package. Flat panel collectors are available for ‘on-roof’ or ‘in-roof’ installation – the choice is yours. Evacuated tube solar collectors are only available for ‘on-roof’ installations
Benefits:
• Provides up to 70% of your annual hot water
• Vacuum tube technology provides rapid conductivity and transfer of heat, 30% more effective than flat panel collectors.
• Our Chosen products are designed specifically to work in cold, wet and humid climate conditions.
• Works from dawn until dusk and throughout the year.
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