WELCOME TO OUR Solar Cylinders PROJECT
This project is presented by Solar Direct Savings
Summary: How to heat water for your home using solar cylinders and energy from the sun.
SOLAR CYLINDERS
Solar cylinders are used to the store hot water heated by solar panels. Solar cylinders come in a variety of different types similar to conventional cylinders. The exception being that direct cylinders are not available in the solar range. Vented cylinders are fed by gravity from an expansion tank usually situated in the roof space. If the hot water is feeding a shower, however, it may be necessary to install another pump to produce the extra flow that a shower needs. Unvented solar cylinders are dependent upon the cold water mains pressure and will deliver hot water to the appliances at the same pressure.
The main difference between conventional and solar cylinders is the heat source. Until recently domestic hot water was produced by gas, electric, oil or wood burning systems but solar cylinders rely on the sun and daylight to heat water.
There are two types of solar heating systems – evacuated vacuum tubes and flat panels. Although the tubes system is more efficient and can operate at lower temperatures, its appearance is unsightly so the flat solar panel system is more popular because the panels blend into the slope of the roof. Each panel contains thousands of photo voltaic cells that convert sunlight and daylight into electricity which is then passed into the solar cylinder. Cylinders are insulated in ridged polyurethane and are available in standard capacities of 170, 200, 250, 300, 400 and 500 litres.
It is generally accepted that savings of between 60% and 80% can be made by using solar power depending upon the location in the UK and also whether the house is facing south. Houses in the south of England produce the highest return on investment because of the higher incidence of sunshine there whilst those in the north of Scotland produce the lowest return.
The solar heating and cylinders are available in kit form and are aimed at the DIY market and, although the installation is capable of being carried out by a competent DIYer, some support from a plumber and an electrician will be required. The approximate cost of the kits are:
Two bed house £2,000 to £2,500
Three bed house £2,500 to £3,000
Four bed house £3,000 to £3,500
Six bed house £3,500 to £4,000
These costs include VAT and delivery but exclude the cost of installation.
The Feed–in Tariff system (FiT) came into operation in UK in April 2010 and householders producing electricity from green sources can receive 41.3p per unit of power produced for a guaranteed period of 25 years provided that the system is installed by an accredited contractor. It is generally believed that this rate will not be maintained and may be reduced to new installers when this new green initiative is established.
So there’s never been a better time to go photo voltaic!
Was this project useful?
Top Tools
Get the tools to complete your DIY project below
