Vacuum tubes for hotwater Good or Bad idea

garyh3

OK

Was cosidering putting in Vacuum tubes on the roof to heat the water. I was quoted 6,200 for 2 tubes + installation including new copper tank.

The gvt grant is 1,350 so the cost would be after grant of around 4,900

Anyone with experience with this solution. What questins should I ask.

How long do these tubes last ??
Maintenance?

any comments help appreciated

Garyh3

djmc

tubes are good
Gov grant is canceled at moment new one coming in oct wait and see
www.sei.ie
6200 seems a bit high you could buy tank and panels for less than 2000
and install DIY or get quote from plummer for instalation

garyh3

Hi djmc

Thought of that but you would have to get a few people involved.

1st you would have to source the equipment
2nd get a plumber to install a new hot water tank and do the all the plumbing
3rd you have to get someone to put the tubes on the roof and make sure that it is secure agains the elements (i doubt if a plumber will do that)
4th you would probably need an electrician for the controller and any other bits.

2000 say for the panels
1000 say for the plumber (unless im way off)
???? to install the tubes on the roof
???? electrician

You not going to be far off 4000 but then I suppose you get the grant (when its on again October I think phase 2 starts)

Then if it goes wrong who do you call Plumber, electrician, roof guy or the company you got equipment from?

Dont get me wrong I all for DIY and have done a lot in the house. But a 1 stop solution maybe worth the extra piece of mind and guarentee

Garyh3

djmc

solar panels 580euro or
Complete Solar Water
Basic Solar Kit € 1174.53
20tube panel
roof mounting kit
retro-fit coil
Solar controller
Circulation Pump + iso valves
non-return valve
pressure system kit
10m armaflex HT insulation for 1174euro
get a price from a plumer on sei list he should be able to wire a pump to solar controler if
he can wire a plug earth live nutrel

So 1174
-1350 grant = -126 + the plummers work for 1 or 2 days
www.navitron.org.uk were on sei list
6500 seems alot to me
But if you
have the money go for it.
I know someone who paid over 7000 to install a HRV system in there house
that cost 1000 to buy on rvr.ie six grand for a days work rip off ireland is alive and well.

311

I havent installed a solar system yet. I'd imagine though ,that your house would have to be converted to a closed hot water system, envolving a new pump etc.

Theres a lot to take into account ,also alterations would have to be made to your existing heating system to encorporate it with the solar.

You can buy a sony playstation three on the net cheap ,same goes for everything else.

garyh3

Thanks John

Email sent to snip
regards

Garyh3