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Accurate payback period calculations

  • 08-07-2008 1:27pm
    #1
    Eurorunner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,393 ✭✭✭


    I don't suppose there are any reputable online 'payback calculators' out there for the various renewable techs?

    Often times, end users are so wrapped up in having adopted new technology or at getting their hands on 'free' energy that the feedback is biased. It doesn't accurately reflect payback.

    For example, if solar is as good as many say it is, then why don't we see whole roofs covered with panels to cover heating AND DHW provision? I know for many, capital costs would be prohibitive - but IF it is worthwhile there are bound to be others with the funds who would go that far?

    Also if renewable service providers could work on the basis of quoting for their systems based on a minimum guaranteed output, that would be useful. Does this happen?


Comments

  • #2
    MickLimk
    Closed Accounts Posts: 188 ✭✭MickLimk


    Eurorunner wrote: »
    I don't suppose there are any reputable online 'payback calculators' out there for the various renewable techs?

    Often times, end users are so wrapped up in having adopted new technology or at getting their hands on 'free' energy that the feedback is biased. It doesn't accurately reflect payback.
    I made an attempt at showing the potential savings with solar water heating some time back on a different thread. Have a search and it should pop up. Can't comment on the others but there are other users who have given 'before and after' oil and electricity costs if you put in the leg work searching.
    For example, if solar is as good as many say it is, then why don't we see whole roofs covered with panels to cover heating AND DHW provision? I know for many, capital costs would be prohibitive - but IF it is worthwhile there are bound to be others with the funds who would go that far?
    Solar works best for Domestic Hot Water (DHW) and is not really that good for space heating. The most obvious reason for this is because solar works best during the summer when we don't need space heating and works poorest in the winter when we need to heat our homes! In Ireland it would always need a backup.
    Also if renewable service providers could work on the basis of quoting for their systems based on a minimum guaranteed output, that would be useful. Does this happen?
    On the solar side, every product needs to be certified to EN12975. This gives information on the output of the panels etc as well as the conditions they were tested under.
    I don't think a minimum guaranteed output would work in the case of solar as technically that would be zero. :)


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