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Air To Water - Add Solar ??

  • 11-06-2009 2:26pm
    #1
    rebellad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 227 ✭✭


    Have my air to water heating system in for the last couple of weeks and am happy enough with it so far (still trying to figure some of it out!!!). My plumber is finishing off his second fix and has said that he could install solar panels for us as well. I have a 300ltr solar integrated tank already so that saves a few euro. My main question is as there is only 2 of us in the house would it be a worthwhile investment now?? Would anyone know if solar integrates well with air to water systems??


Comments

  • #2
    gizmo555
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,948 ✭✭✭gizmo555


    rebellad wrote: »
    My main question is as there is only 2 of us in the house would it be a worthwhile investment now??

    Bit of a "how long is a ball of string" type question, but some issues to consider are:

    (1) How do you heat water now and how much does it cost?
    (2) How much do you use?
    (2) How much of this is replaceable by solar h/w (e.g., do you use washing machines or dishwashers which heat their own water)?
    (3) The lifetime of the system is at least 20 years - do you expect your household size and hot water usage to increase in that time?
    (4) How much does the proposed solar system cost?
    (5) Are you eligible for the grant (if this is a new build, you're not)?

    The short answer is it's probably not a worthwhile investment, certainly in comparison with most other energy efficiency measures.


  • #3
    sinnerboy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,433 ✭✭✭sinnerboy


    Both ATW and Solar Thermal Panels act best ( for space heating ) when they are needed least . In summer .

    The ATW will receive little assistance for the STP's in winter . And plenty of help when needed least - in Summer .

    Spend the €€'s you might otherwise spend on STP's on air tightness measures and / or good heating controls .


  • #4
    Borzoi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,876 ✭✭✭Borzoi


    sinnerboy wrote: »
    Both ATW and Solar Thermal Panels act best ( for space heating ) when they are needed least . In summer .

    .

    True but Solar Panels will heat water to higher temperatures in summer than will the heat pump without losing that efficiency. In fact they should provide all the DHW in summer.


  • #5
    sinnerboy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,433 ✭✭✭sinnerboy


    There will be 2 of them in the house so little demand . The solar panels will require a heat dump .

    Look at HRV instead OP


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