solar panel heating - some "dummy" questions

Robert127

I'm digging around for info re panels etc:

I already have oil fired central heating so I presume I will incorporate that into a new twin coil cylinder as the backup system.

Q) Do you just swap out the existing emersion heater and replace with the new twin coil?

Q) Is there a significant difference between a copper cyl compared with Stainless steel?

Q) There will be a pump to circulate the fluid from the collector around the cylinder. Is there noise from the pump that would be a consideration for its location?

Q) There appear to be two main options: hot water only and hot water + space heating. Is the space heating option worth considering for spring and autumn?

Q) Is the "space heating" option easily integrated into the existing radiator system? Will an extra pump be required?

Q) How much maintenance is required? Can it be done as a diy job?

Q) Are systems roughly the same or are there systems that stand out as being better than the rest?

Q) Kids are a consideration. Would the panels take a knock from a football?

Q) I have a pump for a power shower. Can this be used with the new dual coil cylinder?

Q) Can anyone recommend an installer in the Limerick area?



Thanks. Rob.

quentingargan

Hi Rob,

Q) Do you just swap out the existing emersion heater and replace with the new twin coil?
Yes - the twin coil will usually be larger because you need to store a full day's supply. Your existing cylinder is probably 120L, the new one will have a coil in the bottom heating the full 200 or 300L and a central heating coil near the top, just heating the top 120L or so.

Q) Is there a significant difference between a copper cyl compared with Stainless steel?
Copper can't be pressurised and must be fed by an attic tank overhead. If you want to switch your hot water to run directly off the mains, use stainless. However, larger cylinders are sometimes just as cheap in stainless, and if you are in an area with acid water, stainless will last a lot longer.

Q) There will be a pump to circulate the fluid from the collector around the cylinder. Is there noise from the pump that would be a consideration for its location?
Provided all the air has been properly taken out of the system, that pump should be silent. It is usually mounted inside an insulated pump-station.

Q) There appear to be two main options: hot water only and hot water + space heating. Is the space heating option worth considering for spring and autumn?
Not really in this climate. It works OK in places like Austria where they get a lot of cold but bright days. We get a lot of grey here. The only possible exception is if you have a log gassifying stove and already have a 1500L buffer tank, then you may occasionally get some benefit. Also, the better insulated your house is, the less solar space heating will work, because there is only surplus energy when you need it least.

Q) Is the "space heating" option easily integrated into the existing radiator system? Will an extra pump be required?
If you want solar space heating, it works best with underfloor heating.

Q) How much maintenance is required? Can it be done as a diy job?
If you use antifreeze, it should be changed out every five years. You need to check the pressure on the system more regularly. If you don't have a proper heat dump included, you should check the antifreeze a lot more often as overheating it degrades it. If you are based in Limerick, and use vacuum tubes, you may prefer not to use antifreeze, but rely on the controller. But if you get a power cut and a freeze, you'll wish you had bought a UPS as well...

Q) Are systems roughly the same or are there systems that stand out as being better than the rest?
Well, there ARE cowboys out there. But most systems are pretty good. Flatplates are generally more robust, will last longer, and are less conspicuous, but vacuum tubes, because of their superior insulation, tend to work for more of the Spring and Autumn. If you have a very well insulated house, I would prefer tubes.

Q) Kids are a consideration. Would the panels take a knock from a football?
Eh, nope. Neither will your windows. Tubes are somewhat more vulnerable in this respect (but a lot cheaper to replace). I've never heard of a flatplage being broken by a football, but keep them away from hurling...

Q) I have a pump for a power shower. Can this be used with the new dual coil cylinder?
Yes, but if you change to pressurised hot water with a stainless cylinder, you may no longer need it. Depends on the age of the rest of the plumbing in your house.

Quentin.

ccsolar

Robert

Q) Do you just swap out the existing emersion heater and replace with the new twin coil?
Yes Robert, you can install different sizes but i recommend a 300ltr, you can also go for a Dual/ triple coil, but only do so if you want to burn solid fuel.

Q) Is there a significant difference between a copper cyl compared with Stainless steel?
Stainless steel is best, stronger and lasts longer if the water in yourarea is bad,there is a slight cost difference but very little.

Q) There will be a pump to circulate the fluid from the collector around the cylinder. Is there noise from the pump that would be a consideration for its location?
No, the pump is all most silent. if you stand right beside it and listen you will hear it but it is very faint.

Q) There appear to be two main options: hot water only and hot water + space heating. Is the space heating option worth considering for spring and autumn?
Not really an option in Ireland, some people are doing it but the cost has to be considered.
There are some people on Boards that have done it, perhaps check with them and see if they are happy.

Q) Is the "space heating" option easily integrated into the existing radiator system? Will an extra pump be required?
If you are building a new house yes.

Q) How much maintenance is required? Can it be done as a diy job?
Very little maintenance is required.
You must use glycol to prevent freezing and this needs to be changed every 4-5years.
You can do a DIY job on installing but if you are claiming a grant then you will need to have it commisioned by a registered installer for SEI.
If you are not sure then get an installer to do the job, offer to help and reduce the cost.

Q) Are systems roughly the same or are there systems that stand out as being better than the rest?
OOOOO! . Everybody says there system is the best.
Flat plates are good and strong But the tubes are better performance wise and easy to replace if 1 gets broken.
When buying make sure you get all the extras included as these can cost a bit when installing.
What might have been a good deal at the start can change over night.
Price around and also compare the size of the Grant from the SEI for the system.
A 40 tube system can vary in grant size from €800-€1500.

Q) Kids are a consideration. Would the panels take a knock from a football?
Kids will be kids.
Nothing is Safe, but it is very cheap and easy to replace a tube and most supply 1-2 spare tubes for FREE just in case.If you break a tube the system will also keep working, so there is no panic.
If you break the flat plate it is a different story as you will have to replace the panel, they are Strong but not child proof.

Q) I have a pump for a power shower. Can this be used with the new dual coil cylinder?
Yes, everything works the same unless you pressurise the system.

Q) Can anyone recommend an installer in the Limerick area?

Check the SEI list of installers.

Robert127

Thanks for getting back. Great info. Rob.