About solar panels
Solar thermal panels, or solar water heating collectors as they are also known, are the most popular form of solar energy used in Northern Ireland. The solar panels absorb energy from the sun and transfer this energy to heat water. The hot water is stored in a special, highly insulated cylinder. This cylinder is specially designed for use with solar panels, so you will need to have your existing cylinder replaced if you want to install solar panels in your home.
The panels can provide up to 60% of a household’s domestic hot water needs over a year, and can work even in cloudy or overcast conditions. Peak output will occur during summer months when there is more daylight and solar energy available.
For maximum efficiency, the panels should be mounted on south facing roofs (between South East and South West) at an angle of approximately 30° - 50°, and be clear of any shadows from trees, chimneys or surrounding buildings.
There are two types of solar thermal panels, flat plate or evacuated tube. The evacuated tube panels are a little more efficient, especially in the winter months. They can also be used on shallow sloped roofs, since the tubes can be rotated so that the collectors inside them face the sun.
By installing larger flat plate panels you can produce the same energy output as the evacuated tube panels, and the flat plate panels can be integrated into the roof, while the evacuated tube systems are fixed above the roof surface.
From 2006-08 we undertook a major programme of installing solar thermal panels in suitable houses whenever we were installing new heating systems.
Key points
Panels should be installed on South East to South West facing roofs.
Overshading from trees, chimneys, higher buildings etc. should be avoided as this will make them less efficient.
Electric showers may not be compatible with solar panels if the free hot water is not being used in the shower.
Panels should be installed at an angle of between 30° and 50° for maximum benefit. Some evacuated tube systems can be laid horizontal or vertical and the tubes rotated to give similar efficiency.
Solar thermal panels are normally used to provide domestic hot water only. They are not connected to heating systems.
You will normally require a new hot water cylinder which is compatible with a solar panel. This is usually included in the installation price. New devices have been developed which are plumbed onto the existing tank to make it compatible with Solar Panels. This is particularly useful where space is limited for the installation of a larger tank.
Make sure you have sufficient hot water demand to justify the expense of a solar panel installation.
You may be eligible for a grant to install your solar thermal panels. Call Our office on 028 867 51049 for more information and grant assistance.
Below are a few Solar Panel Installations by OKane Plumbing and Electrics Ltd - Get A quotation here
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