More on Solar Water Heating...

BertieMeldrew

...I've been talking to a company called Smart Energy. They market solar water heaters. These use light absorption (radiation) NOT heat to heat water. My basic knowledge of physics makes this seem sensible.

They claim to reduce total energy bills by "40% per annum" and claim that since a typical household has a total energy bill of around £2k (ours isn't far off that) then this equates to around £800/annum. To install a system costs £6k (quoted for us)... that equates to two solar heating panels and all the trimmings, installation etc. So you are looking at a payback of 7-8 years (less if oil prices continue to spiral).

The sales guy was actual plausible... I was half expecting what I call "double glazing" tactics but he didn't use them (or he would have been shown the door).

Has anyone any experience of either this company or this technology? Seemingly the government claim "30-60% savings" (where these folks are a little conservative at 40%). (Am off to do some research on this...)

Many thanks...

Cardew

Thats how all solar panels work!

Solar water heating heats domestic hot water(DHW) only(unless these have invented a new system!! which they haven't) - not central heating.

The cost of DHW for the average family is around 100 - 150 pounds p.a. You might save, say, 50% of that i.e. 50-75 pounds a year and with with 2 solar panels that is about right)

Get them to put those figures in writing - of course they won't.

There are plenty of threads on this and you will find that what you have been quoted is an absolute joke!

Cowboys!

woollyjumper

I did a DIY install myself through a scheme run by the Local council - it cost me £2300 for all the equipment, two day course and the small extras I needed for my system.
So even if you add a £1500 on for the time to do it ( 2days if a professional company).
The price is way to high.... shop around a bit more.
It might be that they are also quoting for the more expensive panels which are more efficient - but you only get the benefit in hotter climate.
If you are a competent DIYer - save yourself some money..and reduce your payback time.
Payback also depends on the fuel you use to get your hot water, I am on oil so the savings are greater than if you on main gas.
Lots of good info. out there on the interweb.

http://www.cat.org.uk
http://www.est.org.uk/

paul_h

woollyjumper wrote:

It might be that they are also quoting for the more expensive panels which are more efficient - but you only get the benefit in hotter climate.

That's true - the more expensive evacuated tube systems have only a very marginal advantage this far north. Go for flat plate collectors and save £££s.

As Cardew says, wet solar is limited to domestic hot water heating. The savings are limited by the amount of DHW you use, and how much you normally pay for this. My 5 panel solar DHW system provides virtually all requirements during the summer, but only provides a little pre-heating during the winter months. Bank on the £50-75 saving per annum, but subtract from this ongoing servicing and maintenance costs which some systems require.