Simply put, the sun’s rays heat the solar panel. This heat is then pumped from the solar panel to the hot water cylinder in your hot press. This solar heated water then heats your hot water cylinder for free. The short video below explains this better. Click on it to enlarge.
Q.2
Can I receive financial grant assistance?
A.2
Every existing household (more than 1 year old) is entitled to a government grant for installing a solar panel. It is currently €300/m² of panel installed (€250 for flat plates). Please see our government grant section for more details on the grants.
Q.3
Does a solar water heater produce electricity?
A.3
No. It only heats water.
Q4
Does a solar water heating system consume electricity?
A.4
Yes, but it only costs approx €8 per year to run at current electricity prices. Systems that run off solar powered pump are extremely poor at performing, as you have zero control with the system. If solar powered pumps were efficient, every supplier would be using them, so be aware.
Q.5
Which is better, evacuated tubes or a flat plate solar Panel?
A.5
This is a never ending question that we come across and its not as simple as saying one is better than the other. There are good flat plates and bad evacuated tubes on the market, but lets say you have 3m² of flat plate and 3m² of evacuated tubes (both are average efficiency's).
In summer, on a hot day, these two panels will produce practically identical temperatures and quantities of hot water.
In winter, or a cloudy or windy day, the flat plat panel will lose heat to the atmosphere. This is because it has only one layer of glass (like a single glazed window) to separate the panel from the ambient air. Evacuated tubes on the other hand, have two layers of glass (like a double glazed window) and loose practically no heat to the atmosphere as there is a 2nd layer of glass separating the panel from the atmosphere.
There is also the fact that the heat pipe in the evacuated tube (not present in any flat plate) allows liquid to boil at 30°c due to its negative pressure.
Simply put, evacuated tubes are more efficient than flat plate panels. Some will argue that ascetically, the flat plate panel is more pleasing. In Ireland we need every little bit of extra efficiency we can get, due to our climate. Remember, SEI is offering larger grants for installing evacuated tubes, compared to flat plates.
Q.6
Can I install my solar water heating system?
A.6
Yes. Most systems can be installed in 2 days by any competent installer. One thing to note about doing your own installation is that you may not be eligible for the SEI grant. Under their terms, the system has to be installed by a registered installer. Still, many people wish to carry out their own installation and not apply for the grant.
Q.7
What size is a solar Panel?
A.7
A single 20 tube Panel is 1760 x 1500 x 180 mm. LxWxH A single 30 tube Panel is 1760 x 2170 x 180 mm. LxWxH
Q.8
What happens if one of the solar tubes is broken?
A.8
Firstly, tubes are very strong and not easily broken. If the worst should happen, solar tubes can be replaced very easily. Your Evotherm Panel can operate with several broken tubes, but the efficiency will be reduced. It is recommended that broken tubes be replaced immediately. If a tube has even a microscopic crack, it will turn white in about 2 weeks. Just like the photo below. Remember you have a 5 year warranty with them, so its our problem, not yours.
Q.9
What size solar panel should I use?
A.9
As a rule of thumb, you should install one Evotherm tube for every seven litres of water in the cylinder. There should be 50 litres of hot water per person, per day available to ensure enough water for showering, washing, utilities etc. This is only a guide and many factors need to come into consideration before proper sizing can be calculated, so contact us and we will happily calculate your panel size for you.
Q.10
What direction does the solar panel have to be facing?
A.10
Ideally the solar panel should point directly south. It will operate best facing this direction. East or west is also possible but solar panels may need to be larger to get the same output. Call us and we will look at your case specifically. The diagram below basically states that systems make sense between south east and south west.
A.11
What is the payback period of solar?
A.11
This is dependant on the many variables such as the cost of your system but it can be as quick as 5 years. We can easily calculate the payback period of your specific system. Please contact us. Electricity/gas bills will drop from the day you install it as you will use them less. Also the life of your boiler will be extended by approximately 20% as it will not have to work as hard.
Q.12
Can I update individual components?
A.12
Yes, you can upgrade your pump station, controller or solar water tank at any time in the future if you wish to upgrade.
Q.13
How long is my warranty period?
A.13
The solar panel comes with 5 years warranty.
Q.14
What sort of maintenance is required?
A.14
Under normal circumstances there is no need for any maintenance with your system. It is recommended to change the anti-freeze every 5 years.
Q.15
Will water in the solar system freeze in cold conditions?
A.15
No. There is special solar antifreeze supplied with your kit. This special antifreeze is non-toxic to both humans and the environment.
Q.16
Will my solar panel heat in the winter?
Q.16
Yes. Air temperature has very little effect on the panel as it is heated by solar radiation. Evacuated tube solar water heaters are best for regions where there is less solar radiation as they are generally more efficient than flat plate solar water heaters. To optimise output in conditions with less radiation, we recommend our variable pump speed, advanced controller.
Q.17
What temperature will my hot water reach with solar panels?
A.17
These are average water temperatures reached for an average day in Ireland. Some days will be hotter and some cooler. These temperatures are only relevant for Evotherm Panels. Remember, a hot shower or bath is approximately 45°c.
Autumn
50-60°c
Winter
30-40°c
Spring
45-55°c
Summer
80°c (restricted)
Q.1
Am I going to buy the cheapest system I can get for my money?
A.1
If the answer is YES, then you don’t need to read any further. Go to Google and find as many solar installers in Ireland that you can, get quotes and order from the cheapest guy. More often than not, people don't buy an engineered product, with a technical design and installation requirement from the cheapest guy. This can lead to cheap goods being installed in the easiest or cheapest way. The result is; the system only works “OK”. It may work fine at first and you hand over your cash. 6 months down the road is that company/person still going to be in business and is there a warranty service that you can make claims due to bad installation or faulty goods? Qualpex is a common way of saving money for the un-professional “specialist”. Cheap as chips, but not rated for solar. Ideally, flexible stainless steel piping will be used, as it only has connections on the roof, pump and cylinder. No hidden fittings in the walls and less chance of leaks. Special tools are required and this is what scares many installers away
Q.2
How many installations has this company completed, and can I phone or see some local installations before proceeding?
A.2
A good solar installer will have hundreds of installations completed and should have no problem putting you in touch with a previous customer. Beware of domestic plumbers who claim to be solar specialists. Plumber are great at what they do – Install heating and water systems but when it comes to a knowledge of software for designing solar systems, roof work, working with specialist solar issues or problems, many of them rely on the guy working behind the counter in the hardware store to solve their problems over the phone. This is not the case with all plumbers, but there is an element of it out there as general plumbing work has dried up with the reduction in home building. We have fixed many installations where the plumber has walked away as he was unable to solve issues on site. Also, we have almost 6 years experience installing solar throughout Ireland.
Q.3
My house is a new build and therefore not grant eligible. Do I need to choose an installer that is not registered with SEI, as I'm not getting the grant?
A.3
This is where the self builder see's an opportunity to save by using a installer and product, not registered with SEI. First things first, why are they not registered with SEI? Common reasons are; the panels they supply were not up to EN12975 standards and failed the test. Now there is a 40’ container of these that need to be sold, so they go for cheap or “cash”. Your system will cause more headaches down the line than the saving is worth. Also, where is your warranty if no receipt has been issued? The installer may have failed the SEI training exam as he was deemed unfit to install solar system due to his lack of knowledge of solar system design, or his installation skills.
Q.4
Local installers?
A.4
Try to choose an installer with a good local presence and with a history of successful local installations. We only quote for work within Leinster as our follow up service outside this area would not be very strong. Ask for references from the installer in your area.
Q.5
Will the installer complete ALL the work or will I have to arrange some work myself?
A.5
This is becoming more common. The installer quotes for the work and the price looks favourable. The problem is, he is only quoting for the panels, pump and piping to be installed and is not quoting for the cylinder to be replaced or the electrical work. This needs to be arranged by you. He will give you a list of people to do this work and it will all be made nice and easy. Problem is, “The Blame Game”. There is a leak in your hot press, who is responsible? The pump is not working. Is the pump or is the electrical connection faulty? My roof is leaking. Was it the panel installer or the person who did the piping? We cover ALL the work required for total system installation. We replace your cylinder and recycle old one. We perform the electrical work to connect solar to mains power for the pump. Roof work, plumbing work and we even hoover where we worked in your home!
Q.6
Does the company have insurance and what are the payment terms?
Q.6
Normally a deposit is required and public liability and product liability are required by an installer. We have both insurances and a deposit is required to book you in and begin manufacturing of your “hot press specific” cylinder.
Q.7
What is the warranty with the system and am I given it in writing with my T&C’s?
A.7
You should only use a panel with at least 5 years warranty. This is generally manufacturer’s warranty and covers the cost of the parts. There is also labour warranty. This is the cost for providing the labour to replace the part. We provide 5 years parts warranty and 1 year labour warranty. Our systems has a life expectancy of 25 years. After a month or so, if there are no issues, we don't expect any with our method of installing.
Q.8
How do I compare different panels?
A.8
This is not as easy as it seems. Panels are not black and white and easy to compare. There are test reports issued for all panels that are SEI registered, but the results can be interpreted differently. Most testing is done with the sun facing the panel at noon (if south facing). This is known as peak output. What this way of testing doesn’t take into account, is how the panels will perform with the sun at 45° to the panel, or at 6pm or any other time except noon. We use a solar simulator program to compare different panels at different conditions and this helps us to update the panel design to better suit Irish conditions. Read more here.
