SOLAR HOT WATER CONTRACTOR INSTALLED
CASE STUDY SHW03
KENILWORTH
INSTALLED:
06 August 2007
FUEL REPLACED
Gas
DESIGNED TO SERVE
2 adults
PROPORTION OF NEEDS MET
Part. This is still being assessed
PROJECT IDEA
What I did:
Installed Solar Hot Water panels
Why I carried out the project:
concern about energy supplies for future generations
What type of equipment was installed?
• Ritter Solar Gmbh highly efficient evacuated tube collectors
• with CPC reflectors, new cylinder, pumps, expansion vessel, pressure gauge, electronic controls, valves and general plumbing and electrical connections
• Cylinder capacity 134litres
Who was the installation company?
Solar Direct UK (via: Simplec Solar Ltd)
What costs were involved?
£7,350 (available Jan’ 2008 for £7,000)
DID I THINK IN TERMS OF PAYBACK?
Yes. Was told 7 – 10 years – appears unlikely
FINANCIALLY WAS DECISION DIFFICULT?
Yes
WAS THIS SOMETHING I OR MY FAMILY DID NOT PURCHASE AS A RESULT?
Withdrew savings – which affected income
WAS THERE AGREEMENT IN THE HOUSEHOLD THAT THIS WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO?!
Yes – by me, By my wife – No!
WHAT I LEARNT FROM THE PROJECT
Being very careful about the system you are considering using.
WHAT WORKED?
System works OK. Installation quick and efficient (2½ days).
WHAT DIDN’T WORK?
Slight leak in a connection developed. Promptly attended to by installers.
UNEXPECTED KNOCK EFFECTS
• Less roof space and airing cupboard space – wife concerned at latter – due to necessary size of hot water cylinder.
• Told house insurance would cover installation without premium increase, In fact insurers informed me, after lengthy correspondence, that they would not cover panels
HOW WERE CARBON EMISSIONS AND PREVIOUS FUEL CONSUMPTION REDUCED?
• Too early to say at this stage.
• Very good hot water supply in summer sunny weather – none in dull dark winter days!
• Note: hot water only – does not supply central heating radiators.
Insert CO2 figures
WOULD I REPEAT THE EXERCISE?
Yes
WHAT WOULD I DO DIFFERENTLY?
Possibly have a bigger hot water cylinder but see above
DO I PLAN TO INSTALL OTHER RENEWABLE ENERGY EQUIPMENT?
Not at present
ANY OTHER INFORMATION?
Information available from: -
• Simplec Solar Ltd, Unit 25B, Woolsbridge Industrial Park, Three Legged Cros, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 65P.
• Tel: 01202 828 264
• info@simplecsolar.co.uk
• www.simplecsolar.co.uk (Please Quote SD 405057)