Solar thermal hot water, contractor installed
CASE STUDY SHW07
LEAMINGTON SPA
INSTALLED
May 2002.
FUEL REPLACED
Gas.
DESIGNED TO SERVE
4 people.
PROPORTION OF NEEDS MET
(contributor unable to comment)
PROJECT IDEA
What I did
Had Solar Thermal panels installed to heat domestic hot water.
Did you ask if you needed planning consent?
No – the installers said it wasn’t necessary.
Why I carried out the project
To heat domestic hot water.
What type of equipment was installed?
3 (evacuated tube) solar collector panels.
Who was the installation company?
‘Smart Energy’.
What costs were involved?
£5000 approx.
DID I THINK IN TERMS OF PAY-BACK?
I expect costs to be recovered in 25 years (If we move house we have the option of removing the system and reinstalling it at the new house – cost: £400).
FINANCIALLY WAS DECISION DIFFIFULT?
No.
WAS THERE SOMETHING I OR MY FAMILY DID NOT PURCHASE AS A RESULT?
No.
WAS THERE AGREEMENT IN THE HOUSEHOLD THAT THIS WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO?
Yes.
WHAT I LEARNED FROM THE PROJECT
(no comment provided)
WHAT WORKED?
(no comment provided)
WHAT DIDN’T WORK?
(no comment provided)
UNEXPECTED KNOCK-ON EFFECTS, GOOD OR BAD
We had to renew our gas boiler and discovered that the system could not be used with the new boiler – we will thus have to use it as a stand-alone system.
HOW WERE CARBON EMISSIONS & PREVIOUS FUEL CONSUMPTION REDUCED?
Haven’t performed any calculations as yet.
HAVE YOU REDUCED YOUR DEMAND FOR FOSSIL FUELS AS MUCH AS YOU CAN – COULD YOU DO MORE?
Could do more, given more time and money!
WOULD I REPEAT THE EXERCISE?
Yes.
WHAT WOULD I DO DIFFERENTLY?
(no comment provided)
DO I PLAN TO INSTALL OTHER RENEWABLE ENERGY EQUIPMENT?
Not yet.