Our Solar Heating

Lizzie explains why it's so cool, er, hot.
Graphics by Steph,
Titling, captions and uploading done in TubeWiz http://tubewiz.com.
Complex editing stuff in Vegas,
Solar installation by Southern Solar: http://www.southernsolar.co.uk
By the way, the pipes don't really rattle at all...

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• alternative
• energy
• environment
• green
• heating
• saving
• solar
• panels
• tubewiz
• hot
• water

[tubewiz007]

Oh, and the girls still think it's really cool, too :-)

[tubewiz007]

On the whole we're pleased, more so as energy costs rise. There is little to go wrong (zero downtime so far)., and we could theoretically power the pump with a solar cell array+battery+inverter, meaning no electricity from the grid whatsoever. It's expensive though and payback would be in decades! . If you're in sunnier latitudes, you'd need smaller panels: costs would drop dramatically. Today, electricity from solar is expensive and inefficient, but water heating is cheap, easy and effective.

[tubewiz007]

It is hard to get meaningful payback numbers though, as there are too many variations. We decided on 8sqm originally to get a quick reheat time, and to allow for the shadow of the chimney over the panels in the early morning: in the costs of installation, one extra panel over the recommended three wasn't a major factor (scaffolding access was the real biggie, and we were able to combine the install with several other jobs).

[tubewiz007]

The trick is to arrange the gas-powered boiler ("furnace, in US-speak) to switch off around 1/2 hour before the kids finish showering etc. in the mornings. That way, the system starts solar heating with a fully-cold tank, and the energy transfer is at its most efficient. It usually kicks in around 0930, earlier if the weather is good. The tankful is enough overnight most days, and I fill the kettle from the kitchen hot tap during the day too, so it hits our electric bill as well.

[tubewiz007]

Currently, it tops out at about 200 litres (50 gallons) at >75 degrees Celsius. It's a 300 litre tank. The panels' thermal cutout is set to about 102degrees, which limits summertime solar collection when it overheats (it's pressurised, so boiling is above 100), and I'm certain we could produce more if we had a convenient store. I'm looking at adding another tank to increase the capacity.

[dave8819yt]

Well presented by a cutie!

are the solar collectors home made or commercially bought? if so how did you make them or where did you purchase from?

[solarpanels3]

cute cute..

[Anthracite31]

great presentation! Thanks

[321ozzy]

Congratulations with the project, it looks really professional.

What's more, you provide useful tips.

Regards from Mexico

[mdcproject]

lizzie i love you cute girl ..... you are very talened and you shows us how something works in a easy way.....kisses from greece ^^ aki

[AndrewKFletcher]

Loved the video, well put together and amusingly delivered by a young girl who should have a career in television.

Andrew

[ConceptVBS]

Bloody fabulous clip. I wish I could be more resourceful like your father. I would receive quite a bit of browny points from my wife. =D

I'm seriously thinking of looking into this option. I live in Texas, in the USA. Light from the sun isnt a problem here. =D