We have just bought a new house in south Herefordshire with south facing sloped roof. We have nearly got to the end of our budget but still need to install solar water for our hot water. We have been quoted approx £4,200 all-in for 'Flat plate collector' system from a company offering a 20-year guarantee. Alternatively we can get an 'Evacuated tube collector" for approx £1,200 (but we would need to get an approved plumber to do the installation, so guess we'd be paying about £1,200 for that). However the latter only offer a 3-yr guarantee and the product has only been on sale for 12 months although it is EN12975 approved.
Welcome any feedback on the difference between 'Flat plate' and 'Evacuated tube' in terms of performance. Also, would there be a big risk in going for the second option i.e. are there dodgy solar units out there on the market? If there are, can anyone recommend any really good companies? I guess we're really after any help because we haven't found any independent advice....
Many thanks
Nigel
posted on 15-10-06
£1200 is cheap for good quality evacuated tube. I suspect these are chinese and therefore you do need to be sure the quality is right.
£4200 for flat plate is not excessive but depends on what it includes.
ie. does it include a dual coil tank.
Evacuated tubes perform better in the cooler months and in overcast conditions but in the peak of summer either will work very well.
My evacuated tubes have been up for over three years and absolutely no problems. (thermomax tubes). Cheaper tubes have poorer seals and can loss their air tightness and hence their efficiency.
Justin Lane
posted on 15-10-06
Many thanks Nigel - yes they are Chinese so I guess there must be a question mark on their quality.
arnold w
posted on 15-10-06
i'v just paid £2850 for 200ltr twin coil cylinder and 2x wolf Topsun solar colectors - ie 4 square mtr panels pump station.
plus all fittings
it was fitted my Grisdale Solar on 01260 278644 speak to Denice very knoledge able
don't know what Guarrantee is but they came with good reports from cheshire eco people, good enough for me and the price was excellant with reguard to flat plate or not look back in subjects find simular subject find my e mail address will send you two reports from energy people interesting reading
ta
Tony
posted on 15-10-06
Not necessarily but 4200 sounds too much for the flat plate one. Did the sales person drive an expensive sports car.
Pay back times should be looked at closely before you do it and also a wider market survey.
Andy (www.homebrewpower.co.uk)
posted on 15-10-06
Hi Justin
Evacuated tubes are the best option, they produce plenty of heat.
Try www.navitron.org.uk and ask for Ivan, tell him Andy from www.homebrewpower.co.uk sent you. The prices are pretty much the best in the UK and I have seen one of the units up and running and was amazed at the output. The Navitron units start at £395.00.
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