I have now had the solar panels in use for a week; 7 days ago I had a new hotwater tank fitted, together with all the necessary piping connecting it to the panels on the roof; the water gas heater was then switched off - though I can, of course , use it if and when I wish.
It has, of course, been a spectacularly hot and sunny week! and if the system doesn't work now, it never will! However, that said, I have never had such hot water before and have to be careful not to scald myself in the shower,
The hot tank has a series of buttons to press so that I can see what the temp is (in degrees C) a) in the panels b) at the bottom of the tank c) at the top of the tank. After the first day the temperature in the tank has never fallen below 41 at the botom and 54 at the top - rising at times to nearly 70.
My gas usage for the week (my hob is gas) has been 0.62 unit. This time 3,2 and 1 years ago it was 6.65, 5.67 and 7.77 units.
Today it has been raining for nearly 4 hours so I shall be interested to watch the temperature. More next week
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kendrive
Pro - 2006-06-13 @ 09:01:02
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poohtai
- 2006-06-13 @ 09:16:25
Colin - the company say I should get the cost back in 5-6 years and should save 40% of my gas bill over a year. They also say that the panels work without sun as long as there is reasonable light - whatever that means! I shall find out in due time and will let everyone know.
I was interested this morning - the temperature of the panels at 6am has been 33/34 every other morning. Today it had been raining, here, since 4.30am and at 6, the temp was 31. -
Seems like a big saving Eve.
How long will it take do you think to cover the cost of installation?
I suppose it depends on how much sunshine we get over the next few years.
However, I understand that solar panels work to a degree in overcast situations.