Little Wenlock C Red
Little Wenlock Carbon Reduction Action Group Newsletter
(Aiming to reduce our carbon emissions)
Newsletter 18
Solar Panels - not just for summer
Little Wenlock and New Works both boast a set of solar panels, CRed asked how they are doing.
Frances & John, Struan, Spout Lane: We had our solar hot water panels installed by Simplee Solar in September 2006.
They are a German make and we have been very pleased with their efficiency. There is a display panel that records the heat generated in kilowatts, which is averaging around 50 kWhs per month.
If it’s a sunny day we will get hot water, even in winter it has reached temperatures of over 60C (which is the recommended maximum for hot water thermostats).
As an example the panel was still warm in March at 7pm when the outside temperature was only 11C.
In summer months the temperature in the panels can reach boiling point, so it will vent steam as a safety valve."
Jacqui Seymour: I had my solar system put in 2005, and it has been providing hot water on all but really foggy days in the winter ever since.
The panels are made up of evacuated tubes, which are said to produce hot water for a longer season than do the flat plate type.
The temperature in my hot water tank gets up to between 40C and 50C in winter depending on how sunny the day, which is adequate for most needs with the occasional bit of topping up.
I have a washing machine with a hot water feed so that it can also take advantage of the free hot water."
Government Grants: There is a grant available until next year, see www.lowcarbonbuildings.org You can get up to £400 towards a system as long as you use an accredited installer and equipment.
These are all listed on the website, as are larger grants for other renewable technologies.
See website for guide prices, always get more than one quote, and use quote to apply for grant online, before going ahead with order.
DIY: for cheap prices, training and back up see www.navitron.org.uk, with kits from £900 - £1,700.
www.solartwin.com have a simple flat plate kit for £2,543, and charge from £3,699 to install.
Did you know: People in hot countries manage without heating even when the temperature drops to
10-15C for up to a couple of months of the year.
Do the right thing: In the past cheap energy was provided by slavery, which was abolished because it was the right thing to do, despite objections that our economy would collapse. We must now wean ourselves off fossil fuel for the sake of the planet and before more wars are fought over what’s left.
Next meeting: Monday 18th May, 8pm, in the Pub.
