Our Solar Hot Water System

[Bradders2175]

Hi All,

I have migrated here from the defunct Navitron forum.
In 2007, I installed a solar hot water system of 20 47mm evacuated tubes, having completed the installation course with Navitron and buying the kit from them. It's fair to say that we have been more than happy with the installation during that time.
Our central heating system is fuel oil. The solar hot water saves us 500 litres per year of fuel oil. The price obviously fluctuates, but would average out a saving of around €500 per year. Initially, I ran with a 200 litre tank, upgrading about seven years ago to a 500 litre solar tank.
The cost of the installation, taking into account ferry crossings, hotel bills, fuel, tolls etc was less than £1500. It paid for itself in three years or less.
I've replaced two tubes in that time. The expansion tank. One fuse on the TDC controller and the circulating pump. The system would not be classed as large enough for a 500 litre tank, but the amount of sunlight here compensates. We probably have eight to nine months of free hot water per year, with pre-heating for the remainder. It's very efficient, even with a 34° pitch (approx) on a South facing roof. Collector temperature in January will often be over 50c.
We had solar pv installed in 2011 with a good feed in tariff, but in reality, the solar hot water was the best buy.

I would highly recommend a solar hot water installation.