"We Understand that installing solar heating is not a decision that's taken lightly and we pride ourselves in a service thats professional and thorough"

 

 

 

Your Questions Answered:

 

1. What happens when there is no sunlight?

• The tubular design provides a 90° angle to the sun throughout the day capturing all available energy so that even when the weather is cloudy and overcast, the indirect energy is converted into heat.
• At night time, heat is still produced because the collector stores the heat within the evacuated tubes.
• Less daylight hours in winter means there is less heat from the sun but a back up heater helps to boost the water temperature.
• Efficiency is also increased by fitting reflectors so sunlight falling between the tubes is collected.

 

2. Is there any risk of burst pipes during frosty weather?

 

No, the system can remain operational even in temperatures well below freezing. Vacuum tubes are thoroughly insulated, preventing heat loss through either conduction or convection in a similar way to that of a Thermos flask.

 

 

3. Why should I choose solar tubes over solar panels?

 

Tubes evacuate air and their absorber material and selective coating are protected from corrosion and other environmental influences. This leads to a greater efficiency and ensures a longer service life in comparison to solar panels.

 

4. Is lime-scale, a common Irish occurrence damaging to solar water heating systems?

 

Sealed manifolds enable collector modules to be used even in areas of hard water caused by lime-scale.

 

5. Is there a risk of the system being damaged or blown away during high winds?

 

In contrast to the flat plate type solar panels, the individual tubes allow wind to flow freely through the collector and therefore greatly reduce the risk of wind-lift.

 

6. Are solar water heating systems more expensive than conventional systems?

 

Installing a solar water heating system is marginally more expensive that a conventional system. The benefits however, are far more significant over the long term and the decision should be considered as an investment instead of a route to short term savings.

 

7. How much will I save if I install a solar water heating system?

 

The money saved from the installation of a solar water heating system in terms of a lower electricity bill depends entirely on how much hot water is required. The majority of homeowners will have saved enough from their electricity bill within roughly five years to cover the costs of the solar water heating system.

 

How much water are we using every day?

 

Applications	Water Temp (°C)	Consumption (litres per day)
Sink	55	30-50
Wash Basin	35	5-15
Bath	40	100-170
Shower	40	50
Washing Machine	30-40	60-70

 

 

Q Are there any disadvatages of solar?

 

Yes, the initial cost but there are grants available from the SEI at http://www.sei.ie/index.asp?locID=6&docID=-1. After that every time you use a shower, turn on a tap to wash dishes etc you are saving money and helping the environment.

 

Q How long to fit the system?

 

Generally 2 days, remove your old tank and install a new one this is done in one day so you will still have hot running water.

 

 

Q Who installs the system?

 

Qualified plumbers and roof work carried out by carpenter.

 

 

Q Is a grant available?

 

Yes, http://www.sei.ie/index.asp?locID=6&docID=-1. Houses must be at least 1 year old and have proof backed up with ESB bill.

 

 

Q Where is best place to put them?

 

Ideally south facing.

 

 

Q Do they heat my radiators?

 

Yes, this is called space heating , you can also use them to heat underfloor, a site survey is definatly required for this.

 

 

Q Will I have guaranteed hot water all year round?

 

Yes, all thanks are dual coil and triple coil if requested , also all tanks are fitted with emmersions which rarely if ever are used.

 

 

Q How long will my tank last?

 

All tanks that MP Solar sell are stainless steel as standard with a 25 year guarantee.

 

 

Q Can I use solar energy to heat a swimming pool?

 

Yes ,with an extemely fast payback time.

 

 

Q How about using solar to wash milk tanks etc?

 

Yes and again it is extremely cost effective , some systems could be paid back in as little as 3.5 years on dairy farms that wash the line twice a day.

 

 

Q Is there a grant available for farms ,charities, b&b etc?

 

Yes, up to 30% can be claimed back if you have a valid tax clearance cert. Read More