1. What happen's 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 flas
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. How much will i save if i install a 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.
7. How much water are we using everday?
Applications Water temp (oc) Consumption (litre per day)
Sink 55 30-50
Wash Basin 35 5-15
Bath 40 100-170
Shower 40 50
Washing Machine 30-40 60-70
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. How long will my tank last?
All tanks that MP Solar sell are stainless steel as standard with a 25 year guarantee.
11. Can I use solar energy to heat a swimming pool?
Yes ,with an extemely fast payback time.
12. 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.
13. Is there a grant available for farms ,charities, b&b etc?
Please visit SEAI website for grants details- http://www.seai.ie/grants/
14. Do I need planning permission?
Solar roof systems fall under permitted rights so you do not need planning permission although if you live in a listed building you should contact your local council.
