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Vaillant Solar
Technology F.A.Q's
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Solar technology from
Vaillant |
Throughout Europe, Solar technology is fast becoming
the favourite renewable energy source and with global warming and energy
prices making headline news, is it any wonder? The following F.A.Q section
is designed to help with any basic questions you may have. If you cannot
find the answer you are looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us. |
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Why should I consider
using solar energy? |
Firstly, because of reduced CO2 emissions, you can
rest assured that it’s better for the environment and you will also be
helping to conserve the world’s rapidly diminishing supplies of gas and oil.
Secondly, utilising solar energy for hot water will help to reduce the
impact of rising oil and gas prices and means that you won’t be so reliant
on these conventional fuels. Thirdly, installing a good solar system will
add value to your property. |
How does
a solar DHW heating system work? |
The principles are quite straightforward. Solar
panels absorb energy from the sun to heat a fluid that is pumped in a sealed
circuit to an indirect coil in a water cylinder to heat the domestic water. |
Where are the
collectors fixed? |
Vaillant’s lightweight, compact and high performance
solar collectors are easily sited on pitched or flat roofs. Ideally the
solar panels should be oriented to face south, but they work with only a
small loss of efficiency sited between 30 degrees east and 40 degrees west
of south. And with design awards to their credit, they look good as well. |
Why should I opt for an evacuated tube collector instead of a flat plate
collector? |
Evacuated tube collectors like the Vaillant auroTHERM
exclusive are superior to flat plate collectors in situations where there is
a big difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the
solar fluid. They are the number one choice in central and northern Europe
and in general for all those wanting to optimise their year-round solar
energy usage. In addition, the vacuum inside of the collector tubes offers
the best possible insulation. |
Surely there isn’t enough sunshine in this country to make it work. |
Vaillant’s solar DHW heating system uses solar
radiation to generate heat. This means that it doesn’t rely on just direct
sunlight, it uses diffused radiation too so that the system also works on
cloudy days. The DTI has calculated that there are sufficient radiation
levels across the whole UK to provide useful energy. In areas with lower
solar radiation, the number of collectors can be increased to maximise solar
energy usage. The design of Vaillant’s collectors ensures that they capture
solar radiation at a wide range of angles making them more efficient than
other designs during spring and autumn. |
So why do I still
need a conventional boiler? |
Vaillant’s solar DHW heating system will provide
around 50-60% of annual domestic hot water requirements, but an auxiliary
power source is required to ensure there’s always hot water on demand. In
addition, the boiler is also necessary to operate the central heating
system. Vaillant’s intelligent solar control unit facilitates automatic
switching between solar and conventional power when there is insufficient
solar energy available to heat the water – particularly useful during the
winter months. The system will work with a new Vaillant boiler and is also
compatible with most existing heating appliances but remember to check the
controls configuration to make sure the boiler only fires when there is
little or no solar energy available. |
How much would a
typical solar system cost? |
There is not really a typical cost - it depends on
the number of panels required, the size of the cylinder and on installation
details such as accessibility for the scaffold and the complexity of the
wiring. |
What additional products will I need to complete the installation? |
Research indicates that installers prefer to purchase
all their solar equipment from one manufacturer so Vaillant has ensured that
we can supply all the necessary components. This includes the collectors,
fixing brackets, solar pump station, stainless steel cylinder, solar
control, and even the insulated flexible stainless steel Map source: Solar
Trade Association (STA) pipes to run between the collectors and the
cylinder. The only other items you may need are electrical cables and copper
pipe work. |
How do I
design a solar system? |
Vaillant’s solar training course will give installers
details of how to design solar systems and advice on all the key issues. Our
expert technical team will be able to assist with general design questions
and a dedicated technical engineer will help tackle more complex work, (a
service charge may be incurred). We are committed to working in partnership
with our installers, offering the very best industry support and training to
develop the solar heating market. |
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