frequently asked questions
Q: Does solar energy only work on sunny days?
A: No. Diffused radiation means that a solar collector will still generate a lot of energy on cloudy days. Vacuum tube collectors are particularly efficient in these conditions. Because they are evacuated they can heat water regardless of how cold the outside temperature is provided there is some sunlight. To give you some idea of its effectiveness, solar energy works well in the UK climate where 50% of solar radiation is diffused.
Q: What happens when there is not sufficient sunlight to heat my water?
A: On the rare occasion of insufficient hot water from the sun (approximately 20 days a year!), the system controller will automatically activate the immersion heater which is located in the tank. Alternatively, solar hot water can be easily combined with an existing water heating device.
Q: What about calcium build-up?
A: The heating fluid used in our solar thermal systems also acts to protect the equipment from calcium build-up.. This is vitally important given the hardness of the water here in Spain. With regard to our pool heating systems, the Heliocol solar collector is made from polypropylene and resistant to any chemical build-up.
Q: Can solar thermal be used for central heating?
A: Yes. Vacuum tube collectors and hot water cylinders can be sized and positioned to make the most of the winter sun. A well designed solar energy system can supplement a traditional space heating system by approximately 50%.
Q: Are the systems protected from freezing temperatures?
A: In all situations, pipes are well insulated from the external temperatures. If in the very rare occasion water in the pipes approaches freezing it is pumped out and replaced with warmer water from the tank. Both pumped and compact systems use a closed circuit heating coil where freeze-resistant liquid heats the domestic tank water. In our pool heating system the controller is able to detect when water in the collector approaches freezing and replaces this with warmer water from the pool. Collectors are also able to be drained down into the pool during the coldest weeks of winter as a precaution against freezing. Solar photovoltaic panels are not affected by freezing temperatures.
Q: Does my pool need to be pre-plumbed for solar pool heating?
A: No. Although pre-plumbing a pool to draw cool water from the deep end and pump warm water in the shallow end does slightly increase efficiency, solar pool heating systems can be easily incorporated into the filtration system when pre-plumbing is not an option.
Q: Are solar energy systems expensive?
A: There are a lot of misconceptions about solar energy. For example, compare our prices for a swimming pool system with the price and running cost of a heat pump or a gas-powered system. You’ll find our solar systems are a competitive and efficient option. Solar hot water requires minimal maintenance and compared with the price of installing and regularly maintaining gas boilers and electric immersions, solar compares very favourably.
Q: What are the running costs for a typical hot water system?
A: With compact systems water moves as a result of the thermosiphonic process which is a natural process requiring no external energy input. In the pumped system, the pump uses 80w, the same as a light bulb.
Q: What about the running costs of a swimming pool system?
A: For a Heliocol solar pool heating system, an additional pump is installed. However, this is smaller than a standard pool filter pump due to the lower demands. Subsequently the running costs are minimal compared to a conventional heating system.
Q: Will my initial financial investment in a solar system ever be recovered?
A: With solar energy, as well as the numerous benefits, you are effectively buying your own power station that offers lifelong independence from the utilities. With gas or grid electricity what you have is a life long loan with no guarantees against a price rise and no payback period at all. Each time the gas and electricity companies increase their prices the cost of solar energy becomes more attractive.
Q: I’d like to know more about solar energy systems. What is the next step?
A: You can telephone, fax or e-mail us and we will be happy to arrange an appointment to visit your property for a no-obligation site survey.
Please contact us for further information.