Kingspan Thermomax Solar Thermal Systems FAQ
Solar energy is free, clean and safe. Using solar energy enables you to reduce your carbon footprint as well as your energy bills. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the Thermomax range of solar thermal systems.
- Does Solar only work when the sun is shining?
- How suited are solar thermal systems to the Irish climate?
- Where are the panels fitted?
- What are the savings?
- Do I need planning permission?
- We have a large building - is there a suitable system
to use solar thermal in a commercial setting? - What maintenance is required?
- What does installation involve?
- Is it possible to retain heat gained?
- Do I need to take any precautions when going on holiday
or leaving the system unattended for long periods?
- Does Solar only work when the sun is shining?
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Solar works all year round, and even in Winter it will help to give you hot water, because vacuum tubes absorb energy efficiently in all different weather conditions and all year round. The Thermomax brand is designed in Ireland, specifically for the Irish climate and provide heat, even in cooler windy conditions.
Back To Top - How suited are solar thermal systems to the Irish climate?
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The Thermomax brand is designed in Ireland, specifically for the Irish climate. The range of solar thermal vacuum tube collectors provide heat, even in cooler windy conditions.
Back To Top - Where are the panels fitted?
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Ideally to a south facing roof or slight deviations of about 15 to 30° from that. The inclination/pitch of the collector is equal to the geographical latitude. So if you live at 45° latitude north the ideal pitch is about 45°. Once again slight deviations are not a problem and will only slightly effect the solar yield.
Back To Top - What are the savings?
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Savings of up to 50 to 70% annually on the heating cost for your hot water and/or heating. Once you have the panel installed that amount of energy is free for you. The main percentage of your water heating cost is done away through the use of the solar panel. Over time, your savings will increase as the price of oil, gas, electricity and other fossil fuels will increase in the future.
Solar also reduces the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions helping to protect the environment from being polluted. CO2 is one of the largest single contributors towards global warming.
Back To Top - Do I need planning permission?
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Normally only if the building is in a conservation area/listed building or under construction, but you should check with your local planning office. Our panels are environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
Back To Top - We have a large building, is there a suitable system to use solar thermal in a commercial setting?
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The collectors can be integrated with your existing system to provide hot water throughout the building for toilets/showers/canteens etc. In fact anywhere large quantities of free hot water can be used, Hospitals/Leisure Centers and all other commercial applications.
Back To Top - What maintenance is required?
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No collector maintenance is required. The glass tubes are round and perfectly smooth; any dirt or dust is carried away by the wind and/or rain. There are no moving parts to wear out. All components are made from high-grade stainless steel, aluminium, copper or non-corrosive materials.
Back To Top - What does installation involve?
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Thermomax collectors are light and modular and can usually be installed by a qualified professional in 1 to 2 days. They are supplied with an aluminium frame and, being lightweight, they will attach easily to your existing structure. The solar tubes allow air to circulate around them and will not trap moisture or debris.
Back To Top - Is it possible to retain heat gained?
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The heat can be stored in different ways - normally it is stored in a twin coil solar cylinder for domestic hot water. It can also be used for solar space heating or to heat a swimming pool. It also possible to combine the different applications.
Back To Top - Do I need to take any precautions when going on holiday or leaving the system unattended for long periods?
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A well-designed and sized solar system should provide you with the right amount of hot water. Even when going on a holiday the system will still work and feed the energy into the cylinder. There the losses will at some stage level out with the energy provided. This will just lead to a slightly higher cylinder temperature.
Back To Top
If you have any additional questions or would like a no-obligation quote, Call 1850 500 501
or contact EcoWarm Insulations online for expert advice on Kingspan Solar Thermal Systems.
Visit our Solar Thermal Systems products page.
