Do solar panels really work?

[bibacux2001]

Has anyone had solar panels fitted and could you tell me if they are as efficient as the installers/salesmen make out. I am aware that some are more efficient than other so I would like a reply if possible from somone who has had Schott tubes or EVACUATED tubes fitted NOT the flat panel collector type. I relise also that solar is not stand alone but if anyone can give me an idea of the difference in heating costs that they experienced I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance...

[Matheous]

I'm no expert on this , but I personally would think about or consider a small wind turbine -if you live in the UK that is! -As we get more wind (and rain!) than sunshine!
I'm sure the government have plans for new housing in the future. These must be fitted with some form of independant power generation as a 'top-up' to supplied services.

There are websites who advertise wind-generators eg.
http://www.lowimpact.org/linkswindgenerators.h tm

[buildersmate]

You could try talking to these people who have been using solar systems for many years now (they provide some info for free, and aren't involved in commercially selling systems) http://www.cat.org.uk/index.tmpl?refer=index&i nit=1 The also run courses on such things in mid-Wales if you're that keen. My understanding is that the type that heat up water in the collectors can make a useful contribution to your hot water needs, but anything that converts solar energy into electricity isn't cost effective in terms of payback period - i.e not in your lifetime.

[beryllium]

Hi there, sorry it's a bit late but we had solar panels installed recently and even today the water has been hot enough to shower and wash up with.
Remember it is not heat they require only light and that is where people seem to get confused. I used solar-systems.co.uk in Tunbridge Wells and they are exceptional in their service. Our gas bill for summer alone was �1.20.
I love it!!! but it wont run your central heating system.
It cost us �4100 and it is guaranteed for 25 yrs!!!! the boiler however will not last that long and we are looking at wood fuel for the future.
Hope this finds you.....

[bibacux2001]

BERYLLIUM thanks for reply, you can actually run C/H off solar you just have to use a thermal store to do it. this is what I have been investigating. I will actually end up with a tank of hot water (85 degrees) that is powered by wood burner, conventional boiler and Solar, the boiler is there just to top up any loss thru high demand. contact me for details as I have had the system designed now. I wasnt sure about how efficient the solar would be but am clear now.

[beryllium]

Hi bibacux2001,
Thank you for replying to me. I did want the wood burner installed but when I looked at them they seem blumin huge!!! and it seemed we didn't have room for it.
Yes, I would be very interested in your design as I haven't written off the wood burner completely yet.
Any links you can recommend for the thermal store would be greatly appreciated.
Our solar system has a double coiled tank and it is super efficient.
I have subscribed to your link......
Many thanks again :-)
B.

[beryllium]

ooh, a quick note....
Did you look at the photvoltaic aswell? much better than the wind turbines and you can sell back excess electricity to the electric company!!! I do wish I had done that instead.....
but getting organised with grants is not my forte lol..... and we are only in a tiny little old ex farm workers cottage :-)