Domestic Solar Water Heating Case Studies

Renewable case studies

Case Study 1 Domestic Solar Water Heating in Greyabbey

Summary

Mr and Mrs Gary McKie live in a four-bedroom detached house in Greyabbey, County Down. Their house is relatively new-build, 2004, with all measures ie cavity wall, loft insulation etc installed at time of construction.
The Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre attend many events over the year and Mr McKie having spoken with us at the Castlewellan Agricultural Show, back in 2004, was very interested in renewable technology. With the rise in the price of oil, he was keen to learn more about the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre and what advice we could give. After phoning the freephone number and being provided with a list of accredited installers and grant information, the McKie's had a solar water heating system installed in December 2004. This system has provided the family with hot water particularly over the summer months when their heating is turned off and ultimately reduced their annual heating bill.
The system is an evacuated tube system, which is mounted on the roof of the property. It is bracket mounted and therefore does not materially alter the roof. The panel is relatively small, measuring three square metres. The Mckie's are very happy with the way it looks (see photographs below).
Installation of the system took approximately two and half days and as stated by Mr McKie himself "it was no bother what-so-ever". Commenting on the system, Mr McKie said "I am delighted with it. I am almost 100% sure I am saving money. The sun shines and my boiler doesn't run. During the summer months, particularly with working with horses on a day to day basis, we bath and shower regularly and as a result of the solar water heating system we never have a shortage of hot water. Its free energy after all and I would definitely recommend it to anyone".

How does it work?

The system utilises the light and heat from the sun, converting it into hot water in the system, which is then transferred to the hot water cylinder, reducing the need for hot water to be heated by the central heating system.

Key points

• Equipment used: 3m2, 30-tube panel

• Savings on fuel bills

Cost of Solar Panel

For further Information on renewable technology and the grants that may be available contact the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on freephone 0800 512 012.

Case Study 2 Domestic Solar Water Heating in Ballyclare

Summary

Mr and Mrs Deaney and their two children, live in a four-bedroom detached house in Ballyclare, County Antrim. Mr Deaney contacted the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre back in 2005 with an initial enquiry about cavity wall and loft insulation. Their house built in 1991 did have cavity wall insulation but having spoken with our advisors, their loft did require a top-up to the recommended depth of 270mm. Our advisors also provided information on renewable technology, an area that they had not initially considered.
As a result, the Deaney family had a solar water heating system installed in April 2005. The system installed was an evacuated tube system, measuring two square metres.
Installation of the system took approximately 4 days and as stated by Mr Deaney "there was less disruption than say getting a room redecorated".
Commenting on the system, Mr Deaney states "as soon as the solar panel was installed it was saving us money, try that argument with a car, clothing, furniture or any other purchase you may make. It also has made our family more aware of energy and the environment".

Key points

• Equipment used: 2m2, 20-tube panel

• In the year following installation of the system their electricity bill reduced by an overall 16%

• Solar panel has been producing the equivalent of about 220KwH worth of heat per month since April 2006

• Mr Deaney believes their oil fired central heating costs will reduce by at least 20%

Cost of Solar Panel

For further Information on renewable technology and the grants that may be available contact the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on freephone 0800 512 012.

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