BurConn are specialists in solar themal systems installation and our service area includes Cork & surrounding areas.
Solar Thermal Systems harness the power of the sun to create a source of real renewable energy for your home or business that will never runs out. Solar Thermal Systems transform energy from the sun into hot water for your home. The amount of water supplied by solar thermal collectors depends on the system size and building hot water demand. Typical well-installed systems provide up to 60% of hot water demand over 12 months.
BurConn will assist you with an initial solar energy assesment, grant applications and our expert installation service.
Solar Thermal Systems FAQ
You will get approximately 60% of your hot water over a yearly period from a solar system.
Panels are generally mounted on your roof, either flush with your tiles / slates (integrated), or indeed above the tiles or slates (on-roof). Larger collector arrays can be ground mounted on tailor-made brackets if necessary.
Solar panels should have a lifespan of approximately 30 years.
You do need to use a backup heat source with solar. Generally you can use a “twin” or “dual” coil cylinder to produce hot water. The twin coil cylinder has two coils, one for solar and one for the other heat source (boiler or heat pump etc). In this way, if the solar panels cannot produce enough heat, the primary heat source will make up the shortfall.
Solar installations which conform to the exemptions listed in Statutory Instrument 83 (SI No 83) do not need planning exemptions. Otherwise you will need to contact your local agency / planning authority, and they will advise you as to whether or not you will require planning permission for a solar installation in your particular area.
Yes, you can increase the amount of solar panels being used, in order to provide backup for heating and hot water for your house. A large storage cylinder is usually used, and the main heat source in conjunction with the solar, will heat this cylinder. The water in this cylinder is then used to heat the house and the hot water. This system will approximately be twice the cost of a solar domestic water system.
