Renewables-Advice wanted

[radswilldo]

Have been watching the developement of this market for a number of years and cannot make up my mind as whether to get involved with the current products. Solar hot water, as far as I am concerned is a joke and GSHP will always be an eye watering niche. I do like ASHPs, though they involve a significant investment and their returns are best when installed for some one on electric. Where I am located, gas is plentiful, though there are a small number of oil/lpg villiages dotted about. I am constantly in contact with my federation tech regarding the 'Green deal', all is up in the air. What are my peer's thoughts.

 

[Nostrum]

Interesting points peteheat and didn't think of the noise issue associated with the compressor.

Wouldn't mind seeing a set up to cast my own judgement before suggesting them as an option to a potential customer.

 

[peteheat]

Interesting points peteheat and didn't think of the noise issue associated with the compressor.

Wouldn't mind seeing a set up to cast my own judgement before suggesting them as an option to a potential customer.

Appears you think like I do, I highly recommend that course of action.

 

[payney1974]

Out of interest why would saving 60% of your hot water bill be a joke?

Its because its 60% of a small figure (Gas usage for DHW isnt that high annually)

 

[peteheat]

Its because its 60% of a small figure (Gas usage for DHW isnt that high annually)

Depends on the number of people in the house, obviously more people = more showers, baths, etc basically more hot water.

If you have an annual bill of £100.00 for all hot water needs in your home then be thankful as you don't need to look at alternatives yet.

 

[Howsie]

Its because its 60% of a small figure (Gas usage for DHW isnt that high annually)

You're lucky yours is a small figure.

 

[Nostrum]

The problem with thermal in this country is the infestation of combi boilers, coupled with small house's and storage space being a premium.

 

[payney1974]

Depends on the number of people in the house, obviously more people = more showers, baths, etc basically more hot water.

If you have an annual bill of £100.00 for all hot water needs in your home then be thankful as you don't need to look at alternatives yet.

You're lucky yours is a small figure.

I work for a company that's done comparison tests on 2 solar thermal manufacturers in 4 different configurations, with automated draw offs that simulate 2 adults and 2 children and savings are £30-£50 per annum. I'm a qualified solar engineer and could probably blag one of these systems for free but, at that rate of saving it would take 10 years to pay for my labour!!! Just not worth it in my eyes unless you go down the big thermal store / multiple renewable technologies route......just my opinion though.

 

[Howsie]

Something's wrong with the set-up then.

 

[payney1974]

Howie, the saving is gas only and its compared to a high efficiency combination boiler. Would obviously be a greater saving with off gas grid homes.

 

[eaton]

Well I've got a few systems and they're all differant set ups, all new boilers all natural gas. Total gas bills have never reached £9 a month on any and that inc cooking. One cooks on electric and highest gas bill between march and Sept for last 2 years has been £4.76

 

[Howsie]

Howie, the saving is gas only and its compared to a high efficiency combination boiler. Would obviously be a greater saving with off gas grid homes.

Still seems off to me.