Solar thermal system labour and parts pricing

[diselsamm]

As I recently had my HW cylinder replaced and we had to leave disconnected the solar thermal system from the HW cylinder and drained out the old glycol. What is involved in re-filling the thermal system with new glycol in terms of number of hours of labour and materials? I got a quote for a bit over £600 which is for 5 hours of work and £200 worth of materials. Is this a reasonable amount? Thanks!

 

[Chuck]

Depends where you are in the country and how much travel is needed to get between you and base, etc. If you aren't happy with the quote, get another company to give you one.

Be careful about using price as your only criterion for choosing – consider reputation and expertise as well. Cheapskates often end up unhappy with the work done or even have to pay twice because a new competent firm is needed to sort out the mess made by the first!

 

[diselsamm]

Hi Chuck
My focus is on what actually is involved. I would expect 5 liters of glycol is what it takes and probably 2 hours. This is what I am trying to understand: what does it take to refill a system like this in terms of number of hours and materials.
Thanks

 

[Chuck]

Hi Chuck
My focus is on what actually is involved. I would expect 5 liters of glycol is what it takes and probably 2 hours. This is what I am trying to understand: what does it take to refill a system like this in terms of number of hours and materials.
Thanks

You don't give any details of what type of system you have. "5 litre" seems very small. Do you mean 50 litre, which would fit better with the £200 materials?

Anyway, you'll have to consult the manufacturer's instructions but, speaking generally, filling them can be quite a game if it's done properly. E.g.

Closed-Loop Solar Glycol: The Art of Fill and Purge

Hydronic heating systems must be filled with water to provide the heat transfer fluid (HTF) that makes them work. In the case of the closed-loop solar heating system, the HTF is typically a mixture of water and propylene glycol.

www.phcppros.com

 

[diselsamm]

game

Hi Chuck
The system I have was installed 10 years ago and consists of a single panel and a Resol controller and the pump itself. So it is a properly designed and installed system by a reputable company still on operation.

I did literally mean 5 liters as this is the capacity I think it has, but I am happy it may be 10/20 liters, which is between £50 and £100 . The reason I am guessing it is because I have no system manuals/information.

Thanks for the link. Reading through it it makes me thinking it is all down to adequate for the purpose equipment. A pump like this is what it takes Fernox Solar Flow Pump 60056 : Fernox - https://www.mytub.co.uk/fernox-solar-flow-pump-60056-product-539605
I cannot justify for myself the need for 5 hours to do this.
I will ask them for an actual explanation of their reasoning for materials and timing.

Chuck, can I check something after reading the link. I have a pressurised CH system. At how many Psi should I have the nitrogen precharge in the red expansion vessel?

 

[diselsamm]

Hi
I did sent a query for a breakdown of the materials and labour required for the job, now that I have a better understanding of what is involved, and will see. Thank you Chuck for taking the time!

 

[diselsamm]

Ok, I found the system documentation. It is a 2.5m2 size thermal panel and Tyfocor branded glycol. How can I understand the capacity in liters of that system as I can't seem to find it in the documentation.
Thanks