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Green Building Bible, Fourth Edition
Green Building Bible, fourth edition (both books)
These two books are the perfect starting place to help you get to grips with one of the most vitally important aspects of our society - our homes and living environment.

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  1.  
    How much do Thermodynamic Solar Panels cost?

    I have had two quotes ranging from 6k-9k and I am not sure how much these are and how to compare the two?
  2.  
    I've asked a couple of people in the trade what they should cost, and have been told c. £5,500 for one panel and a 250l cylinder
    • CommentAuthorGavin_A
    • CommentTimeNov 1st 2012
     
    certainly don't pay over £5k for a single panel and 250l tank fully installed.

    We were planning to install for significantly less than that, but have put that on hold for now while MCS sort their act out.

    TBH I don't really see why it should need to cost more than around £3.5-4k if you deal with an installation company instead of a sales company, as they're probably paying £1k commision to the salesman, more commission to his team leader, then the companies cut, then the install team get paid peanuts. Cut out the leaches and you'll get a decent price.

    One thing though is I think there's probably a temporary shortage of people with FGas certificates along with the other qualifications, for installing this in line with the regulations, which is probably keeping some competition out of the market. If you need a hot water solution now then fair enough, if not then it's probably better to wait a few months for the dust to settle.
    • CommentAuthorTriassic
    • CommentTimeNov 9th 2012
     
    You could try your local Jewsons for a price!

    http://www.jewson.co.uk/en/templates/informationcentre/jewsonNews.jsp?articleId=12200004

    "Jewson is the only national builders' merchant with exclusive rights to the new and innovative Thermodynamic Atmospheric Energy Panels, which can generate 100% of hot water and heating requirements all year round. An ideal solution for households in the UK, unlike solar panel systems, Thermodymanic panels do not rely on the sun but instead absorb heat energy from the atmosphere meaning they continue working even at night."
    •  
      CommentAuthorSteamyTea
    • CommentTimeNov 9th 2012
     
    Has anyone tried dunking one in a river to see if it works as a WSHP, or does the panel run at below 0°C
  3.  
    From the stuff I've read they are meant to work down to -15 degrees C

    "It is capable of taking energy from the atmosphere at temperatures as low as -15 degrees C"

    See http://www.silverspray.co.uk/PDFs/Thermodynamic-Technical-Information.pdf
  4.  
    In terms of data, there was this press release (so as with my above post, it's not what I would regard as an independent source):

    - http://www.silverspray.co.uk/2012/08/16/thermodynamic-installed-at-maidstone-utd-football-club/

    "
    It was estimated that a 24 panel system, to provide underfloor heating to the clubhouse, would use a minimum load of 4.2kW of electricity. Based on this figure and assuming the system is used for an average of 5 hours a day, it is estimated that the SB 24 at MUFC will cost £2.10 per day or £766 per year to run (at £0.10/kW per hour).

    The SB24 at MUFC is expected to have a payback of around 5.5 years and bring about an annual saving of £3000 when compared to the electric system that was originally specified.

    Please note: The figures in this email are estimates only and we are in the process of installing energy monitors at MUFC to track the exact running costs, savings and payback period.
    "
    •  
      CommentAuthorSteamyTea
    • CommentTimeNov 9th 2012
     
    If the panels work down to -15°C, then they have to be running at below that temperature. This has to cause a serious freezing issue, especially in areas of high rainfall, coastal mists, high humidity (can't think of anywhere that matches those conditions). One issue with sheet ice is it falling off roof tops/walls, what is done to prevent this?
    Has anyone got an old freezer and we could make one.
    • CommentAuthorTriassic
    • CommentTimeNov 9th 2012
     
    ST - Has anyone got an old freezer and we could make one.

    Yes and when you look at the cost of a chest freezer, £500 for a good A rated one, I'm left asking why the Thermodynamic panels cost £5,000 and more?
    •  
      CommentAuthorSteamyTea
    • CommentTimeNov 9th 2012 edited
     
    Because the white bit is now painted black :wink:

    Put a large, sturdy plastic bag in the freezer, fill it with water, measure the temperature of the water and the grill, turn it on and every 5 minutes note the temperatures, should give us an idea of what can be expected. A good thing to do on the weekend.
  5.  
    Following links from one originally posted by Triassic in another thread

    I found some prices at this link.

    http://energy-efficient-buildings.co.uk/shop/index.php/solar-thermal.html

    Energie Eco 200i - £3,289.04 + VAT

    Energie Eco 300i - £3,362.16 + VAT

    Energie Eco 500i - £5,386.12 + VAT

    The VAT rate will depend on whether you get them to install or not but the prices appear to be for the supply of the product only.
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