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Need a plumber, ask Mark or contact Damian for helps with setting up solar controls. Click here
The solar panel group has been set up with the sole (!) intention of helping people get solar panels to heat their hot water.
There's a lot you can do and there are various options.
First up, the group's been working with evacuated tube collectors. These are the most efficient systems and have the advantage of giving useful hot water even in winter. Pretty well any sunlight can be converted into hot water whereas flat panels need stronger, longer, sunlight that means you're looking at spring and summer (don't imagine you're going to get endless hot water all winter - not in this country, not yet anyway...)
The first kit's been bought and several people went on the solar installers' course and have completed the first installation.
As of Easter weekend 2007, the system's in and running. According to Vanessa it's producing all the hot water for the house and guests. Now that one system is in and working, anyone who is interested should come along and see and feel that hot water....
We'll organise more information and visits in the coming months and track how the system performs - so far so good.
The mainfold and frame fixed to the roof - for the technically minded this is held by six straps which are fixed to the battens - so the felt is not punctured (yet).
Close up of the manifold - the tubes push fit into the holes...
A solar tank - custom made - this one has twin coils - one for conventional boiler (the upper one) and one for the panels (the lower one) - it's quite tall and thin to allow the water to stratify (ie the hot water stays at the top)
A fine body of men (I think that's what they told me to put) - how could you have any doubts....
The supervisor...it's all down to management quality really
This is Mark - he got to install the tank and connect the plumbing....taking great care not to mark the bathroom....it was a tight fit but it all went in!
Mark Vaughan is an independent plumber who installs solar systems. If you need advise, please contact him at
Wye Solar,
Archer Cottage, Archenfield, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford, HR3 5TB
Phone: 01497 821165, Mobile: 07775 668323 or email:
Wye Solar
Damian Culshaw, another satisfied customer says " I used your Green Action account for my Navitron Solar Panel, which is now tuned and working well, when the sun shines. The immersion heater insert-approach is fine and gets the hot water where you need it! If anyone else is thinking of this, they really need to use the TDC3 Controller, not a simple one. I would be happy to give tips on how to set up the controls." e-mail: Damian
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