INTRODUCTION

Solar water heating systems gather energy radiated by the sun and convert it into useful heat in the form of hot water. Solar technology is the most cost effective technology of the future; a clean, environmentally friendly form of energy which also offers clear cost savings. This is why an ever increasing number of homeowners are choosing a hot water supply system using solar energy. On average, with a correctly designed system, an annual saving of up to two-thirds of the energy required for heating water is possible - and all that is needed is a roof.

SYSTEMS

We spent considerable time evaluating various systems for reliability, efficiency and cost effectiveness. We now supply and fit the ATON system which is an innovative Dutch design - tried and tested - system which has been installed across Europe for over a decade. This system has been designed predominately for roof integration but can also be frame mounted.

In addition to the basic system for providing hot water only, we have developed a system based around a large "thermal store" incorporating various heat sources, along with solar panels, to provide both heating and hot water.

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ATON SYSTEM

This system is an elegant roof integrated design which is planning friendly - falls under same rules as roof lights e.g. Velux.

The flat plate collector has a high-tec, extremely efficient selective surface coating. This records a massive 96% absorption rate, emitting only 8% of the heat received.

It is the complete independent solar solution - 100% solar powered. Solar electric module used to power the pump and controls. So there are no running costs, and no risk from power cuts. The system is also maintenance free. No scheduled service required. The new closed system is completely sealed, so no water is lost to evaporation, so the drain-back unit no topping up and no maintenance.

Full safety features are incorporated - boil and freeze protection. The system shuts off when light levels drop at dusk or when maximum temperature of 80 deg C is reached in cylinder.

A new twin coil cylinder is included - highly recommended as it causes better stratification of heat in the cylinder. Therefore the system is allowed to perform to its best potential in conjunction with a back-up boiler. The highly insulated cylinders that we install have a zero ozone depletion potential, so are environmentally benign.

THERMAL STORE SYSTEM

It is possible to get some help towards heating, by combining solar panels along with a wood burning stove and an additional heat source as a back up - oil, gas or an electric boiler. All fed into a Thermal Store.

The thermal store is a very large, well insulated, cylinder which can be heated by various heat sources with hot water and heating being taken from it. The control is simple, it relies on the stratification of the water in the cylinder and thermostats controlling the various functions.

The heat sources are prioritised, with the solar and wood burner providing most of the heat and the back up boiler only being called when required.Likewise, the hot water takes priority over the heating to ensure that you always have hot water. This is the case with most conventional heating systems.

These systems are proving to be very popular and several have now been installed, with great success, and are providing reductions in both fossil fuel usage and carbon emissions.

OUR EXPERIENCE

We have have had many years experience in installing both large and small solar systems from single panel basic systems to complex multi panel systems with shared usage. The photo used in the banner of this section was part of a large installation at Brighouse Bay, Borgue, Kirkcudbright for Gillespie Leisure.

We always advise on what we feel is the the correct system for individual requirements, based on water usage, type and position of house etc.

All photo's shown are from our own portfolio.