PV-powered people.

Questions about thermodynamic solar panels There are three types of heating panels. What's best for me? Solar heating panels now categorised as: Flat-plate panels. Evacuated solar tubes. Thermodynamic panels. Thermodynamic panels work night and day that could make them a real game-changing technology, although these aren't eligible for the current incentive scheme. Learn about solar incentives

Do I need panning permission?

No planning permission needed in most cases.

Do thermodynamics work in the UK climate?

Because the system doesn't need direct sunlight, it works better than more traditional methods. Thermodynamic solar panels now developed for night and day use, which means they are fast becoming the preferred choice for more northern geographic locations.

How much will a system cost?

The cost of a system depends on several factors, usually based on water tank sizes and whether you want to use the heat for central heating or hot water only purposes. A free consultation can be arranged to give you a clearer idea of compatibility and costs.

Can I install thermodynamic solar panels myself?

In most cases, no, however, if one has Part P electrical and plumbing skills, then it may be possible to install in a DIY capacity.

All installations must be carried out and certified by an accredited MCS installer in most cases.

Why is it important to update my hot water tank?

Old copper hot water tanks run exceptionally inefficiently, especially after many years of use. Lime-scale will reduce performance even further. When installing this technology, it is essential to establish a modern more efficient tank to get the most out of your generated heat gain.

Adding this technology to an old tank would be like converting your car to LPG gas and running it on semi-flat tyres.

Can it contribute towards my central heating?

Yes, if you decide to install a system set-up for central heating. With the correct amount of panels and a full conversion from your old energy-draining system, then yes thermodynamic solar panels cannot only contribute but take over your heating of your home or business.

There is also provision for working side by side with your conventional boiler with the use of a secondary coil in the hot water tank.

How long will it take you to install my system?

Depending on the type of system you are installing, anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days at the most.

It is worth noting that higher quality solar collectors are better at retaining heat at lower solar energy levels than a more inferior collector.

What water temperatures can I expect in the UK?

The operating temperature is 55 Degrees Celcius, which is suitable for all washing and bathing needs, but the anti-legionella system regularly activates to raise the hot water temperature to 70° Celsius.

How long does a system last?

This answer depends on quality type; with a robust quality system, it will last 25-30+ years, but an inadequate quality system may only last a couple of years.

Do thermodynamic solar panels installed on the roof?

No. However to get the maximum performance from your panels, we advise installing onto a southerly facing roof space, but they work perfectly well on an East or West facing roof with minimal efficiency loss.

Are thermodynamic solar panels suitable for my home?

The wonder of this type of solar installation is the fact you don't need a southerly facing roof space like traditional solar technologies. Since the panels work of the indirect form solar energy in the atmosphere, it means you can install the panels anywhere on a property.

These unobtrusive panels use a combination of heat pump and traditional solar panel technology which can be roof or wall-mounted. This system can be used for hot water heating or central heating all year round.

How does this work?

• The sun warms up the atmosphere, and the thermodynamic panels use the atmospheric temperature.

• This technology allows the panels to work 365 days of the year, rain or shine, day or night.

• The circulation of an ecologically friendly fluid takes the ambient temperature down to the compressor.

• The fluid has a boiling temperature of -25 Degrees Celsius that is heated up by the atmosphere.

• The compressor then raises the temperature significantly, then circulated through the hot water tank.

• You now have plenty of free heating to use as hot water or central heat system during the day or night.

Two in one technologies with thermodynamic solar panels

If you want to see for yourself, how a thermodynamic system works, then just put your finger over the hole of a cycle tyre pump. Make your finger create a seal and push down the plunger. Voila! The metallic screw thread on the cycle pump will feel hot.

This well-established technology used worldwide in millions of commercial buildings and homes - that generate heat for water and space heating at a much lower cost than conventional heating methods.

Although I don't have them myself (because of several reasons), I am happy to report from various sources, that they are working well and saving companies endless amounts of money and energy.

Conventional heat pumps indirectly use solar energy via atmospheric heat but imagine if you could harness the sun's power in a 'direct' manner, then it would be the alternative technology equivalent of the turbocharger for cars.

Adding black solar panels give the advantage of harvesting direct sunlight to enhance the effects of the compression that sends heat to your heating system.

One issue to consider when installing thermodynamic solar panels is the lack of incentives on offer. Things may change in the future, but at the moment, the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme that offers a feed-in tariff for flat-plate and evacuated tubes don't certify thermodynamic technology yet.

With that said, this pioneering technology is likely to keep growing in popularity as people around the world continue to find alternative ways of reducing dependence on increasingly costly fossil fuels.

We have been proud to work alongside the original solar pioneers, and I will watch with interest as thermodynamic panels begin to appear on rooftops, just like conventional solar panels which have become popular over the last few years.

Author.

"Forward with confidence."

Stuart Lovatt
Founder of Power My Home.