Going Green at Work

Solar hot water systems are now starting to be used in larger applications and business.

Examples of larger systems can be seen on community buildings such as blocks of flats or where the structure is "architect" designed or a public building and there is an increasing pressure to show green credentials.

Excellent examples are seen here: Commercial Scale Solar Systems

What appears to have held back the use of Solar Water Heating in business is the apparent inconsistency in deleivery of energy, also commerce's apparent reliance on "A heat source" rather than a mix.

Overcoming the inconsistent Solar Energy supply.

While the supply of solar heat cannot be totally relied on, it is consistently free once the system is installed and to a great extent can provide a predictable heat source.

In all cases below, systems installed from July 2009 will be able to claim the Renewable Heat Incentive. For larger scale systems, often installed on flat roofs, the cost per kW installed can be far lower than for a smaller domestic installation, however the controls and integration into Building Management systems might push the price back up.

Anybody considering a commercial system will of course ensure they are dealing with an experienced installer.

Commerce: General applications can include domestic type use such as staff kitchens, shower rooms.

Industry: Process water pre-heating. Solar heating can add significant amounts of energy to water prior to use. The renewable heat can be automatically managed alongside traditional heating systems to ensure the optimum use of free energy and reduced costs.

Communal Systems: Killick House is perhaps the best example of a solar water heating retrofit system. At the time it was installed it was the largest domestic type solar water heating system and estimated to save the residents of the block about £3,000 per year in hot water bills. A system installed now would also benefit from RHI which would provide a significant return to the owner.

A comment about Solar Water Heating.

All solar heating occurs during the hours of daylight (of course). The main phase of solar heating occurs from about 09:00 through to 15:00, the precise hours varying depending on the angle of the panels. My panels are oriented SSE so get more of the morning sun.

With a well fitted system, the water cylinder will have reached full heat by midday, at that point the system should shut down to avoid overheating, all additional solar heating will be wasted.

There is of course the option of increasing the size of the water cylinder in relation to the panels, thus providing a larger mass to heat, but then one must consider usage and the optimum balance between size of cylinder and panels for year round use - this is where a well trained installer will be able to advise in individual cases.

Commercial Solar Panels - an ideal installation

Perhaps the best use of a small commercial system would be in a hairdressers?

There is a need for hot water throughout the day with little or no use at night. The cycle of use would allow for the installation of effectively any number of panels up to the area available on the roof. while retaining a relatively small hot water tank, after all we are not planning on storing energy for a bath in the morning.

All solar heating during the day is used therefore maximising the investment in the panels, money is saved through avoiding investment in a larger hot water cylinder.

Even when the solar system is not able to cope with all heating, the traditional boiler system is working less, it will need to raise the temperature on pre-warmed rather than cold water.

Basically any commercial enterprise that uses hot water throughout the daylight hours is an excellent candidate for a solar hot water system.

In addition there is the potential for excellent PR and of course the Renewable Heat Incentive!

"Have a blue rinse with green hot water"

Also see Solar Electric or Photovoltaic (PV)