Solar panels and energy crunch forum

I found this website by chance, but I thought I would add the benefit of my experience.

I have had evacuated tubes on my roof now for over 2 years, and I can confirm that they do work all year round. In my first year, I was surprised to see them be working during wintery days, so I only need a quick booster from my back up boiler. It sometimes struggles, but I am amazed am extremely happy with my system and the low bills I now get.

I had evacuated tubes installed and am exceedingly surprised that the day after the installers left my system was producing 55C on a cloudy cold day. I would recommend solar panels to anyone who asks.

I too have had solar panels fitted last October. They have performed far better than I expected, and I am currently getting temperatures of 65C at the moment.

Just bear in mind that a solar panel system will require a service every 5 years. The Glycol solution, which circulates, does degrade over time. A good solar installer will be able to offer you a service check for free.

As the British summer is drawing to a close, you would think that solar panels would not be at the forefront of most peoples minds. A common misconception about solar panels is that they do not work well within the UK climate. This is wrong as Germany with a similar climate to the UK have the biggest uptake of solar technologies than any other European country.

So what do the Germans know, that the British do not?

Contrary to popular belief, solar panels work even on cloudy days and can contribute to households energy requirements throughout the year. You may say a solar panel is for life, not just for summer, especially with a their 30+ year lifespans with a good quality system.

I have noticed a large increase in sales of self install or DIY solar kits over the last summer. With the current financial situation people are willing to invest money wisely over a long term and save on ever increasing energy bills. Solar panels fit into these criteria. Some people use their plumbing skills and knowledge of friends or family to fit these types of systems with the installer to explore, especially with the advent of the low carbon economy promised by politicians. It is a win win situation!."

The skills needed to fit solar panels is what most plumbers have already. Certifications in plumbing and electrical work are essential, but within a couple of days, a system can be installed easily to most home types in the UK.

The reasons for installing solar have changed over the last 2 years, with most customers installing for energy reasons above environmental reasons, which was always the case previously.

The United Kingdom's reliance on imported energy and the global demand will continue to push up domestic energy bills long term. Just like the German population, the UK will have to decrease, it is reliance on expensive fossil fuels. Solar panels allow home owners to do this.

Self installing will ultimately save you money not only on the installation costs, but for the next 30 years on your energy bills.

Just updating your hot water tank to a high efficiency tanks without the solar panels, will save you money and energy. Most tanks especially in hard water area's will be choked up with limescale, so the volume will be reduced and your elements encrusted.

With solar panels, your hot water bills will be reduced by dramatically.