150 new Solar Energy systems installed in Waterford County of Ireland
Source: WaterfordToday.IE
http://www.waterford-today.ie/index.php?
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Waterford Energy Bureau is delighted to announce that the demand for Solar Water heating has increased significantly in County Waterford. Solar energy is one of the more common sustainable energy technologies and is an alternative to fossil fuel; it is one of the cleanest and safest. That energy from sunlight can be used to produce electricity (Photovoltaic Panels) or directly heat (Solar Water Heating). Considering environment and climate change concerns the Irish government encourage renewable energy solar installations, through grant given by the program Greener Homes Scheme. Under the Greener Homes Scheme Phase I & II over 150 solar water installations in Waterford were completed up to June 2008.
These installations contribute significantly to Climate Change Obligations and reducer Waterford Dependence on imported Oil. Grants for Flat Plate solar water heating is €250/M2 up a maximum of 6 M2 & for solar evacuated tube €300/M2 up a maximum of 6M2.
In fact, even in Ireland solar energy has more potential than most people realize and a horizontal surface of 1m2 receive the average of between 1,000 kWh and 1,200 kWh of solar energy by year that is equivalent of 120 liters of oil. More over it seems important to know that so even when the sky is over cast, the sunlight can be converted into useful heat by solar water heater. In Ireland, solar collectors alone cannot provide all the hot water for a household’s needs throughout the year. They are normally installed in conjunction with a conventional heating system where a Solar Water Heater can reduce our hot water bill by between 40-70%.
Components of solar energy water heating system including:
• A solar collector, which absorbs solar radiation (sunlight) and changes it into heat
• A pump, which transfers the heat from the collector to hot water in a storage tank. The storage tank accumulates hot water produced by solar energy so that it can be used when it is needed
Two main types of solar collectors are available on the Irish market: first is the flat plate collectors, with a selective absorber, are well suited for hot water production and low temperature heating, this kind of solar collector has a typical efficiency of 40%. The second technology is evacuated tube collectors that are more efficient (60%) with higher water temperature and provide solar water heating when solar radiation is less intense. Typically solar panels are located on southern south eastern/western facing roofs.
To install the solar storage cylinder (200-300 liters) adequate space should be left for its installation in a hot press or boiler room. The optimum area of collector, which might be installed in a dwelling, depends on the hot water demand. It is generally held that 3-5m2 of flat plate collectors might be right for a family of up to 4 persons; for 5-6 people 4-6 m2 might be the optimum. The corresponding evacuated tube collector absorber area may be reduced to two thirds of the equivalent flat plate collector. It is generally expected that a well-designed system will provide the majority (typically 80%) of a family’s hot water requirements during the summer months and make a useful contribution during the rest of the year. The initial investment for solar water heating is typically between € 3,500 for a dwelling of 2 persons and €9,000 for 7 persons, grant are available and the capital cost is largely offset by the economy on energy saved payback typically under 7 years. To conclude: the average solar panel receives 450kWh/Yr per m2 and one could assume that kerosene is the displaced fuel corresponding to 115.6 kg CO2 saving.
When installing solar panels reference should be made to the Department of Environment of Heritage and Local Government. “Micro-Renewable Planning Exemptions/ Guidelines.