Solar Water Heater Challenge Update

"I'll never forget my first 'sunshine shower' - for that's what it felt like - standing in a pool of sunshine! The knowledge that it was warmed by the sun and nothing else was VERY satisfying - no gas, no electricity, no oil. As we all know it hasn't been a hot sunny summer but we still take a daily peek at the Controller (Resol Deltasol BS4) to read the water temperature at the exit from the solar panels on the roof - frequently surprising on a grey, cool day. We are very grateful for this bit of magic! And thanks to Naresh for his persistence and hard work in setting up and co-ordinating the project" - Rosie Bell, first 'guinea pig' in the TTT  Solar Hot Water Challenge .

"We had wanted to have solar hot water for a while but the costs were making us hesitate; the grant from the Energy Saving Trust, and the TTT discount from SunGift Solar, plus the skyrocketing costs of domestic energy all helped us to make the decision to go for it. 

As part of the TTT initiative we were one of the houses acting as guinea pigs for quotes from four different installers; Naresh co ordinated the effort and we met with him and the other guinea pigs to discuss the companies – their approach, how helpful they were, and the costs. 

We all agreed that Totnes-based SunGift Solar should get the work and we have been delighted with the whole process. Gabriel explained everything and answered all our questions on the pros and cons of each system for our particular needs; after a lot of discussion we decided on the slightly more expensive tubes, rather than flat panel , as they are marginally more efficient.  SunGift Solar installed our  HP200 Thermomax panel of evacuated tubes in July;  we already had a twin coil tank and as our roof faces due south, the installation was very straightforward. 

The SunGift Solar team who put the panel on the roof were very professional, took care to clear up afterwards, and Gabriel told us how to apply for the grant, which came through about six weeks after we had paid the bill.  Immediately after the installation the excitement of seeing the temperature rise on the panel in the airing cupboard was intense, and we still take a look every now and again to see how much free heat the panel has generated so far.  We have hardly used the gas boiler at all, and have learned to time our showers according to the weather. We are delighted with the installation and pleased that our carbon footprint has shrunk in a small way -  one of our main reasons for wanting to have the technology in the first place  – and we will probably still be peaking in the airing cupboard for months to come!

SunGift Solar offer 9% discount to TTTers and the Energy Saving Trust give a grant of £400 currently – and, with costs rising, the pay back period on your investment is shrinking all the time. Anyone who is thinking of having solar water heating, and would like to see a system in action, is welcome to come and see ours.

Amanda Cuthbert
 acuthbert@acc.eclipse.co.uk