05-02-2013, 09:31 PM
Hi Col, keeping the rain out when fitting solar panels on to a roof is no problem if done correctly, it's no different than stuffing an insulated flue up through the roof or anything else that needs flashing such as a chimney stack etc you just have to figure out how and where the water runs or blows.
Lot's are going for solar voltaic down here, I think the idea of generating some of your own power is a good one although I am not absolutely convinced of the design life span of some of these panels, I did consider evacuated tube solar collectors for the hot water but decided against it as we do not have the room for a large scale HW tank, it's a pity because when it's out we get the sun all day on the front slope of the roof.
I, unlike many others like wind turbines, if I had the room I would have a small scale one no problem and convert all my lights to 12v. I know it's a big argument but more renewables will be required that's for sure wether it's liked or not, in my opinion we havn't seen yet the real rise in energy prices which are yet to come, living in old buildings will be for the rich or the extreem poor.
External wall insulation is gathering a pace down here on out dated buildings, outdated being the operative word so far as the consevation of heat goes.
Anyway £320 a year don't seem to bad Col for your gas, it would probably cost more than that if you were wood fired heating. We have bottled gas for the cooking hob that is now £35 a bottle, I remember when it was nine quid, still it lasts from 2 to 3 months.
Lawrence.
Lot's are going for solar voltaic down here, I think the idea of generating some of your own power is a good one although I am not absolutely convinced of the design life span of some of these panels, I did consider evacuated tube solar collectors for the hot water but decided against it as we do not have the room for a large scale HW tank, it's a pity because when it's out we get the sun all day on the front slope of the roof.
I, unlike many others like wind turbines, if I had the room I would have a small scale one no problem and convert all my lights to 12v. I know it's a big argument but more renewables will be required that's for sure wether it's liked or not, in my opinion we havn't seen yet the real rise in energy prices which are yet to come, living in old buildings will be for the rich or the extreem poor.
External wall insulation is gathering a pace down here on out dated buildings, outdated being the operative word so far as the consevation of heat goes.
Anyway £320 a year don't seem to bad Col for your gas, it would probably cost more than that if you were wood fired heating. We have bottled gas for the cooking hob that is now £35 a bottle, I remember when it was nine quid, still it lasts from 2 to 3 months.
Lawrence.
