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Will solar panels save you money?

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What is solar energy? Is solar water heating system right for Irish homes? Will the system work all year round? And how much money can you save through solar water heating?

Some people say Ireland isn't sunny enough but you don't have to worry! The good news is that, in Ireland, there are reasonable levels of "insolation" throughout the year. The south of Ireland experiences higher readings than northerly areas, but the difference is relatively small. And one of the simplest and most effective things we can do is to adapt environmentally friendly water heating systems that are powered, not by wasteful electricity, gas or oil - but by the power of the sun.

But we rarely see the sun in Ireland!

Don't worry! Altough, the amount of energy that can be collected on a cloudy day is less than on a sunny day, the process doesn't stop altogether. The rate at which solar energy arrives on the surface of the earth is known as the "insolation level" - and, in Ireland, our level is comparable with that in countries such as France, Germany and Austria, where solar heating is proving increasingly popular.

What is solar energy?

Put simply, solar energy is the energy from sun, which can be used to produce heat.

Thanks to modern technology, it can be used for a range of applications - from domestic heating to electrical power generation. As the sun is a limitless resource, solar thermal energy is one of the most cost-effective renewable energy systems - and it can significantly reduce your utility bills. It can be easily integrated into a conventional hot water system and it is far more energy-efficient than traditional heating technologies.

What is a solar water heating system and how does it work?

A solar domestic hot water heating system (or solar thermal system) is a solar panel system that heats water.

Solar water heating system diagramUsually you will have solar panels (vacuum tube collectors or flat plate panels) installed on the roof or on a frame at ground level and a hot water cylinder installed near to the panels. The solar panels heat up when the Sun's radiation falls onto them. The radiation heats up a liquid inside the panel, usually anti-freeze. This heat is then transferred by the heat transfer medium (the anti-freeze) to your cylinder or pool heat exchanger.

The solar systems work all year supplying you in hot water, however in the cold & dark winter months the system will need to be backed up with a boiler or immersion heater. It will not work when it's foggy, snowing, raining or overcast. Solar assisted underfloor heating systems produce the most useful energy for space heating in the spring and autumn seasons.

How much can you save through a solar water heating system?

Invest in solar system rather than paying increasing amounts to utility companiesAt present, depending on the construction of the home and the effectiveness of its insulation, around 30-40% of a household's fuel usage is likely to be used in heating water.
If a solar system is designed to provide all of the domestic hot water requirements in the summer months, it will still make a significant contribution during the spring and autumn. Indeed, on average, it will provide 60-70% of a household's year round hot water needs. So, it could save between 20-30% of your total annual fuel cost.

With the average bill for a house with 3 or more people costing over 2,000 Euro per annum and with gas, oil and electricity bills increasing by over 10% per year the installation of a Solarhouse system could save you a lot of money in the long term.

The effect of an annual 10% energy increase:
year 1 = 2,200
year 2 = 2,420
year 3 = 2,662
year 4 = 2,928
year 5 = 3,221

year 10 = 5,187

year 20 = 13,454

Total = 125,995 Euro

Over 20 years an average household could save over 35,000 Euro on their energy bills.

Watch video on how to install solar panels!

Installing a solar water heating system is not such a difficult process.

However it is not a do-it-yourself job for most people. There are important decisions to make and a few rules to apply to ensure that your solar heating system, including system size and design, are to your satisfaction and meet your requirements. It is vital to look for a high quality product when choosing your solar collector. All products registered by SEAI under the Better Energy Scheme have met minimum quality requirements in terms of efficiency and safety. In addition, we suggest that you select a collector that has the European Solar Keymark label which shows a further commitment to quality from the manufacturer.
Solarhouse installers will make sure that solar water heating system is introduced into your home with minimal disruption to you. Most residential installations are completed on the same day that our highly skilled solar panel installation team arrive.
To find out more about getting a Solarhouse water heating system installed in you home, please call us at fee phone today: 1800-303-494.
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Save even more and get your good deal today!!!

Special Offer on Solar Panels

Save! Save! Save!
Simply be the first household in your area to agree to install Solarhouse system and we will take 30% off the cost of your installation.
During the installation and for 3 weeks afterwards we will install a sign outside your house advertising the fact that you have invested in a solar energy system from Solarhouse!

Remember, with Solarhouse.ie, you can:
* save up to 70% of your water heating cost
* switch on the sun
* receive a free, no obligation survey and quotation
* enjoy a full nationwide service.
For more details phone us free on 1-800 303 494, visit our website: www.solarhouse.ie or click below:
Click here to find out how to become a solar home for Solarhouse!
...and save up to 30% off the cost of your installation!
Click here to request your free house survey and quotation!
Simply fill out our online contact form with your details and we will get back to you shortly!

With energy bills increasing each year here's a money saving idea you can't ignore!

If you have any Questions or Comments we are more than happy to hear them!

  • krakensquid Nov 29, 2011 @ 5:40 pm | delete
    Great lens!
  • Solarhouse Nov 30, 2011 @ 3:47 am | delete
    Thank you Krakensquid! I am glad you enjoyed it! Iwona
  • dfroray Nov 28, 2011 @ 9:49 pm | delete
    Hey I have reviewed your squidoo lens and I really liked it. Because of this I went ahead and ?like? you on squidoo. Giving your lens another like.

    When you have time, please take a look at my lens. It is located at

    http://www.squidoo.com/appliance-removal-louisville

    If you like my lens, please add a like to my lens as well. I am new to squidoo and I would appreciate any comments at a
  • Solarhouse Nov 29, 2011 @ 3:35 am | delete
    It's done. Thank you for 'like' and good luck, Iwona.
  • pencilonpaper Nov 25, 2011 @ 7:15 am | delete
    I think more and more people will shift towards solar energy in the years to come.
    How much those these solar panels now cost for an average household?
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Solarhouse Ireland Limited was founded in 2006 in Dublin as a part of the AP Haslam Group who have supplied quality reliable electrical material to in... more »

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