On Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:14:31 -0500, Jim wrote:

"Huge" wrote in message
...
On 2007-10-15, Ed Sirett wrote:


More useful in this whole thread would IMHO be:

What is the maximum outlay for a solar assisted water heating at current
gas/oil prices.

It might _just_ be possible that a diy approach is just about possible if
you value your time as nothing and make some/all of the equipment
yourself.

Professionally installed we are off by a multiple at present.

Hear, hear.

Personally, I'm not sure I would trust someone else to do this sort of
thing to my home. I think very few people would. Most alt energy things I've
seen are insane, bordering on scams, and definitely waaaaay overpriced.



It's my suspicion that the true cost ( of the solar assisted DHW kit)
together with a normal (not green-scam) price for installation could be
plausible.

It probably only plausible for houses with (vented) stored water systems
and then only when replacing the DHW cylinder and houses with a suitable
place to install the collectors. My own home would probably work out quite
easy to do as I have a flat roof with easy access.

If the kit was just a couple of hundred quid (which is what it would be if
it were mass produced like radiator/pumps/time controls etc.) The may be
it would be worth me doing it. Of course that a long way from doing for
someone else.... 8-(

Alas when I replaced the DHW cylinder in 2003 is did not get one with two
heater holes let alone two coils.


--
Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter.
The FAQ for uk.diy is at http://www.diyfaq.org.uk
Gas fitting FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFitting.html
Sealed CH FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/SealedCH.html
Choosing a Boiler FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/BoilerChoice.html