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Hot water from the sun : the solar panels are connected via pipes to the tanks. They assure the availability of the warm water. Depending on the season, the temperature of the hot water in the tank ranges between 50° in winter and 90°C in summer. |
PhotosCharacteristics
In the main house the hot water is used for the shower, kitchen, dishwasher and washing machine. All this means that we can keep the use of electricity at a very low level.
The solar panels on the south-facing roofs are 10m² and 6m², which is big enough to keep the water hot in the tanks. It is not only for the warm water use in kitchen or bathroom, but also for heating the house. In the guesthouse the 300 l tank is sufficient for the normal warm water needs. About 95% of the hot water we use each year is heated by the sun. The other 5% is produced from renewable energy and comes from the eco electricity supplier ENERCOOP using the power network of EDF. Solar hot water systems have a life of 30 years and more.
Example main house
Since the tank for the main house provides heating for the living room and the kitchen as well, its capacity at 1000 litres is above average and adequate to the 10 m² solar panels on the roof.
Besides the shower and the kitchen, warm water is also available for the dishwasher and the washing machine. Just in winter there is a need for electrical heating of the tank for about one to two weeks. The warm water systems also provides a stable ground heating for the house of 17-18°C.
Our guesthouse
The capacity of the hot water tank in the guest house is 300 litres. On top of the guesthouse 6 m² solar panels are installed fort he hot water production. The roof is oriented to the south. The tank is big enough for the hot water need of a household with 4-5 persons.
Left :
inverter with 9 kilowatt peak in our main house.
Above :
connecting the hot water panels
Above right :
hot water system is being installed on the roof of the guest house
Centre :
the programming of the hot water system in the main house.
Below right :
the 1000 litre tank with a weight of 250 kg is moved into the house.