Solar Thermal Panels

A Camphill experience

There are typically two types of solar panels on the UK Irish market evacuated tube and flat plate panels.

Solar panels do not depend on sunshine alone but also produce hot water from light they are most effective if placed facing south however east and west or in between is also possible but less effective.

At Clanabogan we have Riverstown House equipped with 7 Flat plate solar panels.

An economic benefit is hard to establish since the whole building with space and water heating is also on the wood biomass district heating system.

With regards to the overall benefit they can contribute around one third of domestic hot water here in the UK and Ireland.

Solar panels could also be used to support the heating system but a large area would be required and they are most effective during the summer when the demand is low.

The contribution of solar panels is not significant when looking at the overall energy consumption of a typical older Camphill house in the British Isles.

They would however be excellent for Camphill communities in Africa and other more sunny parts of the world where they need little space heating and could produce most of the hot water needed.

On new highly insulated houses with energy saving measures installed solar panels can be integrated at a lower cost than retro fitting and can demonstrate better value for money.