Bubble Bursts on those installing Solar Thermodynamics

[Berneray]

I agree with Gavin...see my earlier post...the large PV Companies are now targeting thermodynamic panels as the new garlic bread.

But then what can you do......these companies will carry on doing what they do with their doorcan and telecan direct sales teams....so most of these systems will be bought by folks after two or three hour sales pitches...and who won't get competitive quotes or advice......

 

[Eco Deal]

They are not listed on the RHI table of techs ????

am I missing somthing here so that means not RHI payment ????

or are they adding this tech soon

 

[The Launderer]

They are not listed on the RHI table of techs ????

am I missing somthing here so that means not RHI payment ????

or are they adding this tech soon

See posts 28 & 29

 

[The Solar King]

I feel this is beginning to descend in to farce. Here we have a bit of kit masquerading as solar thermal that is really a heat pump with a COP of 3 and no mention of what it's likely Seasonal Performance Factor is. So we take one kilowatt of electricity and produce three kilowatts of heat.

With a real solar thermal system we take zero kilowatts of electricity and produce three kilowatts of heat. There is a pump in a solar thermal system you say and that uses electricity. There is a temperature differential so the system will not switch on before it produces more energy than the pump consumes. And yes, in good conditions it can raise the temperature well above 55degC. I make all that a COP of infinity.

To even start measuring the benefit of this technology, it can only be any incremental gain over a standard solar thermal system at times where it would not produce any heat (if there is any gain). It seems to be generally acknowledged on the forum that use for space heating is a non starter. So what exactly is the point of it?

It would appear to have the same carbon intensity and emissions factor as gas, so there is no way DECC are going to include it in the RHI. The best hope would be in off-grid areas where anyone with half a brain would be looking at a proven and effective heat pump technology or maybe biomass which will handle the whole heat load. (or may be stick with what they already have).

There are always people looking for better ways of collecting low grade heat to improve the performance of heat pumps. Some are innovative but none have made the main stream.

In a few years time it is likely this will be viewed as yet another technological cul-de-sac. Think 8 track cassettes and ----el engines.

If it wasn't for all the spivs getting involved in selling the stuff, a more considered and clear headed evaluation could take place without the emotional charge those particular reprobates bring where ever their ugly little heads pop up.

 

[MCS Renewables]

Look at this page from one of the solar rogues " The Save Energy Group "

Thermodynamic Heating Systems FAQ

They are very hard sell and have high commission salesmen, a call centre and have all the other unethical angles covered. All subbies so you can guess what their jobs look like!

They are claiming a COP of up to 7 at the bottom of this article !!!!!!!

They also mention a COP of 4.3 to 5.2 during the article and the fact that the system complies with the MCS and will qualify for the RHI.

They have been reported time and time again for miss selling and are still MCS approved so it doesn't matter what any of us think the rogues will continue to flourish.
Until this entire industry is policed properly it appears you can do whatever you like !

 

[finchy]

REAL say they are under resourced so appreciate our input such as reporting issues. However do they want us to go shut the "rogues" down as well.

It angers me that people make a good living from basically ripping people off. someone could argue that's a businessman or salesman selling something that people think they might need and slightly exaggerate the performance !

 

[Inti]

Full page adverts from this company Thermodynamic Hot Water Systems | Solar Panels | Photovoltaic Panels | Solar Electricity Systems

50% Savings on hot water RHPP and 20 years RHI.

If you have time - have a look at the video - fitting instructions for roof hooks at 5minutes 30 seconds are a joy to behold.

 

[TJLinks]

Full page adverts from this company Thermodynamic Hot Water Systems | Solar Panels | Photovoltaic Panels | Solar Electricity Systems

50% Savings on hot water RHPP and 20 years RHI.

If you have time - have a look at the video - fitting instructions for roof hooks at 5minutes 30 seconds are a joy to behold.

Thats got to be the best way of fixing to a tile I have seen in a long while:: at least he used a gob of silicon!!!

 

[balbecdaze]

Ah, I was prepared to be convinced on this - but I just watched the video! OMG LOL and WTF. I'm now fully in the "snake-oil" camp.

Not the best advert IMHO!

 

[John Allen]

So looks like a great idea for the sunnier climates as per the installation video, unless I am mistaken and that was filmed in Dundee?

 

[Gavin A]

Thats got to be the best way of fixing to a tile I have seen in a long while:: at least he used a gob of silicon!!!

as used by the recently bust solartwin as well, if a recent roof repair job under a solartwin panel is anything to go by.

 

[Berneray]

Interesting advert in today's Sun from PV Company. They are claiming 80% savings on gas usage....Plus a definite RHI Payment for 20 years...

 

[Worcester]

Definitely one to send to REAL no argument what they are claiming - ESPECIALLY after we all got the email from MCS about them sitting on the fence. (Easiest way to get splinters )

 

[Megavolt]

This is so wrong again honesty doent pay. I don't know how they get away with utter lies in the sun news paper

 

[solarsavings]

I don't know how they get away with utter lies in the sun news paper

Neither do I.