Looking for advise

[The Solar King]

I'm afraid you're going to have to deliver suggestions in laymens terms, most of the forum staff including the owner aren't very clued up on these systems.

Are you proposing a 'renewable heat' sub forum? What systems exactly would 'renwable heat' encompass?

When you say heat lounge are you meaning a second limited, trade only access, lounge? Could the existing sun-lounge not be rebadged to cover this need?


As I warned, I'm pretty lame when it comes to renewable technologies so I have some questions, are systems such as heat-pump water heaters and solar thermal water heaters separate systems or do you get hybrid systems that could consist of ST, heat-pump and maybe even bio-mass all rolled into one package?

Thanks for your interest and comments.

Others have very much covered your questions. Renewable heat needs to cover space heating and water heating. Reason for mentioning the split is Solar Thermal is mainly water heating in the UK (although there are some ongoing developments with space heating) and the other technologies are primarily space heating with the addition of water heating. You do get technologies used in conjunction with one another, often referred to as bi-valency. Most commonly this is solar thermal in conjunction with another technology. This is recognised in the very soon to be announced Renewable Heat Incentive.

Inclusion in the Sun Lounge of Professionals from other technologies could be a way forward.

Despite what others may think, including Her Majesty's Government, this is a growth area with widespread public support. The help and advice available on this forum assists in raising standards and providing consumers with examples of best practice. As more businesses move in to the renewable heat sector, this will be more important than ever.

 

[Marvo]

Thanks for the info. I'll make this post then leave it a few days to offer a chance for anyone to make final comments or even fresh ideas.

I'm going to propose to Dan that;

1. A new sub-forum is created, probably to be named 'renewable heat' where topics including Bio-mass, Solar Thermal and Heat Pump systems (including bi-valent systems) used in the applications of space heating and water heating can be located.

2. We'll refurbish the Sun Lounge with some new soft furnishings, an extended bar and maybe some snazzy LED lighting and relaunch it as The Green Lounge (unless someone has a better name) and the first round will be on Solar King's tab

(I'm still a little hazy on whether heat pumps fall into the new sub-forum or not)

One other thing, what's the story with wind turbines (and hydro/ wave generation for that matter) Are these systems being sold to the general public or are they more the domain of large energy producers?

 

[The Solar King]

Even wind at pretty small scale is specialist. There are a limited number of approved products in the UK, but it should be covered. There are some fabulous bits of kit available in other markets.

Hydro is even more so. Should be there. Once you are passed the turbine, it's electrical engineering and installation.

At smaller scale for both it is mainly farmers and land owners.

Heat pumps are definitely in and probably represent the biggest growth potential.

 

[Marvo]

So wind, hydro and wave wouldn't warrant a separate sub-forum as yet.

I was a bit hazy about heat pumps because they're generally electrically driven and whilst they're energy saving or energy efficient they did seem to be a bit round peg square hole getting a place in a 'renewables' forum.

By the way what happened with those systems that used solar panels with some sort of refrigerant in them? Sorry about the vague description but I remember a debate on here about a year ago about them. Is the jury still out on them or were they busted as smoke and mirrors?

 

[The Solar King]

Marvo: re first round. Will convene in one of those lovely vineyards on the Garden Route on my next visit!!!

 

[Marvo]

Marvo: re first round. Will convene in one of those lovely vineyards on the Garden Route on my next visit!!!

Stellenbosch, Paarl or Constantia would be more on my doorstep, the Garden Route is a days drive for me or even a pleasant half day by bike. I'll await your PM to set the time and place

 

[SibertSolar]

What a great example of a productive and positive thread, nice work chaps. Question - is the sun/green lounge/room open to tradesmen only, or can a lowly supplier request access? I appreciate the reason for it existing and understand if the answer is no, just curious ta

 

[SolarCity]

The Sun Lounge is tradesmen only but I personally wouldn't have any issue with you having access, Andy. It is fair to say that your input is pretty much invaluable to the forum.

 

[Marvo]

I don't think there's a hard and fast rule regarding suppliers in the limited access forums. Obviously we'd want to avoid suppliers using access to these areas for their own marketing purposes but as Solar City vouches for you as a valued member then you're good by me as well.

*Edit* Welcome to the Sun Lounge.

 

[Worcester]

The Sun Lounge is tradesmen only

Yep but you let Spitfire in didn't ya

 

[SibertSolar]

Thanks Chris/Marvo

 

[Gavin A]

good job you got that sibert thread deleted, fast work there by the mods.

 

[SibertSolar]

haha, very funny :lol:

 

[Worcester]

Chris / Mayo if you choose to change the name - the logical one is the 'Green Room' - as commonly used in theaters

 

[The Solar King]

I would fully endorse Andy as a member of the Sun Lounge. Please look at his posts to decide if he exploits commercial advantage more than anyone else who contributes to this site.

One of the things about him other then being a Bon Oeuf is that he does his due diligence on everything he sells.

By reputation Sibert is the one stop shop for G59 protection.

Welcome to the Sun Lounge Andy.