Solar Thermal panels absorb the sun’s energy to heat water which is stored and used as required. This technology comes in two main forms, flat plate and evacuated tubes. Price, efficiency and aesthetics vary so consult SIG 360 to ensure you find the right solution for your particular project.
Panels can be easily installed in new build situations, retrofitted onto existing buildings or they can be free standing on the ground or on a flat roof. Performance depends on the solar collector being able to take full advantage of available sunlight, so location is critical and relies on geographical location, polar orientation and the pitch of the roof.
Whatever type of installation you require, there is an appropriate Solar PV solution. From standard modules for residential properties right through to architecturally designed specifications for commercial roofs, facades and bespoke projects.
Solar architecture is a relatively new solution in the UK but has become a standard feature in Mainland Europe. These product solutions facilitate individual designs in terms of form, colour and texture. The panels can be accommodated into every part of the building envelope from the façade to the skylights, solar shades to canopies. Integration of these products enables all surfaces of commercial buildings to be used to generate electricity whilst maintaining design aesthetics.
Electricity is used by GSHP system to power the pumps. The efficiency of a GSHP is measured by a coefficient of performance or CoP. This is the amount of heat it produces compared to the amount of electricity needed to run it. A typical CoP for a GSHP is between 3.0 to 4.0. This means that the heat pump produces up to four units of heat energy for every one unit of electricity it consumes. This compares to 70-95% efficiency for a typical fossil fuel powered gas boiler.
In a modern, well insulated house, a GSHP system can offer very high efficiency and moderate running costs. An oil-fired boiler would cost considerably more to run and electric heating would be up to four times as expensive. Modern condensing gas boilers are very competitive. However, one has to take into account the fluctuating gas prices and the finite nature of this resource.
ASHP systems use electricity to power the unit. However, unlike other electric systems the energy output is considerably higher than the energy consumed. This efficiency is measured by a coefficient of performance or CoP. A typical CoP for an ASHP system is between 3.0 to 4.0. This means that the heat pump produces up to four units of heat energy for every one unit of electricity it consumes. This compares to 70-95% efficiency for a typical fossil fuel powered gas boiler.
A high efficiency heat pump may provide up to four times the heat compared to an equivalent electric heating and a five year return on investment when compared with oil and LPG heating systems. This combined with a twenty year plus projected lifespan and low maintenance cost further underpins the economic attraction of this technology.
Our experienced team will consider your whole project, together with your specific objectives and requirements, taking you step by step through the process, from establishing your initial needs right through to developing the specification and supplying the most appropriate solution, whether this is for a single residential property or a commercial business park.