Steve Lally of LHL Developments explained how achieving Level 3 led them to select the auroTHERM solar domestic hot water from Vaillant: “Level 3 brings a number of challenges. We felt that domestic hot water was one of the areas that we could add value to by meeting the requirements of the Code. We have previously used Vaillant boilers and know that Vaillant has a good track record and so we investigated their solar offering thoroughly. The product seemed absolutely right for this job and we were confident of the excellent back-up Vaillant provides. In addition we received excellent advice from Howard Hazeldine, their Solar Sales Manager who really understood what we needed and how Vaillant’s system could meet those requirements.”
This is the first time that LHL Development has used Vaillant’s solar system and they anticipate that the auroTHERM will provide up to 60% of annual hot water requirements in each property. In addition they are installing Vaillant’s high efficiency ecoTEC plus 612 boiler, together with the twin coil auroSTOR unvented solar hot water cylinder. The auroSTOR’s twin coil allows the water to be heated primarily from the solar panels while the second coil, connected to the boiler, acts as a back up.
Joanne Betts, Project Manager, at Staffordshire Housing Association, commented, “This is the first Level 3 Code for Sustainable Homes project of its kind. We are really excited that our new tenants will have the opportunity to live in homes with water provided by solar panels. Vaillant will be providing training on how to use their solar domestic hot water that we, in turn, will be able to pass on to our tenants. We are delighted with how everything has gone to date.” The properties are due for completion in April 2008.
The auroTHERM VFK 900 flat plate collector, with ultrasonically welded copper absorbers and 60mm insulation on the rear and sides for enhanced efficiency, has a solar glass transmission of 91%. With an attractive, polished aluminium frame, it is a competitively priced option for households. With extra tough (4mm) glass for increased robustness and an overall size of 1160 x 1930 x 110 mm (absorber surface area of 2.02m2), the collectors are remarkably low in weight for their type, at just 43kg. The flat plate collectors also carry a 10-year warranty.
Vaillant’s solar DHW system can provide around 50-60% of annual domestic hot water requirements. It uses indirect solar radiation, not just direct sunlight, meaning that it will work as efficiently in the UK as it does in other countries with similar climates. Typically, the solar control system has a built-in intelligence allowing it to automatically switch from solar to conventional power when needed. Vaillant’s solar domestic hot water system ensures hot water comfort, helps reduce fuel bills, adds value to a property and is a positive benefit to the environment because it reduces CO2 emissions.
To find out more about our Total Solar System Solution please click here
