Andy Gould, Contract Works Officer (Gas) for the Decent Homes Team at Birmingham City Council, said: “We are trialling solar panels in a number of our larger house renovations. The Vaillant solar DHW system is of particular interest because of its in-built protection again Legionnaires’ disease. One of the challenges of having solar panels in social housing is that in cooler months many tenants can be tempted to have their hot water solely from the solar panels, rather than switching on their boiler. In summer this is fine because the average temperature inside the water tank will be in excess of 70°C. In autumn and spring, however, it’s likely that the water temperature may only be 45°C, the perfect temperature at which the legionella bacterium thrives. If the boiler hasn’t been turned on at least once a week, the Vaillant domestic hot water solar panel controls will automatically switch on the boiler and heat the water temperature in the tank to over 60°C, killing any harmful bacteria that may be present.”
Birmingham City Council will monitor and evaluate any fuel savings that happen as a result of the installation. In addition they are installing Vaillant’s ecoTEC plus 630 system boiler, together with a 250-litre auroSTOR hot water cylinder and Vaillant’s auroMATIC 560 controls. 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.
Hazelhurst Heating carried out the installation. Dean Finley, the installer, commented: “One of the useful aspects of the auroMATIC 560 controls that monitor the hot water is that it will tell you just how much energy you have saved. With the push of a button you can see what the solar gain is, which is extremely useful for customers like Birmingham City Council, because it makes it very easy for them to understand the environmental impact the installation is having.”
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%. It is also 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 generates lower levels of energy even with indirect solar radiation, as well as higher levels of energy from 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.
Shaun Edwards, Vaillant’s Commercial Director said: “This project demonstrates Vaillant's commitment to making the installation of renewable technology straightforward, particularly in the public sector, where city councils like Birmingham are taking a strategic lead to combat carbon emissions and save energy."
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