Evacuated Solar Tubes

Installing solar panels is an excellent way to utilise solar energy and reduce carbon footprint. But if you want to use solar energy to heat water, you’ll need a solar thermal system.

The main component of this system is a collector, and evacuated tube solar collectors are one of the types. These are energy efficient and can conveniently heat a substantial amount of water. Their exceptional performance makes the tubes suitable for residences.

You might be researching various evacuated solar thermal collectors in the market. It’s best to understand their features. Knowing the technicalities will help you select a quality product that matches your requirements.

Check out this post to know all about the benefits and features of these tubes.

Key Takeaways

• Evacuated tube solar collectors are efficient systems for heating water using solar energy and are suitable for residences.
• These collectors create a vacuum between inner and outer glass tubes, maximising heat absorption and minimising heat loss, resulting in energy efficiency and consistent hot water flow.
• Advantages of choosing evacuated tubes include high energy efficiency, consistent hot water supply, durability, and relatively simple installation, making them a cost-effective choice for reducing electric bills.

What’s the Structure of Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors?

An evacuated tube is a type of collector consisting of rows of parallel tubes attached to a header heat pipe. Unlike a flat plate collector, these tubes don’t have a heat-absorbing plate.

Moreover, cylindrical glass tubes can create a particular angle while absorbing sunlight. They can help you produce hot water by efficiently absorbing sunlight. So, besides standard households, these tubes are also useful in buildings that need hot water daily.

Over the years, these solar thermal collectors have become popular and widely appreciated. People prefer them for water heating because they are effective in various climatic conditions. However, before you select one for your home, you need to understand its functions.

How Do Evacuated Solar Tubes Work?

The evacuated collector includes a thinner inner glass tube and a thicker outer tube. Both tubes consist of specialised protein that maximises heat absorption and minimises heat loss.

Moreover, they can efficiently work even under extremely high temperatures during the summer months.

Also, the system pumps out the air between the glass tubes, creating a vacuum. This is why these cubes are called evacuated collectors. The tubes don’t heat the water inside them; the vacuum works as an insulator, reducing heat loss.

• This vacuum enables these tubes to improve the water heating.
• The absorber plate absorbs and transfers the heat to a special fluid inside the system called a heat transfer fluid.
• When this fluid is heated up, it converts into steam and rises to the topmost section of the collector.

Here, the heat exchanger transfers the heat to water, which gets stored in a tank. This water will be available for use.

Advantages of Choosing Evacuated Tubes

Evacuated solar tubes are a bit more expensive than flat plate heating systems. This might make you think hard before buying an evacuated tube system. That’s why we have listed the amazing benefits of evacuated tubes here to aid your purchase decision.

Energy Efficiency

Evacuated panels are highly energy efficient, with a conversion rate of almost 90%. They tend to produce more heat than flat plates and other thermal panels. So, you can heat a lot more water with these tubes, which can help you save time and resources.

You’ll find them beneficial if your household has many members who need hot water regularly.

Consistent Flow of Hot Water

The winters in the UK can be long and challenging. With a steady flow of hot water through your solar system, you can get through the winters comfortably. In addition, you can store the water and use it at your convenience.

The vacuum prevents any corruption in the collector, making the entire system more durable than other panels. So you can enjoy uninterrupted service throughout the year.

Simple Installation

Besides working efficiently at high temperatures, this hot water system is easy to install. You can do it yourself or contact a professional to install the evacuated solar heat tubes, heat exchangers and other components.

Case Study: Implementing Evacuated Solar Tubes in a Residential Setting

Background

Solar Panels Network is dedicated to delivering tailored solar energy solutions that align with our clients’ specific needs. In this case study, we outline our recent project involving the installation of an evacuated solar tube system for a family home. The family sought to reduce their energy expenses and minimise their environmental impact, particularly through more sustainable water heating methods.

Project Overview

The project focused on integrating an advanced solar thermal system using evacuated tube collectors. This technology was selected for its high efficiency and reliability, even in the UK’s varied climate. The objective was to provide a consistent supply of hot water, ensuring the system could perform well throughout the year, including during winter when sunlight can be limited.

Implementation

• Site Assessment and Design: We conducted an in-depth site assessment to determine the optimal placement for the evacuated tube collectors. This involved:
  • Analysing the roof’s orientation and structural integrity to ensure it could support the system.
  • Identifying potential shading issues that could impact sunlight exposure, thereby optimising the layout for maximum efficiency.
  • Designing the system to meet the family’s specific hot water usage patterns, taking into account the number of household members and their daily water consumption needs.
• Installation: The installation process included several key steps:
  • Collector Installation: Mounted the evacuated tube collectors at an angle that maximises sunlight capture, ensuring the system’s optimal performance.
  • System Integration: Connected the solar thermal system to the existing hot water storage tank. This integration was seamless, ensuring a steady supply of hot water without interruptions.
  • Backup System: Installed a supplementary heating system to ensure hot water availability during periods of limited sunlight, such as during particularly overcast days or the deepest winter months.

Results

• Energy Efficiency: The evacuated solar tubes demonstrated a conversion rate of up to 90%, significantly surpassing the efficiency of traditional flat plate collectors. This efficiency translated into substantial energy savings by reducing the household’s dependence on conventional electric or gas water heating systems.
• Cost Savings: The family experienced an immediate reduction in their energy bills. Based on the energy savings, the system is projected to pay for itself within approximately five years, making it a cost-effective investment in the long term.
• Environmental Impact: The installation contributed to a notable decrease in the household’s carbon footprint. By utilising solar energy for water heating, the family significantly reduced their greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with their commitment to sustainable living.

Summary

The implementation of the evacuated solar tube system successfully met the family’s hot water needs while providing substantial economic and environmental benefits. The project’s success underscores the viability and efficiency of solar thermal systems, particularly evacuated tube collectors, in residential settings. This case study highlights the expertise of Solar Panels Network in delivering high-quality, sustainable energy solutions that cater to the unique needs of each client. The family’s positive experience with the system serves as a testament to the potential of renewable energy technologies in everyday applications.

Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About Evacuated Solar Tubes

Evacuated tube collectors are a game-changer for residential solar thermal systems. Their ability to maintain efficiency even during colder months sets them apart from other technologies.

Senior Solar Installer

The vacuum insulation in evacuated solar tubes not only enhances their efficiency but also extends their lifespan by protecting the system from environmental wear and tear.

Lead Installation Technician

Installing evacuated solar tubes is a straightforward process. Once they’re in place, they require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a hassle-free solution.

Solar Energy Consultant

Summing Up

Having an excellent efficiency rate, evacuated solar collectors can generate 3000 kWh of energy. 2100 kWh of this solar heat will be utilised for heating water for household purposes. Plus, you can contact your local government office for any grants or subsidies offered for using the device.

The evacuated heat transfer system can help you reduce your electric bills efficiently. However, you might require a backup heater in the winter to heat the solar water to a specific desired temperature. You can seek professional assistance to get more information about this.