I have installed 4 flat plate solar thermal panels on my east facing roof (it was the only place available) and i would now like to be monitor how much energy i am saving by having the water heated from the sun. Can anyone suggest how i go about doing this?
Dr T (Guest)
10 Jun 2009, 7:03 PM
Do you know how much energy you used to use for making hot water?
Without that information you cannot calculate your savings.
You will be making savings and your energy bills should drop.
echase
16 Jun 2009, 12:07 AM
I published a design for a solar controller that also monitors heat input. It is published in the June and July 09 editions of Electronics and Practical Electronics available in good newsagents now. See http://www.epemag3.com/ which tells you more and has a picture of my system (at least it does now, the link will move on to a new edition by about August).
It’s a controller that will work with almost any sort of solar thermal systems but is optimised to work with no mains pumping using a PV electrical supply. Great for saving that wasted electricity that negates a significant amount of the benefit of solar systems.
