Solar Power

[Wanlock Dod]

Wizer,

Nothing new here, but a few years ago I was at a brand new building in Newcastle University, where they had installed (at vast cost) a huge array of solar panels. This did wonders for the green credentials of the building, and had a display in the lobby that told you how much power they were generating. On the rather sunny day when I was there I seem to recall it managing an output of somewhere in the region of 600 or 700 watts. Certainly it's a start, but in a building that probably has over a hundered staff housed in it I suspect that it's hardly scratching the surface.

As I understand it (I'm no expert) solar water heating is more likely than most to pay back the investment within a reasonable timescale. I understand that heat pumps are pretty good, but work best with lower temperature systems (i.e. underfloor heating) so are not so easily retro-fitted into most homes (could be wrong though).

Cheers,

Dod

 

[selly]

solar heating is ok ish but only that.

how much is your water heating bill in the summer months?

not a great deal I suspect. hows your insulation? cavity wall? roof?

 

[wizer]

not a great deal I suspect. hows your insulation? cavity wall? roof?

That's next on my list.

 

[RogerM]

not a great deal I suspect. hows your insulation? cavity wall? roof?

That's next on my list.

B&Q currently selling loft insulation with a 50% discount. Just topped up mine with an extra 170 mm (on top of the 100 mm already there). An 8 sq m pack was £16.99. My guess is that this discount will disappear before the winter so now's the time to do it.

 

[Digit]

If there is someone in your household of pensionable age, or disabled, loft insulation should be free.

Roy.

 

[selly]

my advice would be make it first on your list. Insulation is the key. cylinder well insulated?

solar panels can wait as they payback is ok but not as good as insulation. problem is insulation isn't as sexy as solar panels

 

[MIGNAL]

£800 per quarter is extremely high considering you have Gas heating. My bill is less than half that amount, 3 adults and 2 children in the household complete with washing machine, tumble dryer, electric kettle & toaster + all the other usual small appliances.
Something is 'consuming' a huge amount of Watts or at least registering your usage in an unfair manner, commonly known as a faulty meter. Once happened to me (Gas meter) and it took 3 seperate BG engineers before they finally admitted that the meter was at fault. How surprising that my usage became 'normal' as soon as the meter was changed.
Just a possibility.

 

[Digit]

Yeah! Know all about it, both with electric and LPG. I'm currently negotiating with the gas supplier on this very problem.

Roy.

 

[RogerM]

Wizer - if you are really spending £800 per quarter on electricity that is just insane. Assuming power costs about 10p per unit, then that equates to drawing 3.7 KW 24/7 - or very nearly 4 bars of an electric fire night and day, 7 days a week. That cannot be right.

If you have checked each appliance with the watt meter like this one then try turning off all appliances, including oven, immersion heater, hob, TV and freezer and then see if the little wheel on your meter is still revolving. If it is, you have a problem. And don't forget to turn your freezer back on afterwards or you'll be in even deeper s***. DAMHIKT.

You could try fitting an Owl current meter. This is a wireless meter which has a detector which you simply strap to the cable between meter and consumer unit and gives a readout of current being drawn, or depending on mode selected, the cost per hour of power being consumed. We fitted one of these and it has made us very much more concious of the effect of leaving lights on etc. You would at least know the amount of power being drawn at any time, including when you think everything is turned off or unplugged.

 

[lurker]

I've just caught up with this thread.

Blimey Wizer :shock: :shock:

The SWMBO wastes lots of energy eg central heating going full blast and the back door open so the bluddy cat can come & go etc etc :roll:

I could ( and do) go on but I'd better not rant too much otherwise Gill will throw another strop. :lol:

I thought we were wasteful but the annual lecy bill is NOT £800 - I'm aware its going to change soon however.

 

[Digit]

The SWMBO wastes lots of energy eg central heating going full blast and the back door open so the bluddy cat can come & go etc etc

In this household two dogs plus doors and light switches that only work one way!

Roy.

 

[Deejay]

Hello WiZer

You said that 'Our last (first in this house) bill came in at £800 for a quarter. '

Are you sure that the last occupier's final meter reading was right?

Dave

 

[wizer]

hehe honestly guys, I have been through the bill and I know what electric I am using. I have one of these:

http://www.efergy.com

 

[Digit]

He's growing palm trees in his green house fellahs! :lol:
Either that or he's got teenagers, you know, light switches that only turn on, not off!
Been there ....
(Not growing Cannabis are you!?) :lol:

Roy.