Solar Heating Installation
Rayotec CPC 6 INOX solar collectors are lightweight and modular, allowing the solar tubes to be integrated into all architectural building designs. The high efficiency of the collectors reduces the surface area of solar panel relative to conventional flat-plate panels. Ideally the collectors should face due south however, the unique, flexible design of Rayotec CPC 6 INOX collectors can facilitate different tube orientations.
Rayotec can prepare a complete solar kit in its workshop to enable the installer to carry out the solar heating installation in a satisfactory manner in the quickest time. A detailed step by step DIY solar heating installation manual and free help line service provides the knowledge and confidence needed by the DIY installer.
With almost 20 years of experience in the solar heating and solar energy industry, Rayotec can provide a comprehensive design and solar heating installation service in most parts of the UK and Ireland by trained professionals. A Rayotec solar heating system using Rayotec CPC 6 INOX solar collectors is easy to install and a typical domestic solar hot water installation can be undertaken within a day or two.
Our team of professional solar heating installation engineers, who are trained and experienced in installing vacuum tube collectors, operate out of our workshop in Sunbury-upon-Thames in Southwest London (within easy access to Surrey/ M3/ M25).
The engineers employed by Rayotec are fully insured and responsible for preparing systems, carrying out installations and providing prompt after sales service.
The company puts a great emphasis on customer satisfaction and takes pride in receiving regular referrals from existing satisfied customers. Rayotec has a comprehensive customer care procedure, prepared specifically as a guideline to be followed by our engineers.
How is the solar panel fixed to the roof?
Sloping tiled roof
The Rayotec CPC 6 INOX solar panels are fixed on-top of the tiled roof. Stainless steal straps are fixed to the rafters and then placed under the tiles so that they slightly protrude from between the tiles. Channels are bolted onto the straps at a distance equal to the height of one panel. The solar panels are then bolted onto the channels and slid together so that they interlock. A flexible stainless steel hose is used to connect the inlet and outlet on the top of the panels to the pipe work inside the roof. There is minimal disruption to the tiles and usually only two small holes are made in the whole process. Alternatively, the case of new build properties ventilation tiles are used to bring solar flow and return pipes inside the roof space.
There may be slight variations to this method when using certain slate tiles
Flat roof
To ensure a significant output from the solar system throughout the year the panels should be inclined as close to the optimum inclination as possible and face due south. For flat roof installation an A frame assembly would be required. The panels can be inclined at an angle of approximately 30 - 35. The minimum operational angle for the Rayotec CPC 6 INOX solar panels is 15° but this will slightly reduce the efficiency of the solar panels especially in the summer
Cylinders
Vented Cylinder
This is the most common type of cylinder found in the UK. They are normally made from copper and always have a cold water tank. Solar vented cylinder have two coils, the bottom one for solar and the top for the boiler. An immersion heater is normally provided as standard.
Unvented Cylinder (mains pressure cylinder)
There is no cold water tank with this system and the mains water feeds straight into the cylinder. This allows for mains pressured (powerful) showers throughout the property without the use of pumps. This system is not suitable for areas with low water pressure or if an Aga or wood-burning stove is being used.
Thermal store Cylinder
Thermal stores have the added advantage of being able to use multiple heat sources (e.g. solar, Agas, wood burning stoves, boilers) to provide heat to both the domestic hot water and underfloor heating.
