Tubes V Panels

Solar tubes V solar panels?

Solar hot water has come a long way in the last decade, particularly with the introduction of evacuated tube collectors which are rapidly becoming the preferred option over flat plate systems.

Modern flat plate and evacuated tube collectors offer good summer time efficiency, but in winter evacuated tubes are much more effiecient in producing and transfering heat even on cloudy days.

Conventional indirect plate panel system 

In a solar collector, an antifreeze solution (Glycol) is moved by a pump through the panel which is made up of a series of copper pipe 'loops' being warmed by the solar energy and out of the solar collector. Then, the sun-warmed antifreeze solution flows into a heat-transfer coil within the hot water cycliner where it warms the cool water within the tank. The antifreeze solution then returns to the pump and again flows into the solar collector without ever mixing with the building’s water.

SolarComplete direct evacuated tube system 

There is no antifreeze solution in our system which saves an annual maintenance cost to our customers. The water heated directly by the sun is the same water used by homeowners occupants. A thermometer and controller sense when the solar collector is warm and ready to heat water. The controller starts a pump that moves cold water into the solar collector, where it is heated. The solar heated water is then returned and stored in a conventional hot water tank.

Why are SolarComplete evacuated tubes better?

	Provide excellent performance in overcast conditions
	No maintenance and high durability
	Require a smaller roof area than comparable flat plate collectors
	Are durable and if a tube should be broken, it can be easily and cheaply replaced.
	Passively tracks the sun
	Works better in the winter in UK and northern Europe
	Less components within the system

 If you would like further information on any of our products please use our 'Contact Form' by clicking here.