David's Solar Panel System in North West France

David came over from France and collected his system in person. He kindly sent these photographs to show off his installation.

 

(22 Jan 2007) "So far there has been one afternoon of 3 hours weak winter sun. However 200 litres of water was raised from 14 degrees C to 25 degrees C".

(25 Jan 2007) "Although half the panel was covered with 15 cm of snow this afternoon, we had about 3 hours of sunshine. The outside temperature was -1° C and the solar pump ran for 2 hours warming 200 litres of water from12°C to 18.5°C. I can't wait for some real sun !!".

(26 Jan 2007) "I took this photo at 1145 GMT. The temperature outside was -2 degrees C and the panel was heating water (pump running at 30% speed). You can see the ice and snow on the collector".

(10 Mar 2007)" I installed the return flow sensor you sent me at the end of January and with the appropriate programming I can now record the heat output of the panel directly in kWh. Considering that the sun is pretty weak at this time of year, I am well pleased with the performance. Bearing in mind the 200 litre cylinder is only providing domestic hot water for 2 persons, it has done well to heat the incoming mains water to an average of 30°C. This saves on oil in the boiler used for after heating. Today has been a cloudless sky here and the sun has shone all day with 4 kWh of energy being received. The changeover valve operated to supply the house directly from the solar cylinder".

(10 Mar 2007)"There were 6 hours of winter sunshine and the cylinder warmed to 50 °C. The controller changed the system to directly supply the domestic hot water from the solar cylinder".