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Solar Thermal Vacuum Tube Systems

Solar thermal technology transforms direct and diffuse solar radiation into useful heat using a solar collector. Each solar collector consists of a highly insulated manifold and a row of solar tubes. The vacuum inside each tube provides perfect insulation and therefore protects the system from outside influences such as cold and windy weather or high humidity. The vacuum technology ensures the most effective transfer of energy into heat, giving extra performance in comparison to traditional flat plate collectors and providing heat not only on warm, sunny days, but also in cooler, windy or humid conditions.

Easy Installation

The unique ‘plug and play’ design of Thermomax solar collectors makes installation quick and easy. There is no need for heavy lifting equipment, as tubes can be carried onto the roof individually. Usually facing south, the collector is fixed to the roof by easy-fit roof brackets, which are simply fixed to the rafter.

Performance and Savings

Thermomax products have been designed specifically for Northern European climates.
Supplies up to 70% of your annual hot water needs - reducing dependence on increasingly expensive fossil fuels.

1. Works from dawn until dusk and throughout the year.
2. Provides heat even in cold, windy or humid conditions.
3. Rapid conductivity and transfer of energy into heat.
4. 30% more effective than flat plate collectors.
5. Average 25-year lifespan.

Solar Flat Plate Systems

Thermomax FN 2m2 flat plate high performance solar collectors are designed specifically for the Northern European climate, they are ideal for both commercial and domestic use.

The new collector housing contains a laser-welded copper absorber with 4 connectors. With an optimized aperture area, the Thermomax FN offers high efficiency and elegant design, as well as simple and flexible installation. Innovative ventilation and drainage design allows the collector to dry out very quickly so it is not adversely affected by wet conditions. The rigorous prevention of thermal bridges allows the highest output levels.

The secure glass mount featuring two separate sealing levels made of UV-resistant material guarantee ultimate product reliability and durability. The frame is manufactured from a single piece of weather resistant aluminium, with a scratch-proof powder coating and available in anthracite.

Why Thermomax?

With over 25 years of experience, the Thermomax brand is firmly established as the world leader.

Thermomax collectors are the premium product in the market, designed specifically for a Northern European climate. They provide a superior performance whatever the weather.

Thermomax products were the first to receive the European quality mark for solar collectors - the Solar Keymark.

In 2005, Thermomax collectors were awarded the International Forum Design award for excellence in product design.

Solar Thermal Savings

By installing a solar thermal panel you can have savings of up to 70% annually on the heating cost for your hot water and/or heating. Once you have the panel installed that amount of energy is free for you. The main percentage of your water heating cost is done away through the use of the solar panel. Over time, your savings will increase as the price of oil / gas / electricity and other fossil fuels will increase in the future.

Solar also reduces the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions helping to protect the environment from being polluted. CO2 is one of the largest single contributors towards global warming.

Due to the strict quality control measures during the production of the Solar panels, Kingspan offer a 10 year guarantee on their solar collectors. The estimated payback period of the vacuum system is around 7 yrs.

A typical installation

The diagram below shows a typical solar installation for domestic hot water with a twin coil hot water storage tank. This enables energy input from the central heating system to the top half of the tank and energy input from the solar system to the bottom half of the tank.

1. Solar collector on sloping roof kit. The connection kit connects the pipe work to the collector
2. Cylinder with solar coil at the bottom and coil for boiler at the top
3. Boiler or other space heating source
4. Hot water out
5. Cold mains water in
6. Pump station used to circulate water from the collector to the user application
7. Controller uses temperature sensors to monitor heat differences between the collector and the water in the tank and switches the pump on or off accordingly

A Positive Environmental Impact

Burning fossil fuels produces vast quantities of carbon dioxide, a major contributor to global warming. The average household with a Thermomax system installed can expect to generate approximately 2,256 kWh/year with zero emissions.

Manufactured in the UK and Ireland

Thermomax Products are manufactured in Wales and at the Kingspan Renewables headquarters in Northern Ireland. The Quality of this product is paramount to Kingspan’s success. This differentiates them from the influx of inferior products being imported from the Far East.

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