Installation
The solar thermal system was designed by Project Management and the main contractor for the refurbishment works was H.A. O'Neill. Igneus Ltd was chosen to install the solar thermal element of the project.

The solar collectors and the installed system had to meet the necessary standard EN 12975. The solar collectors are required to heat a 2000 litre buffer tank which indirectly heats the cold water supply to the calorifier via a 50kW plate heat exchanger.An energy meter is installed and linked to a BMS to monitor the output from the solar system.

The solar collector array consists of two batteries of three solar panels and is located on the flat roof of the Institute. The solar collectors were installed at a 50 degree angle to increase the output from the solar collector system during the winter months when the sun is at a lower pitch.

The solar collector array is anchored down by a special galvanised steel structure which was designed to hold concrete sections in it's base. This structure has rubber pads mounted on the legs to spread the load because the existing roof membrane could not be penetrated.

The installation took almost one week to complete. The pipe work to the collector system consists of copper in the plant room and pre-insulated stainless steel on the roof.