How do I find the optimal solar panels?

Hello everyone,

I want to supplement my pellet heating system with solar collectors. They should be as small as possible, i.e., have the highest possible efficiency. (The issue of BAFA funding is secondary). It will probably come down to tube collectors with CPC.

But how many do I need? What figures do I have to request from the manufacturers?

I know that given the current weather situation (July 2018 Stuttgart area) I have to heat my 550-liter buffer tank by about 30 Kelvin (from 44°C to 74°C) every two days. With slightly worse weather, this has to be done daily. To this extent, I would like to do without the pellet burner.

When the daily temperature is between 10°C at night and 20°C during the day, it is 45 Kelvin (from 39°C to 84°C). But then the burner may also heat up at night.

Who has helpful tips for me?

Thanks and best regards, Dietmar

The heating installation company advised us very well and carried out the calculations. Because of the [Energieeinsparverordnung], we also had to meet a few requirements, which the structural engineer calculated for us beforehand.

Hello niri09, have you seen the calculations (and been able to understand them)? Or did they say that they had calculated it? The experience of the craftsmen is respected, but most of the time it’s just a rough estimate. And I would just like to understand and comprehend it with my school knowledge before I buy it. Regards, Dietmar

Hello Dietmar, Yes, of course I have seen it, according to the Energy Saving Ordinance I have to come up with measures. Our structural engineer then also checked whether it fits as the plumbing/heating says.