@derek-m Further to your suggestion of tracking down the 3 way valve I came across these three items on the journey and wondered what was the function of each?
The first photo is of the bypass valve. Bypass valves were installed in systems containing TRV's, to prevent the water pump actually pumping against a dead end if all the TRV's fully closed. In heat pump systems it is better if both TRV's and a bypass valve are not installed. Since the bypass valve has already been installed it should be set at the highest setting.
The system is pressurised hence the need for a pressure gauge. The required operating pressure is normally in the 1 bar to 2 bar range.
The third photo shows a filter. This should be checked periodically for particle build-up.
If as you state the solar PV system was not installed until 2020, then it will not qualify for FIT payments.
There may be an electrical power meter installed in the cabling from the solar PV inverter to your consumer unit, but would only actually be required if the system had been registered for FIT payments.
I dont sorry Andy, but your order of priority would be to heat as much as your hot water via the solar thermal first, then the diverter or heat pump (depending on the export rate). The problem with solar thermal is that its not versatile like electricity and can only do one thing, plus its very heavily dependant on sun so not a lot of use in the winter. That said its the most efficient way of turning sunshine into heat!
However if its out of commision it might not be worth spending a lot of money getting it working again due to the very long return of investment.
You may find like me that the solar diverter isnt a lot of use either because I can heat more cheaply using my immersion at night and export surplus electricity at a higher rate during the day. (I have an EV and get a very low overnight rate)
Its often all very individual depending on circumstances and you may have to do some number crunching to see whats the best way forward for you. The good news is that you have all the kit to choose from! (Except a wind turbine-Im still doing the numbers on that!)
House-2 bed partial stone bungalow, 5kW Samsung Gen 6 ASHP (Self install)
6.9 kWp of PV
5kWh DC coupled battery
Blog: https://thegreeningofrosecottage.weebly.com/
Heatpump Stats: http://heatpumpmonitor.org/system/view?id=60
I dont sorry Andy, but your order of priority would be to heat as much as your hot water via the solar thermal first, then the diverter or heat pump (depending on the export rate). The problem with solar thermal is that its not versatile like electricity and can only do one thing, plus its very heavily dependant on sun so not a lot of use in the winter. That said its the most efficient way of turning sunshine into heat!
However if its out of commision it might not be worth spending a lot of money getting it working again due to the very long return of investment.
You may find like me that the solar diverter isnt a lot of use either because I can heat more cheaply using my immersion at night and export surplus electricity at a higher rate during the day. (I have an EV and get a very low overnight rate)
Its often all very individual depending on circumstances and you may have to do some number crunching to see whats the best way forward for you. The good news is that you have all the kit to choose from! (Except a wind turbine-Im still doing the numbers on that!)
Agreed. I expanded on this and related matters a bit in an earlier post of mine. You may want to re-read now the basics are done and I'm happy to answer questions.
@jamespa apologises, I did virtually paraphase everything you said earlier 🤣
@notechknowhow as James mentioned, it might be a good idea to contact the previous owners, certainly I couldnt tell my purchasers enough of what I had done and probably bored them senseless!
House-2 bed partial stone bungalow, 5kW Samsung Gen 6 ASHP (Self install)
6.9 kWp of PV
5kWh DC coupled battery
Blog: https://thegreeningofrosecottage.weebly.com/
Heatpump Stats: http://heatpumpmonitor.org/system/view?id=60
@jamespa apologises, I did virtually paraphase everything you said earlier 🤣
@notechknowhow as James mentioned, it might be a good idea to contact the previous owners, certainly I couldnt tell my purchasers enough of what I had done and probably bored them senseless!
No I apologise. I didn't mean to quote you I meant to quote OP (perils of working on a mobile phone!) - ie the comment was meant to help OP not as some sort of veiled criticism of you
4kW peak of solar PV since 2011; EV and a 1930s house which has been partially renovated to improve its efficiency. 7kW Vaillant heat pump.
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