Solar panels

Solar heating systems can be relevant in vicarages where the heat source is oil, gas or wood pellets, and where there is a relatively high water consumption (equivalent to the consumption of 3-4 people).

As is the case for solar panels, there are a number of important aesthetic considerations. Consequently, many vicarages, located in the immediate vicinity of the church or which are designated as worthy of preservation or conservation, will not be given permission to place solar panels on the roof.

There are two main types of solar installations: flat solar panels or vacuum tubes on the roof.

Location

Solar panels/vacuum tubes should be placed to the south and with an inclination of approximately 45˚ (between 30˚ and 60˚). Before the installation of the panels it should be ensured that the roof can support the added weight.

It is also important that the piping is reasonably short - from the panels to the water heater. Otherwise, there will be too large a heat loss.

If possible, there should be free access to the sun when it shines, but the performance of the solar heating system is not affected as much by small shadows from a chimney or the like (as with solar cells).

Permission

Setting up the solar collectors will normally require authorization. The diocese and the municipality must be contacted.

Economy

Solar heating is especially advantageous for vicarages heated by oil, gas or wood pellets. The installation of solar heating, means that the boiler normally can be turned off during the summer. This gives reasonable savings as most boilers run inefficiently in the summer when it (almost) only produces hot water.

A complete solar heating system typically costs from 35.000 to 65.000 kr. incl. installation, depending on size and whether the installation is for water or whether it is a combination system for both utility water and room heating (floor heating).

Example

A vicarage heated with oil is equipped with a solar heating system for both water and room heating (floor heating). The price is 60,000 kr. incl. installation.

Four people live in the vicarage. There is underfloor heating in the bathroom and the kitchen-dining room have tile floors. Both areas need heating during the summer because of moisture and comfort.

After mounting the collector, the old oil-fired boiler is turned off 4-5 months of the year. The collector also provides a little heating the rest of the year and thus covers about 65% of hot water consumption.

This saves about 800 litres of oil per year, representing approximately 7,500 kr. annually. The payback time is about 8 years.