Cyprus-Forum.com

[Sotos]

I believe the 25-30 years warranty is just for the panels and the warranty is that they will perform at about 80%, not at 100%. Also other parts of the system and labor have much less warranty. I will go to some trade-expo one of these days that such companies are always there and I will ask them some questions.

[Capt J Sparrow]

I believe they should add considerable value to the home. They don't look ugly, in fact you can turn them into a bit of a feature.

But you are right with the rest of it. The Electricity Authority is in full control, and they are expensive. But there are no issues with maintenance and parts and all workmanship is under warranty including all materials such as the panels with are under warranty for 30 years.

Incorporating new technologies to a house in Cyprus is always risky because everything is imported by a single individual so he holds you by the balls! You gotta be really careful not to sign a contract with a devil!

Yeh well, these warranties are not worth the paper they are written on sometimes.

I guess it applies to everything we buy.

But I am very satisfied that it is very sound technology which works very well, and nothing should go wrong for a very long time, particularly if they are quality products from quality European manufacturers.

[Capt J Sparrow]

I believe the 25-30 years warranty is just for the panels and the warranty is that they will perform at about 80%, not at 100%. Also other parts of the system and labor have much less warranty. I will go to some trade-expo one of these days that such companies are always there and I will ask them some questions.

Yes, the warranty stipulates 85% after 25 years, which I think is excellent.

Even after 25 years, you will be producing almost the same amount of power.

Inverter is the most likely thing to fail. They are covered for 5 years, but you can pay more and extend to 10 years. The Inverter is not as expensive to replace as the PV panels themselves.

[Get Real!]

When I tried to get quotes for house alarm systems I discovered that was another risky area in Cyprus because they don’t give you the admin password or CD, and try to force you into a maintenance agreement with them so they can charge annually and be in control! Needless to say I declined and abandoned them.

Like I said, you gotta be extremely vigilant and in control when building in Cyprus or you'll get screwed.

[kurupetos]

It may seem a bit strange but I understand it is possible to use the heat of the sun to provide cooling....

Does anyone know of any suppliers of Domestic/Residential Solar powered Absorbtion chiller airconditioning systems (heating/cooling) system in Cyprus?

These use the free energy of the sun to generate the energy intensive heating/chilling cycles and only limited electricity to drive low-powered circulating pumps, rather than costly electricity. I am looking at seeing if there is any cost/benefit in replacing the rather more conventional compressor driven type, which are very costly to run.

You will need to find out the system's purchase, maintainance and running costs. In addition what's its lifetime? Usually 'free' energy systems are very expensive. Also, I don't think solar powered absorption chiller AC systems are suitable for single dwellings (if that is your plan). They are usually used in hospitals and hotels.

[supporttheunderdog]

The technology is seemingly being down-sized to domestic level and now at leat two makers seem to be offering domestic/residential systems.
see http://www.solarpanelsplus.com/solar-air-conditioning/
http://www.sakura-aircon.com/News/Sakura_Developed_Mini_Solar_Absorption_Chiller.html

One essentialy has a super-large version of the solar water heater and Sakura claim that by adding in a suitable storage tank for hot water one can run it overnight. Some of the systems can also be used for heating in winter.

The questions you ask are very much the sort I had in mind.

There are a number of other practical issues, for example one needs a cooling tower of some sort and the kit itself has to be put somwehere and have piping and new units fitted in the house and the capital cots probably are very high.

I would not want to be the only person with such system in Cyprus!
.

[kurupetos]

It's definitely an interesting technology. If you get the right answers, I don't see why not.
Also investigate the possibility for geothermal heat pumps. The new generation is very efficient. http://www.uk.heatpumps.danfoss.com/

[Nikitas]

A far more primitive but totally passive solar cooling/heating system is the "heat grabber".

They are simple panels placed on the south side of the house. They warm air much the same way that water heaters do. In winter they draw air from the room, warm it and pass it back to the room. In summer a baffle at the top is switched and they expel air from the house, causing a continuous draft. Not AC but totally passive no moving parts setup. It probably would not appeal to the techies in the forum.

A more complicated version of the above is the Trombe wall, engineered by the architect with the same name. Look it up.

[kurupetos]

A far more primitive but totally passive solar cooling/heating system is the "heat grabber".

They are simple panels placed on the south side of the house. They warm air much the same way that water heaters do. In winter they draw air from the room, warm it and pass it back to the room. In summer a baffle at the top is switched and they expel air from the house, causing a continuous draft. Not AC but totally passive no moving parts setup. It probably would not appeal to the techies in the forum.

A more complicated version of the above is the Trombe wall, engineered by the architect with the same name. Look it up.

You reminded me of the Persian windcatchers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windcatcher
Sometimes the simpler solutions are the best.

[georgios100]

It may seem a bit strange but I understand it is possible to use the heat of the sun to provide cooling....

Does anyone know of any suppliers of Domestic/Residential Solar powered Absorbtion chiller airconditioning systems (heating/cooling) system in Cyprus?

These use the free energy of the sun to generate the energy intensive heating/chilling cycles and only limited electricity to drive low-powered circulating pumps, rather than costly electricity. I am looking at seeing if there is any cost/benefit in replacing the rather more conventional compressor driven type, which are very costly to run.

I am the owner of this company in the Dominican Republic
http://www.grec-energy.com/Products/Win ... bines.html

A better solution is a 2-3kw wind turbine, a large battery bank c/w a 220ac inverter.
Imperative to have at least 6 m/s wind at your home area.
Pay back is 10 years or more.

Wind turbines are cheaper than solar panels by 1/3. Production is 50% more since the turbines work at night or on cloudy days.
Some maintenance required, only 3 moving parts.

The turbine is powerfull enough to provide energy for the pool pump but not at the same time.

Small A/C units must be used (12000 BTU).

Generally, the air conditioners are not the ideal equipment to be powered by green energy.