Solar thermal collectors compared

Have you ever tried comparing performance of solar thermal systems? Usually, we listen carefully to sales representatives (saying they have the best, of course).

It isn’t quite as easy as PV. Sure, you can get the Solar Keymark or SRCC ratings for individual systems or collectors. But, to my knowledge, there’s no chart available with key values from these ratings comparing them side-by-side. (Sun&Wind Energy do have market overview tables here https://www.sunwindenergy.com/solar-thermal/market-overview-vacuum-tube-collectors)

Now I need a solar thermal for my house. Having analysed results from an existing Hone system (https://www.honeworld.com) and recently seen their SRCC rating results, I definitely want that on my roof. (#John Quinn: Sorry if I upset you, should call it daylight thermal instead of solar thermal)

But still, how do they compare to other systems? I decided to put a few values in a graph. Oh boy, oh boy, this looks good for Hone….

https://public.tableau.com/profile/jonathan.fronhoffs#!/vizhome/SRCCHighRadiation/Sheet1

This was fun. So, in my spare time, I’ll continue to add collectors. More detailed for models, using the key values and adding Solar Keymark values (maybe Solergy too).

I don’t seem to find a database with all the systems in csv, have asked SRCC and Solar Keymark. 

Two questions here:

• Does anybody know if such graphs are available somewhere?
• Could anyone provide me with a data set with the values from SRCC or Solar Keymark certificates? Maybe manufacturers could send me theirs.

I am very much aware of the limitations of comparing it this way. But, hey, I think it’s a good start.

Jonathan

(I have no commercial ties with Hone - I don't guarantee 100% accuracy of my numbers - The used values may be criticized)

#Stephan Van Schie #Viessmann #Paradigma #Solvis #Photonomi