The difference between evacuated tubes and flat plates has always been a hot topic in the solar industry as to which is the best. Well in our professional opinion, we have found both systems work well at collecting solar infrared waves; in fact both have comparable efficiency in terms of collecting energy. The evacuated tubes however, because they are cylindrical, are able to collect the incoming solar radiation over 180 degrees, and start collecting more useful energy earlier/later in the day. The reason customers choose from either system varies greatly and isn’t always about performance. Factors of ascetics and space play a large role in the final choice of collector.

Some of the Advantages include:
• Highly efficient collectors
• Open ended tube design
• Manifold Design for Uk Market
• Dry system, enabling easy change of collectors
• Easy to fit, most cases won’t need full scaffolding.
• Light weight
• Comes with 10-Year Manufactures Warranty.

The Apricus system from Powertech has different modules enabling to size a solar system very accurately, to the property or clients specification.
The tubes are available in two lengths; either 1.5M, OR 1.8M and come in banks of 10,18,22 or 30 tubes. We have a number of systems available for a closer site visit.

Some of the disadvantages of using this system are:
• Collectors lay higher on the roof than flat plate systems
• Possible risk of vandalism in high crime areas, not suitable for contract housing.
• More expensive to size systems over 220ltrs of hot water.
• Visible pipe entry.

Here’s what one of our customers had to say about these collectors.
“ It is quite clear from what we have observed, that the boiler will not be required at all on most days between mid April to mid September, and will only be required to heat hot water for between 10 and 30 mins per day during the winter. Most Impressive!
Ian Wilde, Olney, Bucks.