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.

Flat Plate collectors – Supplied by Genersys PLC
The Genersys flat plate system is probably one of the most attractive and reliable flat plate solutions currently available to date. It consists of a one-piece forged metal casing, to which safety solar glass is fitted, by means of a frame made from aluminium. With one of the lowest weights for flat plates at 34KG it’s an installers friend. The Genersys flat plates come with an impressive 20 years manufactures warranty.
The in roof solution only protrudes 50mm above the tiles.

Some of the advantages of using this system are.
• Highly efficient collectors
• Light weight for its class
• In roof system is ascetically superb, as above.
• 20 Years Manufactures warranty.
• Easy to connect plates together for large systems.
• Ideal for low maintenance contract housing.
• No visible pipe entry.

The minimum size of hot water is 220ltrs for a 4sqm system, so can be difficult to size for small houses. The plates can be fitted either landscape or portrait, and can be connected in parallel, up to 10 plates in a row!

Some of the disadvantages of using this system are:
• Large collector area means larger roof space needed.
• Minimum hot water requirement 220ltrs, not ideal for small dwellings.
• More cumbersome to lift onto property, may need full scaffolding.
• Higher cost to fit as the removal of roof tiles is needed as well as extra flashings.

For more information on these plates please visit www.genersys-solar.com