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 Filsol Solar Ltd.

Filsol Solar have been manufacturing solar collectors for over 20 years.
The collector uses a stainless steel absorber plate, and is widely regarded as one of the long lasting solar collectors.
The collectors are manufactured for either on roof or in roof designs.
In most cases the on roof panel is fitted to small domestic installations as the collector comes in 3 different sizes.
For ease of installation, the panel breaks down into its component parts, thus making roof work easier.

Some of the advantages of using the Filsol System are.
• Highly efficient Collector
• Breaks down into its component parts for installation
• Comes in 3 sizes, good for sizing smaller systems
• Long lasting collector/Low maintenance
• Great for contract housing
• 10 years manufactures warranty
• No visible pipe entry.

Some of the disadvantages of using this system are:
• Can be difficult to fit.
• In most cases will need full scaffolding.
• Difficult to fit ‘in roof’ option due to its weight.

The great thing about the Filsol collector is that it is available in three different sizes.
1.4sqm, 1.6sqm and 2sqm, making it the most versatile flat plate system on the market.

Here is what one of our customers had to say:
“Astral solutions fitted a flat plate solar water heating system to my property on 15th March 2007. In the first 5 weeks the controller has recorded 250 solar heating hours. The cylinder rarely drops below 50 degrees c and there is always plenty of hot water for showers, baths & the washing of clothes.”
G. Haigh — Stoke

For more information on these collectors visit www.filsol.co.uk