Tube versus Plate: Elite Group

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Testimonials

“I chose the Elite Solar system because compared with other systems that I considered, it was clear that the product (from the manufacturer Schuco) was professionally engineered. The installation team were excellent.”
Dennis O’Sullivan

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Information and Articles

Click on the links below for information on:

Panel Orientation

Tube vs Plate Solar Energy Systems

The Payback from Solar Thermal Energy

Government Grants Available

The Chinese Solar Powered City

System Principles

Tube versus Plate

* Quality Flat-Plate panels have longer guarantees than standard tubes.

* Flat-Plate panels are far more aesthetically pleasing.

* Flat-Plate Panels are far more versatile as they can be integrated and flashed flush into most standard roof types.

* Having a 5-year guarantee gives the Flat- Plate a far better payback and a smaller carbon footprint.

* Flat-Plate panels are much more durable and conform to BS/EN 12975 Parts 1 & 2, performance and durability tests for things like hailstones. Tubes do not generally conform to part 2 of this standard and are susceptible to some adverse weather conditions.

* The appearance of tube systems means that vandalism is a concern. Many Tubes may have
part 1 of the BS/EN 12975 standard, relating to performance, however many fail to conform to
the durability tests in Part 2.

* In established markets such as Europe, Flat-Plates make up the bulk of all sales, with tubes selling in much smaller quantities.

Individual tubes fail by losing the vacuum rather like a light bulb, this means more maintenance and an increased chance of having to gain roof access in order to maintain and repair the system. The sturdy construction of fl at plate is far more capable of taking immense heat stresses.