Abstract
The performance of a solar water heater designed for a farm dairy is described for one year's operation and an assessment is made of its economic potential. In the 12 months from June 1983 to May 1984, the system contributed 830 kWh of the energy needed to heat water for plant cleaning and udder washing. This was equivalent to approximately 10% of the total required and at 140 kWh/m 2 of panel area was below the expected level due to local circumstances. The energy receipt and utilization which gave a mean system efficiency of 20·5% in July and August might be improved by good maintenance and adjustment. The problems encountered in four years of operation with the Seale-Hayne College unit are described and the general difficulties of fitting and retro-fitting solar panel equipment to farm dairies are assessed from that experience. The potential for solar radiation water heating is compared with other, competitive, methods of conserving energy and the conclusion was reached that it is unlikely to be an economic proposition for farm dairies in the foreseeable future, unless there are considerable reductions in the initial cost of solar installations in the UK.
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