Solar Hot Water Heating Systems at Caravan Parks

An investigation was carried out into the use of solar panels to reduce the electricity consumption in toilet blocks at caravan parks where the hot water is heated by electric immersion heaters.   

The study indicated that it was practical to install solar panels to heat the 50% of the hot water required.  The solar panels would reduce carbon emissions and the annual energy costs.

The study also indicated that there was an opportunity to reduce electricity consumption by installing automatic lighting controls to prevent lights being left when not required and overnight.

Solar panel systems were installed at Aden, Banff and Ballater caravan parks in July 2008 to provide hot water to the shower blocks.

Daylight and motion sensor were also installed to reduce electricity consumption from the lights.

The total costs for the installation of the solar panels, lighting controls and the alterations to the hot water systems were £58,000. A grant of £17,000 was obtained through the Low Carbon Building Programme.

The annual energy savings are estimated to be £2,650 (based on an average electricity cost of 10.41p/kWh).

The solar panels and lighting controls will reduce the annual electricity consumption by 26,000kWh and reduce carbon emissions by over 11 Tonnes.

As a result of these installations five Aberdeenshire caravan parks ended 2009 on a high by receiving green awards and becoming the only caravan parks in Aberdeen and the Grampian Highlands to be accredited by the VisitScotland Green Business Scheme. Aden, Banff, Ballater, Haughton and Stonehaven caravan parks joined the scheme in 2006 and began the process of going green.

At the beginning of October 2009 all five caravan parks were inspected and all received an award in recognition of the work they have done to become more environmentally friendly.

Haughton and Stonehaven both received a bronze award and Aden, Banff and Ballater all achieved a silver award.