How The System Works

The LaZer2 Panels work just like your existing heat source, except they are powered by free, clean solar energy rather than an expensive, dirty, carbon fuel. The LaZer2 Solar System is your primary heat source. Your boiler, stove or immersion heater will automatically raise the water temperature if required. Even when solar energy levels are low the LaZer2 system will add some heat to the water, so your existing heat source will do far less work.

The system comprises of four main components: LaZer2 Solar Panels, TD3 Digital Controller, Circulation Module and a Hot Water Cylinder.

1. LaZer2 Solar Panels

The 93% efficient LaZer2 vacuum tubes are ideal for cooler climates such as Britain’s, as they work as effectively when it is 0°C outside, as they do when it is 30°C. The LaZer2 vacuum tubes have a 25-year warranty, as there is no glass to metal seal that can fail.

The panels incorporate horizontally mounted vacuum tubes with a curved collecting surface, automatically compensating for varying roof pitches and the change in the Sun’s angle throughout the year. Solar energy penetrates the glass and is absorbed by the specially selected coating on the collecting surface. Once absorbed the energy is trapped inside the tube by the vacuum. A unique aluminium insert transfers the trapped energy to the advanced internal manifold, which directly heats the water, minimising energy losses.

A LaZer2 Panel will perform better throughout the year than systems with flat-plate collectors, vertically mounted vacuum tubes or ‘heat pipes’.

2. TD3 Digital Controller

The TD3 Digital Controller is the ‘digital heart’ of the system. It uses sensors to compare the temperature of the water in the panel with that in the cylinder. When the panel is 3°C warmer than the cylinder, the solar pump switches on and the water circulates through the system, transferring heat to the cylinder. If the temperature difference is below 3°C the pump turns off to stop the water in the cylinder being cooled.

The TD3 incorporates SMARTlogic to allow the system to start heating the cylinder earlier and for longer each day. SAFElogic prevents your system over heating during periods of low water usage.

The controllers LCD Display will continually show three temperatures; water entering the panel, water leaving the panel and water in your cylinder.

A ‘Solar Pump’ indicator illuminates when the circulation pump is operating and your system is producing hot water.

A ‘Tank Hot’ indicator illuminates when the water in the cylinder reaches the predefined temperature (e.g. 55°C).

The installation team will configure the TD3 Digital Controller when fitting the system and will select the optimum settings for your system. Once this is done no further user input is required.

A solar powered pump can be used to control the LaZer2 system if preferred.

3. Circulation module

The Circulation Module is made up of the following components:

- Pressure Gauge - Shows the pressure within the system

- Flow Meter - Indicates the flow rate within the system

- Pump - Circulates water around the system

- Expansion Vessel - Allows for changes in the water volume inside the system

- Filling Loop - Allows the system to be filled

- One-Way Valve - Prevents thermo-siphoning during cold periods

4. Hot Water Cylinder

The type of cylinder you need depends on your domestic water heating system and hot water usage. If your existing cylinder is of a suitable size and condition we may be able to fit it with an external heat exchanger.

A typical new LaZer2 Solar System will incorporate a bespoke twin-coil cylinder; the top coil for the gas boiler circuit and the lower coil (with twice the standard surface area) for the solar circuit.

All of our cylinders are built to order and to reduce heat loss will have double the usual insulation.

An immersion heater is fitted as standard, as well as a Blender Valve to regulate the temperature of water reaching the taps, preventing the risk of scalding as well as helping to conserve your hot water supply.