Cold weather damages thousands of solar hot water systems across Cyprus
Cold weather damages thousands of solar hot water systems across Cyprus
Freezing temperatures damage solar hot water systems – authorities launch aid program
Unusually cold temperatures in Cyprus have caused damage to rooftop solar hot water systems across the country . In response , authorities have launched an assessment and assistance program to offer financial assistance to affected homeowners .
🔧 Numerous households affected
According to reports, many households suffered cracked glass panels on solar panels after a cold snap with sub-zero temperatures hit the island. District authorities have already been asked to immediately begin recording and assessing the damage to solar panels in private homes.
According to reports, many households suffered cracked glass panels on solar panels after a cold snap with sub-zero temperatures hit the island. District authorities have already been asked to immediately begin recording and assessing the damage to solar panels in private homes.
💡 Why damage occurs
Thomas Weyermann, who has built and renovated turnkey houses as a property developer for 20 years and also installed the necessary building technology, explains that here in Cyprus, at temperatures below -1 degrees Celsius, water in the solar collectors expands as soon as it freezes, because most solar thermal systems here in Cyprus are not protected against frost.
" It's basically the same as putting a bottle of beer in the freezer - the liquid expands, the pressure increases, and the glass bursts due to the expansion ." The same thing happens with solar collectors or hot water tanks on the roof.
The question then arises: Why are solar thermal systems installed on roofs in Cyprus?
Thomas explains the following:
Basically, in almost all warmer regions, especially in the Mediterranean, the entire systems are installed on the roof.
1. For space-saving reasons
Thomas explains the following:
Basically, in almost all warmer regions, especially in the Mediterranean, the entire systems are installed on the roof.
1. For space-saving reasons
- Many houses and apartments in Cyprus have limited living space .
- Installation on the roof saves valuable living space and allows the direct use of gravity to bring warm water into the house.
2. Natural gravity circulation (thermosiphon principle)
- Most systems in Cyprus operate without electric pumps .
- Due to the thermosiphon principle, heated water rises by itself (to the buffer tank on the roof), while cold water flows downwards.
- Advantage: Simple, energy-independent technology with low operating costs.
3. Improved water pressure
- Since the buffer tank is located on the roof , a natural water pressure is created when warm water flows into the lower areas of the house.
- This reduces the need for electric pressure pumps , lowers energy consumption and minimizes operating costs .
4. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
- Direct use of solar energy reduces the need for electrical heating systems , which in turn saves electricity costs .
Easy maintenance
- Most solar thermal systems in Cyprus are easily accessible or installed on flat roofs , allowing for quick maintenance without major interventions in the building structure.
⚡ Conclusion:
The roof installation of solar thermal energy and hot water buffer tanks in Cyprus is a clever combination of optimal solar utilization , low operating costs , space saving and environmentally friendly technology . 🌞💧🏡
Unfortunately, thousands of systems in Cyprus are not protected against frost!
Thomas therefore recommends that every homeowner in Cyprus have their systems checked by a specialist and take suitable measures to protect them from frost damage. This includes, in particular, proper insulation and the use of retrofittable, heated circulation pumps .
Unfortunately, thousands of systems in Cyprus are not protected against frost!
Thomas therefore recommends that every homeowner in Cyprus have their systems checked by a specialist and take suitable measures to protect them from frost damage. This includes, in particular, proper insulation and the use of retrofittable, heated circulation pumps .
💡 The advantage: The investment costs for such additional frost protection are usually only 10-20% of the costs that would be incurred in the event of actual frost damage .
Due to the thousands of frost damages, the authorities in Cyprus have launched an inspection and support program to offer financial assistance to affected homeowners .
📅 Deadline for reporting damage
A comprehensive damage assessment will be carried out in the coming days. Based on the results, a support proposal will be submitted to the Council of Ministers in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry .
Important NOTE:
🔔 Affected citizens are asked to contact their local district administration by Friday, February 28 at the latest , to officially report the damage and arrange an assessment .
🔔 Affected citizens are asked to contact their local district administration by Friday, February 28 at the latest , to officially report the damage and arrange an assessment .
🌡️ How to avoid damage in the future
Eliza Vasiliou, Vice President of the Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK), stressed in an interview that higher quality materials have limited the extent of damage in recent years. Contrary to popular belief, however, covering solar modules with tarpaulins is not an effective method of preventing frost damage .
Eliza Vasiliou, Vice President of the Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK), stressed in an interview that higher quality materials have limited the extent of damage in recent years. Contrary to popular belief, however, covering solar modules with tarpaulins is not an effective method of preventing frost damage .
Instead, he recommends that a constant flow of water can reduce the risk of frost - although this is not practical or advisable for water conservation reasons . In addition , systems with water pressure pumps are less susceptible to frost damage than those that rely on gravity flow .
🔋 No danger for photovoltaic systems
Regarding reports of possible damage to photovoltaic modules, Vasiliou gave the all-clear. Although these systems contain crystals , the temperatures in Cyprus are not low enough to cause them to freeze . In much colder regions, these systems work without problems , said Vasiliou.
Regarding reports of possible damage to photovoltaic modules, Vasiliou gave the all-clear. Although these systems contain crystals , the temperatures in Cyprus are not low enough to cause them to freeze . In much colder regions, these systems work without problems , said Vasiliou.
🏛️ Authorities remain vigilant
The Ministry of the Interior assured that the responsible authorities , in close coordination with other ministries, remain ready to take all necessary measures and provide the best possible support to citizens .
If you have any questions about efficient hot water systems or photovoltaic systems, please feel free to contact Thomas Weyermann directly via email. He has been working here in Cyprus for years with specialist companies and manufacturers of solar hot water systems and photovoltaic systems "Made in Germany" for energy generation.
The Ministry of the Interior assured that the responsible authorities , in close coordination with other ministries, remain ready to take all necessary measures and provide the best possible support to citizens .
If you have any questions about efficient hot water systems or photovoltaic systems, please feel free to contact Thomas Weyermann directly via email. He has been working here in Cyprus for years with specialist companies and manufacturers of solar hot water systems and photovoltaic systems "Made in Germany" for energy generation.
