ABSTRACT
Application of solar domestic hot water systems in large-scale projects provides good opportunities for cost reduction and a systematic approach to quality control. The Apeldoorn Solar Project, with 1,000 systems in a new housing development forms a suitable proving ground. Preparations started in 1990, and resulted in the start of the project in 1992. The design phase had largely been completed by mid-1994, and about one third of the systems had been installed.
Solar domestic hot water systems are a new element in the building process. This calls for an intensive supervision. During the realization phase of the project, architects needed information on the consequences of various draft designs on cost and performance of the SDHW system. Checking of the correct incorporation of the system in their designs on behalf of the municipality proved necessary. Property developers needed information on all points to be dealt with in commissioning and construction. An inspection on completion on behalf of the developers is a necessary supplement to the installers’ own quality control. Feed-back of the results helps reduce the number of installation errors made. Performance monitoring and user evaluation will provide valuable information for future projects.
