Boiler supplier Stokvis Energy Systems has entered the solar thermal panel market with its range of solar panels manufactured by Riomay.
The creation of the Stokvis-Riomay range means Riomay's Ecotube solar technology will be more widely available to specifiers, building contractors and heating engineers in the UK. The Ecotube can be teamed up with Stokvis' energy efficient heat plate exchangers and boilers to offer a complete solar thermal system.

Stokvis chose to team up with Eastbourne-based solar heating specialist Riomay because says Stokvis' md Ivan Thompson, Riomay is not a 'bandwagon company'.

It helps that Riomay has more than 25 years experience producing solar panels for the commercial and domestic market in the UK and abroad.

Riomay's evacuated tube solar collector Ecotube absorbs solar radiation and uses that energy to raise the temperature of a hot water system. It also saves energy loss by reducing the amount of energy being used up by the system when it is converting solar energy to heat.

Stokvis says Ecotube has a higher performance than flat plate systems and competing evacuated tube systems because its coating on the absorber plate maximises the solar energy absorbed and minimises heat energy lost by radiation. A durable glass-to-metal seal at the end of each tube maintains a high vacuum that prevents energy loss by convection and conduction.

The Ecotube produces more than 750kWh/m2 per year in direct heating mode and 850kWh/m2 per year in pre-heat mode.

Ecotube can be installed flat on a roof, at an angle or horizontally on flank walls. The Ecotube collector's fin can be orientated to the best angle to maximise the amount of energy harnessed from the sun's rays.

The Ecotube patented by Riomay is manufactured in China and imported into the UK.

Solar thermal heating is ideal for seasonal businesses, such as caravan parks where demand peaks in the summer. The solar thermal panels will also suit housing associations, businesses and schools.

Riomay installed 240 Ecotube solar panels on the roof of the Highbury Square development of 711 apartments which will produce 350,0000kw hours of energy each year equivalent to the residents getting an energy efficient supply of hot water for around 40 weeks of the year.

Ivan Thompson added 'The government intends to make all new schools carbon zero by 2016. 'Stokvis can help to achieve this goal'.

Tony Book, Riomay's chaiman said 'The sun is providing energy of which 30mins is as much as the whole world needs in a year'

He said 'Our Ecotube panels are world leaders in capturing solar energy but you need equally advanced technology in the plant room to gain the maximum advantage- so it is an ideal marriage from which we will all benefit.'

On the subject of its aesthetic appeal, Book added 'It can hang on a wall or lie flat but doesn't have to look like a dinosaur's back'.

The Stokvis-Riomay launch follows the appointment last week of Riomay's first CEO Alan Aldridge.