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Solar Hot Water

Solar Hot Water

Solar Hot Water (or Solar Thermal) systems use heat from the sun to provide hot water in the home. 

Heat from the solar collector is usually supplemented by heat from your existing boiler (or other water heater). These systems are well developed and they are pretty flexible allowing them to be retro-fitted around most (but not all) existing hot water systems.

Benefits 

Used and sized correctly for the household, it can provide in excess of 50% of hot water needs over year. It is one of the most cost-effective, affordable renewable technologies for housing.

These systems also help to reduce the carbon footprint of your home with domestic systems reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around 330kg per year, depending on the fuel replaced.

How it works 

There are two main collector types: flat plate and evacuated tube. Evacuated tubes are the most efficient and are smaller than flat plate collectors of similar output, however, they are also more expensive.

Typically a 2 to 5m² panel is mounted on a south facing roof and water is circulated through the panel’s heat exchange manifold with an electric pump. Systems can either be direct (heating the water to be used) or indirect (closed system heating the hot water via a heat exchange in the hot water tank). A small electronic control unit turns the pump on when the water in the solar panel is hotter than the water in the hot water tank.

Maintenance and running costs are low. A quick checkover every 3 years or so by a professional is usually sufficient.

Further help and information: 

If you are in the East Midlands area and would like any further information about Solar Hot Water and how it might benefit you, please contact William Musson directly.

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