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Solar Water Heating
Solar water heating systems use heat from the sun to work alongside your conventional water heater. The technology is well developed with a large choice of equipment to suit many applications.
Benefits
- can provide almost all of your hot water during the summer months and about 50% year round
- reduces your impact on the environment - the average domestic system reduces carbon dioxide emissions by around 400kg per year, depending on the fuel replaced.
Different types of system
What best suits your needs depends on a range of factors, including the area of south facing roof, the existing water heating system (e.g. some combi boilers aren't suitable) and your budget.
A competent professional installer should assess your situation and discuss with you the best configuration to meet your needs.
There are two types of solar collectors: flat plate and evacuated tube. The difference between the two technologies is minimal with the more expensive evacuated tube being 10% more efficient than the flat plate collectors.
Solar Water Heating & Your Home
Solar water heating can be used in the home or for larger applications, such as swimming pools.
For domestic hot water there are three main components: solar panels, a heat transfer system, and a hot water cylinder. Solar panels - or collectors - are fitted to your roof. They collect heat from the sun's radiation. The heat transfer system uses the collected heat to heat water. A hot water cylinder stores the hot water that is heated during the day and supplies it for use later.
Is My Property Suitable?
Preferably you will need 2-4m² of southeast to southwest facing roof receiving direct sunlight for the main part of the day. You'll also need space to locate an additional water cylinder if required.
Installation & Maintenance
DIY jobs are not eligible for grant funding and the best practice is to use a professional installer.
Solar hot water systems generally come with a 10-year warranty and require very little maintenance. A yearly check by the householder and a more detailed check by a professional installer every 3-5 years should be sufficient (consult your system supplier for exact maintenance requirements).
Interested in introducing a renewable energy technology into your home? The low carbon buildings programme will provide grants towards installing this technology.
© Energy Saving Trust 2006
Worcester Greenskies Solar Thermal System
Worcester Greenskies Solar Panels harness the power in both direct and diffuse sunlight and convert the energy to heat for the production of hot water for the home.
Vaillant "Aurotherm Exclusive" Solar Packs
Vaillant's auroTHERM exclusive evacuated tube collectors are manufactured using specially toughened glass for durability and a special high selective absorber coating for efficiency.
Baxi Solarflo Thermal
Baxi solar systems are manufactured aiming to ensure the best sunlight absorption (up to 97% energy absorption). Thanks to their distinguishing technical features and the tested quality, Baxi solar systems allow the widest range of easy installation.
