SOLAR THERMAL WATER HEATING

Probably the most commonly installed of the renewable products today are Solar thermal water heating systems which use the Earths most abundant and free energy source – the Sun.

Solar thermal water heating systems will usually provide most of the homes hot water requirements during the summer months and overall, will average at around 50% during the 12 month period.

Supplementary water heating is most often provided via a boiler and a conventional fuel, and clearly, the higher the efficiency of the supplementary equipment used, the higher the savings both in terms of costs and carbon. These supplementary systems are usually used to either increase the temperature of the water or to provide the hot water supply when solar energy is not available.

Solar hot water systems may also be utilised on much larger applications such as swimming pools.

Because the UK is not exactly known for its Sahara-like weather, there is an assumption that solar energy systems are not viable, which is not so. Many systems are designed to work on a combination of direct sunlight and daylight at the UK has plenty of that, so that it will still be capable of producing a level of solar hot water even during the cold winter days.

How does it work?

Solar Water Heating systems are often comprised of three main components.

• Solar Panels (or "solar collectors") situated on the roof and taking the form of flat plates or evacuated tubes

• A form of heat transfer system

• A hot water cylinder for storage until hot water is required

The solar panels are positioned on a buildings roof which is the most appropriate point from which they absorb sunlight and in many cases, also absorb daylight.

The flat plate’s style of Solar panels can either be located onto the roof tiles or may even be integrated into the roof.

Solar panels are best located on a southeast to southwest facing roof which will receive the majority of direct sunlight, and generally, require around 5 metres Sq. of roof space.

If you don’t have a south facing roof, space permitting, some installers recommend fitting two solar panels, one east and one west-facing.

The panels don't always have to be mounted onto a roof; they can be fixed to a frame on flat roofs.

The number of solar panels needed may relate to the size of the solar cylinder required, which is dependent upon:

• The number of occupants within the household,

• Expected use of hot water required daily for baths, showers etc.

• The availability of roof space

Benefits of Solar thermal heating systems include:

• Versatility – can be fitted to most UK properties

• Hot water throughout the year

• Large variety of manufacturers and product variations

• Low maintenance

• Will generate cost savings in the longer term and reduce carbon foot-print – sunlight is free

• In England you don’t generally need planning permission but it is still wise to consult with your local planning office.

Possible drawbacks of solar heating systems:

• Solar Collectors are best installed on south facing roof areas angled between 35 and 45 degrees

• Back-up systems are still required for supplementary heating

• The property will need to house a solar cylinder

• Combi boilers can be a problem so check with the manufacturer to check if it accepts pre-heated water

• If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland you will need to consult your local authority

Extracts from Miles Brignall of The Guardian – February 2010

"Government incentives are about to make solar water heating panels a financial no-brainer for millions of households across Britain, as long as they have a south-facing roof." "Less off-putting are solar water heating systems, which cost some £4,000-£5,500 for a typical 2kW system and are likely to pay an annual return of around £500 for the next 20 years" "Do make sure you're not burnt by the significant number of cowboy installers working in this sector" "The one likely to appeal to the greatest number of homes – solar thermal water heaters".

The Advantages | Energy Options | Installation | Incentives | DIY Solar Energy | Choosing Installers
Maintenance | Evacuated Tubes | Positioning Solar Panels
Solar Thermal Water Heating | Solar Panels

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