A General Description
Solar Water Heating should not be confused with Photovoltaic Systems which generate electricity from Solar Panels or where Solar Energy is used to directly generate electricity which is used in the home or fed into the National Grid.
Solar Water Heating uses the radiation from the sun light to heat liquid in a panel, which in turn transfers heat energy to a hot water storage cylinder.
In sunny conditions this water is often hot enough for everyday use. At times of less sunshine the boiler tops up this stored water to reach the required temperature.
Solar collector panels should be sited on a south (or south-east or south west) facing roof at an angle of between 20 and 50 degrees.
If no south elevation is available two panels may be split across east and west elevations.
Alternatively the panels may be mounted on the ground or on a flat roof on an angled frame .
A typical domestic Solar installation requires about 4 square metres of roof area and usually requires the replacement an the existing Hot Water Cylinder with a Solar compatible unit.
Most equipment used in a Solar installation is of a higher specification than regular heating systems. This to accommodate the higher temperatures reached by Solar Collectors and circulating fluids.
Solar Systems can now be used in conjunction with Combination Boilers by the installation of a Hot Water Storage Cylinder.
Each system is controlled by a Smart Controller, which monitors the temperatures at the Roof Collectors and the Storage Cylinder. When there is a temperature difference it allows the pump to operate, transferring the heat to the Cylinder and heating the water.
The process continues until the water in the cylinder has reached a pre-set temperature.
Plumbing and heating expertise is required to plan, install and balance a Solar Water Heating System and it is not generally suitable for DIY installation.
Recognised Plumbing and Heating Engineers with Solar experience should be employed to carry out the installation.
Find more info on How A Solar Water Heating System Works.
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Solar Survey
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