Solar (thermal) water heating systems have been available in the UK since the 1970’s and the technology is now well developed for our European climate with a large choice of equipment available to suit many applications. It is a reliable, efficient and measurable way of saving up to 50% of your domestic hot water heating costs (Source: Solar Trade Association) and is also suitable for larger scale applications such as swimming pools.
The average domestic system will also reduce your impact on the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 0.75 tonnes (750kg.) every year depending on the fuel replaced. (Source: Energy Saving Trust)

A solar thermal hot water heating system comprises three main components:

1. Solar collector panels are ideally fitted on a sloping roof facing within 90 degrees of south although they can be fitted on a vertical wall, on a flat roof or even on a framework on the ground. These convert daylight into heat energy and heat the fluid circulating through the solar system. Information about the different types of collector can be found in our F.A.Q section.

2. A hot water storage cylinder is heated by this fluid during the daytime and supplies it for domestic use later. This helps to reduce the use of your boiler thereby saving fuel.

3. The plumbing and control system ensure that when there is a heat gain to be made it transfers this from the collector to the storage cylinder. It also prevents the cylinder from overheating.

The sun does not have to be shining but when it is, more energy is produced. In some cases this can also be used to contribute towards the central heating of your home in the colder months.

The following diagram shows how solar could feed heat into a thermal store which could also be heated by a boiler and stove to provide high pressure domestic hot water as well as space heating.

Check out some of our many local installations by visiting our gallery.

If you live in our Thames Valley region and are interested in finding out whether Solar Power can work for you, either contact us or complete our FREE home energy survey and we will report back to you as requested.