Solar Panels
What is solar energy?
The sun provides an abundant and free source of clean energy in the form of heat and light. Some of the heat energy provided by the sun can be harnessed to provide hot water in your home through our solar panels.
What are the benefits of solar water heating?
- It can provide almost all of your hot water during the summer months and about 50% year round.
- It will reduce your impact on the environment - the average domestic system can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 0.25-0.5 tonne per year, depending on the fuel replaced.
How does solar water heating work?
Energy from sunlight is absorbed by the solar panel and converts it to heat energy. This is then removed by a heat transfer liquid usually water or anti-freeze. In most systems, a small pump is required to circulate the heat transfer fluid to where it is immediately needed, or to a store from which it can be used later. In the case of solar hot water systems, this is usually a hot water cylinder. A back-up heat source is required to ensure that the water is heated to a sufficient temperature on days when light levels are limited. The water in the cylinder is then fed to your taps and showers to provide hot water for your home.
Different types of system
There are a range of different system types and configurations for solar hot water systems. There are two different types of solar collectors; flat plate and evacuated tubes. Evacuated tube systems occupy a smaller area and have an efficiency of approximately 40%. Flat plate systems have an efficiency of around 30%.
The system which best suits your needs depends on a range of factors, including:
- Amount of south facing roof space.
- Existing water heating system (e.g. some combi boilers may not be suitable).
- The budget you have for the project.