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 epuipment to suit many applications
How does it work?
For domestic hot water there are three main components:
- Solar panels or collectors - are fitted to your roof. They collect heat from the sun's radiation. There are 2 main types of collector:
- Flat plate systems - which are comprised of an absorber plate with a transparent cover to collect the sun's heat, or
- Evacuated tube systems - which are comprised of a row of glass tubes that each contain an absorber plate feeding into a mainfold which transports the heated fluid.
- A heat transfer system - uses the collected heat to heat water.
- Hot water cylinder - stores the hot water that is heated during the day and supplies it for use later
The benefits
Solar water heating can provide almost all of your hot water during the summer months and about a third all year round. The average domestic system reduces C02 by around 350 - 400kg per year, depending on the fuel replaced. This could save you around £50 a year.
Is it suitable for my home?
Solar water heating can be used in the home or for larger applications, such as swimming pools. You will need 3-4 square metres of southeast to southwest facing roof receiving direct sunlight for the main part of the day for a domestic system. You'll also need space to locate an additional water cylinder if required.
Choosing a system suitable to your needs requires consideration of a range of factors, including the area of south facing roof, the existing water heating system (eg some combi boilers aren't suitable) and your budget.
- Schematic showing typical solar domestic hot water and auxiliary cylinder heating system
- Typical solar installation and heating system
Grants
The Government provides financial assistance to home-owners, community organisations, schools and others who want to install microgeneration technologies, including solar hot water systems. The scheme is know as The Low Carbon Building Scheme and full details are available on www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.
Cube can assist you in preparing to make a grant application, just contact us and make a appointment to find out just how easy we make the whole process, from application to install.
We stock all the products from the three leading manufactures of solar panels.
visit our online store to shop for Solar products.
There are lots of simple things you can do to save energy right now, which will reduce your carbon dioxie emissions and help prevent climate change. These range from turning your lights off when you leave a room to insulating your cavity walls.
By bringing energy saving into every aspect of your life - work, travel and day to day living - you can make a real difference.
Not only will you be doing your bit to help prevent climate change you will also see a difference in your pocket. The average household could save up to £300 a year on energy bills by being more energy efficeint.
For more great ideas about saving energy, please visit the Energy Saving Trust
To discuss how we can make your house more energy efficent call us any time for a free consulation.
Home information packs
Home information packs including Energy Performance Certificates will be implemented on a phased basis from 1 August.
From then packs will be required for the sale of four bedroom properties and larger, with smaller properties being phased in as soon as sufficent energy assessors are fully qualified.
Untill the end of this year, properties can be marketed as soon as a pack is commissioned, and as a temporary measure Energy Performance Certificates can be up to 12 months old when a property is put up for sale.
