Solar Thermal Hot Water Systems

Heat the water that your home needs by using free energy from the sun. Solar thermal heating works in a different way from solar-electrical (photovoltaic) which takes sunlight and produces electricity directly.

Solar thermal water heating systems use energy, in the same way as any system used to heat water. The difference is the source of the energy. Thermal (heat) energy supplied by the sun is free, the sun has fuel to burn for billions more years and the energy not use to heat your water will likely as not just radiate off into space.

Using solar thermal energy to heat water for your home is entirely carbon neutral. However in the UK you will need an auxilliary heating source for during the colder months.

A solar thermal heating system works in a simple manner. Water is pumped into 'collectors' which are essentially solar panels sited on the roof. These collectors work in a similar way to radiators, but in reverse, absorbing the suns heat and passing it into the water rather than releasing heat from hot water into the air. These efficiently absorb heat from the sun and heat the water which is pumped through them. This is then pumped into a hot water cylinder (or better yet a specialised accumulator) where it is stored until needed.

These systems work well all through the year not just during the heat of summer. The main issue, however, is that in winter the water will not be heated to a sufficient temperature. So it will be necessary to combine this system with another boiler or immersion heater to ensure sufficient heat.

The solar thermal system will reduce your fuel consumption and costs, regardless of any additional heating you may require. Sunlight is free, of course and even if combined with your existing gas boiler, the demands on the boiler will be reduced, saving you money. Beyond occasionally carrying out the odd bit of maintenance on the system, it will require no attention and cost next to nothing to run. So once you have had solar thermal installed, it will cut your cost for hot water, paying for itself surprisingly quickly.

Remember that solar energy is perhaps the greenest form of energy. Making solar thermal heating systems the most environmentally friendly.

Before you decide if it appropriate to install solar thermal water heating in your home or business property, you will need to check if you have the required space. You will need at least three square metres of flat space on your roof. It is best for this to be south facing with nothing between it and the sun, to it to the east or west. The easiest way to check if a space is suitable, is to check on it every hour throughout the day. If it receives direct sunlight for the best part of the day then it should be suitable. If it is in shadow for more than an hour then you may need to install two panels. One facing to the east to absorb sunlight during the morning and one facing west for the afternoon. However, if you have to install two panels you will find that it is far more complicated and more expensive.

To benefit from solar thermal heating you will need a hot water cylinder or a space to have one fitted. We recommend that you ensure that your cylinder is efficient and we recommend upgrading to a new accumulator tank for the best results. Even If your property does have a cylinder it may be too small. If you have any questions, please do get in touch with us about this.

The next thing to check is that your current heating system will be compatible with the addition of a solar water heating system. Almost all conventional boiler or hot water cylinder systems are solar thermal system compliant and it can be installed simply and with no problems. However, some 'combi' boiler systems (which have no hot water tank) may be difficult to adapt.

You will not usually need planning permission to fit a standard solar water heating system in England, as it is something which is promoted by central government. Obvious exceptions include Listed Buildings, and clarification should be made for properties within Conservation Areas or World Heritage Sites.

If you are interested in solar thermal heating, then please do call us for a consultation. We can visit the property, discuss the pros and cons, check that existing heating system is suitable and talk you through the process of installation.

Return to Services