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 equipment to suit many applications.
Solar water heating panels or solar collectors are completely different to solar photovoltaic panels. In a solar water heating system, water runs through pipes in the solar collector, and is heated up by the sun. A solar water heating system will only produce hot water, work usually takes place on the roof and in the loft space with some changes to the existing plumbing.
Modern lifestyles need a flexible supply of hot water. Our solar systems are designed to compliment your original hot water system to create the flexibility you need.

Benefits

• can provide almost all of your hot water during the summer months and about 50% year round
• reduces your impact on the environment - the average domestic system reduces carbon dioxide emissions by around 400kg per year, depending on the fuel replaced.

  For a family of four, a well designed Active Solar Heating system should contribute between 1,500kWh and 2,000kWh, which will be equivalent to 40 to 50% of the household's water heating energy needs. The value of this saving will depend on the type of energy displaced.

  How Solar Collectors Work

For domestic hot water there are three main components: solar panels, a heat transfer system, and a hot water cylinder. Solar panels - or collectors - are fitted to your roof. They collect heat from the sun's radiation. The heat transfer system uses the collected heat to heat water. A hot water cylinder stores the hot water that is heated during the day and supplies it for use later.

Whenever the collectors are hotter than the cylinder, the controller switches on the system's circulating pump. A mixture of antifreeze and water is then circulated through the collectors and the cylinder's heat exchanger, heating the cylinder in just the same way as a central heating boiler.

What best suits your needs depends on a range of factors, including the area of south facing roof, the existing water heating system (e.g. some combi boilers aren't suitable) and your budget.

Different types of system

There are three main types of solar collector, which can be used in Active Solar Heating systems. Evacuated tubes
Flat plate collectors
Unglazed plastic collectors
Evacuated tubes and flat plate collectors are used for Active solar Heating systems for houses and other types of buildings.
The less expensive unglazed plastic type of collector is used exclusively for outdoor swimming pools where lower water temperatures are required.

Is My Property Suitable?

Preferably you will need 2-4m2 of southeast to southwest facing roof receiving direct sunlight for the main part of the day. You'll also need space to locate an additional water cylinder if required.

Cost and Maintenance

The typical installation cost for a domestic Flat plate collector system is £2,000 - £4,000. Evacuated tube systems will cost £3,500 - £6,500 (depending on the size of house, type of collector, etc.).

Solar hot water systems generally come with a 10-year warranty and require very little maintenance. A yearly check by the householder and a more detailed check by a professional installer every 3-5 years should be sufficient.

The SolarShop works independently from any particular supplier. Through our associates, specialist consultants and installers throughout the country we can recommend the most efficient Solar System to suit your property.