Solar Thermal
Solar Thermal Heating Systems are designed to harness the power of the Sun to provide a property with hot water. During the Summer months the amount of energy provided by a solar thermal heating system can be enough to raise the temperature of the water to boiling point. Therefore, the system has a temperature limiting feature to ensure only the desired temperature level is reached. During days of less intense sunshine the system works alongside existing water heating systems such as AGAs, gas-fired boilers or combi boilers. This reduces the fuel consumption of these older heating methods.
The Solar Thermal heating systems we provide have been proven to work successfully in all parts of the UK. Although the system works best on bright sunny days, it will also reach near optimum performance in overcast conditions.
We can offer two types of solar collectors used for solar water heating applications. They are:
Flat plate collectors
Flat plate collectors are predominantly used domestically worldwide. They are cheaper and less efficient than evacuated tube collectors but they are still an excellent form of providing environmentally friendly hot water.
Evacuated-tube collectors
Due to the superior manufacturing methods used, which achieves a vacuum within the solid glass tubing, evacuated-tube collectors are more efficient than flat-plate panels. This increased efficiency means evacuated-tube collectors are slightly more expensive initially.
During the summer months both types will contribute similar savings, however the difference in cost will be noticed during the winter period when the superior performance and heat gains from evacuated tubes will be found over that of the flat plate collector.
Basic Requirements
- You will need a minimum of 3-5 square meters southeast, southwest or south facing roof receiving direct sunlight for the main part of a day.
- The panels usually sit on top of existing roof tiles/slates. They are not light and so the roof must be strong enough to take their weight.
Costs and Benefits
- Installation costs start from around £3,000 for a domestic system but grants are available.
- Installation takes between 2 - 3 days.
- It is extremely low maintenance with a lifetime of 30 years or more.
- Reduce fuel bills and increases value of the property
- Saves 0.4 to 0.6 tonnes of CO2 per year
Please feel free to contact us for more information about Solar Thermal systems.