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Solar water heating
Solar water heating systems use heat from the sun to heat up water and works with your conventional water heater. There is a large choice in the market place to suit many different applications.

How does solar water heating work?
For domestic hot water there are three main components

• Solar panels or solar collectors – these are fitted to your roof. They are heated from the sun's radiation. The types of collector that are most common are:

      1. Flat plate systems - an absorber plate with a transparent cover to which collects           the sun's heat.

      2. Evacuated tube systems – here we have a row of glass tubes that have their own           absorber plates which feed into a mainfold which convey the heated liquid.

• A heat transfer system - uses the collected heat to heat water;

• Hot water cylinder – this stores the hot water that is heated during the day for use later.

The benefits
About a third of your hot water needs can be supplied by a solar water heating system. Depending on the type of fuel replaced you can save about £40 per year and annually reduce your C02 emissions by 350 kilograms per year.

Is it suitable for my home?
For a domestic system you will need a south-west facing roof receiving direct sunlight for majority of the day with an area of about 3-4 metres. You may also require additional space for an additional water cylinder.

As some combi-boilers aren’t suitable to be integrated into a solar water heating system, you will require a competent installer you will be able to assess your individual situation. Also these systems can in most cases be fitted without planning permission.

Installation and maintenance costs
For a typical installation of a solar water heating system expect to pay in the region of £3,200 - £4,500. Due to advanced design evacuated tube systems tend to be more expensive.

A 5-10 year warranty is common place and these systems require little maintenance. An annual check by the homeowner and an inspection by a qualified expert every 3-5 years is normally sufficient.

Where can I find out more about installation?
You can also find details of installers in our UK directory by clicking the button below. They will also be able to inform you of any available grants.

source: Energy Savings Trust


		Home > Energy Advice > Renewables > Solar Water Heating Solar water heating Solar water heating systems use heat from the sun to heat up water and works with your conventional water heater. There is a large choice in the market place to suit many different applications. How does solar water heating work? For domestic hot water there are three main components • Solar panels or solar collectors – these are fitted to your roof. They are heated from the sun's radiation. The types of collector that are most common are: 1. Flat plate systems - an absorber plate with a transparent cover to which collects the sun's heat. 2. Evacuated tube systems – here we have a row of glass tubes that have their own absorber plates which feed into a mainfold which convey the heated liquid. • A heat transfer system - uses the collected heat to heat water; • Hot water cylinder – this stores the hot water that is heated during the day for use later. The benefits About a third of your hot water needs can be supplied by a solar water heating system. Depending on the type of fuel replaced you can save about £40 per year and annually reduce your C02 emissions by 350 kilograms per year. Is it suitable for my home? For a domestic system you will need a south-west facing roof receiving direct sunlight for majority of the day with an area of about 3-4 metres. You may also require additional space for an additional water cylinder. As some combi-boilers aren’t suitable to be integrated into a solar water heating system, you will require a competent installer you will be able to assess your individual situation. Also these systems can in most cases be fitted without planning permission. Installation and maintenance costs For a typical installation of a solar water heating system expect to pay in the region of £3,200 - £4,500. Due to advanced design evacuated tube systems tend to be more expensive. A 5-10 year warranty is common place and these systems require little maintenance. An annual check by the homeowner and an inspection by a qualified expert every 3-5 years is normally sufficient. Where can I find out more about installation? You can also find details of installers in our UK directory by clicking the button below. They will also be able to inform you of any available grants. source: Energy Savings Trust
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