Solar heating panels, installations and MCS-accredited installers of the United Kingdom
Generate hot-water with traditional solar heating panels. Also known as flat-plate panels, these heat your hot water tank and reduce electricity usage.
Installing solar heating panels is just like converting a car into a hybrid that runs on LPG. After the initial investment, your home will operate efficiently while extending the life of your boiler.
From March to October your boiler won't need to be switched on while in winter time, it will reduce its operating times.
The science bit.
Solar panels heat up due to the sun's short-wave radiation output converting to long-wave radiation on impact.
Specifications.
Flat-plate solar panels. Size: 2206 mm x 1205 mm x 80 mm. Temperature: 40-80° Celcius (104-176° Fahrenheit). Standard pressure: 3 bar.
The alternative view
Alternatively, we suggest installing PV solar panels working alongside a heating converter to heat water using your excess electricity.
"Solar heating adoption has grown each year. There are an estimated 240,000 homes with a solar heating system in the UK currently."
Free hot water with solar heating panels.
Long before photovoltaics became popular, solar heating had been popular for many decades.
People incorporate glass into architecture, to take advantage of solar heating with southerly orientation windows.
Now, this type of system is not for everyone. A problem is many people have Combi boilers with no storage tank. If this is your situation, then I would recommend PV solar panels instead.
Velux-style integration makes flat-plate solar heating panels popular with those who wish to camouflage the technology.
The benefits of free hot water for most days of the year for the next three decades cannot be understated.
As more people encounter high energy bills, solar panel adopters can rest assured that their energy costs will be kept down far into the future.
A common misconception about solar panels is that they only work on a hot sunny day. This myth is untrue, although they do operate at peak temperatures on such a day.
The unique selling point for solar heating panels is that they provide heating boosts under cloudy conditions using diffused sunlight.
Solar heating is considered an environmentally-friendly way of generating hot water for swimming pools too.
Potential value added to your home after installation is yet another incentive to equip your property with solar panels.
Solar heating panels need to be installed by approved MCS solar panel installers using equipment certified under the Building
Regulations Executive Scheme to give you peace of mind.
The savings provided by a solar heating system is becoming even more valuable as traditional energy costs are predicted to rise by 60% over the next decade!
Exciting times ahead.
Questions about solar heating panels
Roof orientation?
Most homes are suitable. If you have an S/SE/SW or east/west facing roof space, then great. Your internal plumbing needs to be checked for compatibility too.
A
solar
heating system heats up due to the sun's short-wave radiation output
converting to long-wave radiation. This process creates heat.
The variable speed controller circulates based on temperatures within the panel.
The pump circulates a Glycol solution through the hot collector and back-down through a heat exchanger.
The system automatically shuts down when not in use, or when the collector temperature is lower than the cylinder.
Do solar heating panels work consistently in the UK climate?
The UK receives 60% of the sun's radiation compared with the equator. Each square metre of the UK receives between 900 to 1,300 kWh annually. All can be captured and diverted into your hot water tank with evacuated tubes.
What about Combi boilers?
Combi boilers aren't possible in most cases. We would need to re-install a hot water tank. Most homes with Combi's won't have the space to install a hot water tank.
Can I install solar heating myself?
In most cases no. However, if you're Part P electrical accredited, then it
may be possible to install in a DIY
capacity.
All solar panel installations must be carried out and commissioned by an accredited MCS-installer only.
Is there a danger that it could get too hot?
The system may never rise above 85° Celcius.
Why update my hot water tank?
Older 'copper' hot water tanks run exceptionally inefficiently, especially after many years of use. Limescale will reduce performance even further.
When installing a solar heating system, it's essential to establish a modern more efficient tank to get the most out of your system.
Will it contribute towards my central heating?
We would need to check your management system is suitable. In most cases, solar heating can contribute to your central heating via underfloor heating.
How long will it take to install?
Only a few hours in most cases.
Do I require planning permission?
Listed buildings, conservation area homes, national parks may require permission. Please consult with your local planning officer.
Does solar heating work on cloudy days?
This question depends on the density of the cloud. In average cloud density, solar panels use passive energy. With dense cloud cover, probably not.
Can you upgrade my hot-water tank?
Does your tank has an unused twin-coil? In most cases, we update the hot water tank to allow a secondary connection to the evacuated tube system.
How much CO2 will my system save?
Around half a tonne each year, but this is dependent on how much hot water gets used and how you heat the water at present.
PV-to-heating converters »
