Generate hot-water with traditional solar heating panels. Also known as flat-plates, these heat water and reduce immersion coil usage.
In a nutshell.
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 boiler life.
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:
Size: 2206 mm x 1205 mm x 80 mm. Temperature: 40-80° Celcius. Pressure: 3 bar.
We recommend installing PV solar panels working alongside a heating converter to heat water.
"There are an estimated 290,000 homes with solar heating panels in the UK currently."
A different perspective.
Long before photovoltaics became popular, solar heating had been King for many decades.
People incorporate a Velux-style integration to take advantage of diffused sunlight that occurs naturally on the planet.
Free water heating from the sun is not for everyone. The problem is that many people have Combi boilers with no storage tank. If this is your situation, then I would recommend PV solar panels instead.
A common misconception about solar panels is that they only work on hot sunny days. This myth is untrue, although they do operate at peak temperatures on such a day.
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 will keep those outgoings low far into the future.
All solar panels today are required to be installed by approved MCS solar panel installers using certified equipment to give peace of mind.
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.
Check your roof orientation
