Solar Hot Water Systems & Solar Water Heaters
Advanced Efficiency
Using solar energy to heat water is the most well established and affordable way to harness energy from the power of the sun. It’s also the easiest way to generate a free domestic or commercial power source.
The most efficient solar panels can operate on natural daylight and don’t need direct sunlight - an important factor for the UK market. Evacuated tubes that have been specifically designed for the northern hemisphere can convert up to 97% of solar light into energy.
It makes sense to choose the largest diameter tubes available, as they will maximise the amount of light captured per m². They will also retain the most heat within the vacuum, which ensures the best performance all year round. Experience shows that fitting thermal solar panels to the average family’s home will reduce their carbon emissions by around 400kg a year.
Orientation
Most Solar Thermal panels are fitted onto roof structures, ideally facing south or in a southerly direction. They should be angled at between 30° to 40° from horizontal for maximum efficiency.
Panels fitted anywhere from east through south to west will generate energy, and though south facing is optimal, panels in any direction on the southerly arc should perform efficiently.
Open exposure is important, as any shading by tall trees or other buildings etc. will prevent good light from getting to the thermal cells. Low temperatures will not affect the output - performance is purely determined by the quality of the light.
No Need for Planning Permission
Planning permission isn’t usually required, unless the structures are to be placed on a listed building, or on a property in a Conservation Area or World Heritage site.
Financial Rewards
The financial savings of fitting solar thermal panels are significant. As domestic consumers, we currently spend around 20%-25% of our combined annual energy bills on heating up water. A solar hot water system will provide 50%-70% of the domestic annual hot water requirement - considerably reducing outgoing energy costs.
Throughout late spring, summer and early autumn, the majority of your hot water needs will be met by the system, and in the winter months around 50% will be met.
To compliment the Feed-in Tariff payments for Solar PV, the Coalition Government published full details in March 2011 of its support for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for Solar Heating Systems. The RHI provides a similar set of incentives to FIT's, and is the first policy of its kind anywhere in the world.
The domestic version of the RHI will be launched in full towards the end of 2012. Long-term payments will be extended to all homeowners with eligible solar heat installations fitted since July 2009*.
*Installations must be made by MCS accredited companies to qualify.
