Solar thermal water heating systems use free heat from the sun to warm your hot water. They are an effective technology to help reduce your annual water bills.
Solar water heating systems use solar panels, called collectors, fitted to your roof. They collect heat from the sun and use it to warm water which is stored in a hot water cylinder.
There are two types of solar water heating panels; evacuated tubes and flat plate collectors. Collectors can be fixed on the roof tiles or integrated into the roof.
A boiler or immersion heater can be used as a back up to heat the water further to reach the temperature set by the cylinders thermostat when the solar water heating system does not reach that temperature. (The cylinder thermostat should be set at 60 degrees centigrade.)
The benefits of solar water heating:
- Hot water throughout the year (the system works all year round, though you’ll need to heat the water further with a boiler or immersion heater during the winter months)
- Reduce your bills – sunlight is free, so once you’ve paid for the initial installation your hot water costs will be reduced
- Cut your carbon footprint – solar hot water is a green, renewable heating system and doesn’t release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants
- Receive tax free income from the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) due for release in 2012 for domestic properties