Solar Thermal
 Solar
Thermal is a clean and highly efficient means of using renewable energy
from the sun to provide the hot water used in the home. The basic
principle is easy to understand. If you leave a garden hose on the
ground exposed to the radiant heat of the sun, in a short
time the water in the hose will become warm. Solar thermal collectors
work in very much the same way, only more efficiently. Solar collectors will be connected to a twin-coil cylinder containing a
special glycol/water solution. This fluid not only withstands the high
temperatures in excess of 200ºC on a summer day but also will not
freeze in temperatures down to –25ºC. The pump in the system circulates
the heated fluid from the panel to the cylinder where the heat is
transferred to the stored water through the lower coil.
Solar Thermal FAQs
Why Install Solar Thermal?
Solar
thermal technology is the most reliable, efficient and accessible form
of renewable energy available today and when combined with a modern condensing Boiler, annual fuel bills can be
dramatically reduced. Solar Thermal is
also great for the environment, as it has no emissions and is assured
for the next 4 billion years.
How efficient is it?
As solar water heating depends on radiation, not
direct sunlight, it even works on dull days. Installing Solar Thermal can help reduce heating bills by providing up to 70% of a
household's domestic hot water requirements per annum.
Will Solar equipment spoil the look of my house?
Manufacturers have recently developed flatter and less obtrusive panels, which are available
in colours which
blend with most roof types on domestic dwellings. These options
ensure maximum architectural design flexibility. There are various
mounting options for the panels, so siting should not present any
problems.
How easy is Solar Thermal to install?
Our team of experienced engineers can install your Thermal Solar system easily & efficiently with minimal disruption.
Solar systems integrate easily
with conventional water heating systems and will typically only take a
couple of days to install.
Benefits
- Reduces your impact on the environment - the
average domestic system reduces carbon dioxide emissions by around
325kg per year when replacing gas water heating, this will be higher
when replacing other fuels replaced.
- A solar thermal system can provide around one third of a homes annual hot water needs.
- Different types of system
What
best suits your needs depends on a range of factors, including the area
of south facing roof, the existing water heating system (e.g. some
combi boilers aren't suitable) and your budget.
One of our surveyors can assess your situation and discuss with you the best configuration to meet your needs.
There
are two types of solar collectors: flat plate and evacuated tube. The
difference between the two technologies is minimal with the more
expensive evacuated tube being around 10% more efficient than the flat
plate collectors.
Solar Water Heating & Your Home
Solar water heating can be used in the home or for larger applications, such as swimming pools.
For
domestic hot water there are three main components: solar panels, a
heat transfer system, and a hot water cylinder. Solar panels - or
collectors - are fitted to your roof. They collect heat from the sun's
radiation. The heat transfer system uses the collected heat to heat
water. A hot water cylinder stores the hot water that is heated during
the day and supplies it for use later.
Is My Property Suitable?
Preferably
you will need 2-4m² of southeast to southwest facing roof receiving
direct sunlight for the main part of the day. You'll also need space to
locate an additional water cylinder if required.
Installation & Maintenance
Solar
hot water systems generally come with a 10-year warranty and require
very little maintenance. A yearly check by the householder and a more
detailed check by the installer every 3-5 years should be
sufficient.
Why not contact Conservenergy
today to discuss how you can dramatically reduce your energy bills.
We provide you with a no obligation quotation together with a free
energy efficiency check.
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Solar Thermal