What is it?

Solar water heating systems use free heat from the sun to warm domestic hot water.

A conventional boiler or immersion heater is then used to back up the system to provide hot water when solar energy is unavailable.

Many people have the misconception that solar panels will not work sufficiently in the UK as we don’t get enough sun; this isn’t true, in fact the UK receives 60%of the solar energy or radiation that the equator receives.

How does it work?

Solar water heating systems use solar panels, called collectors, fitted to your roof. These collect heat from the sun and use it to warm water which is stored in a hot water cylinder.

The solar thermal systems that Eco-Exmoor provide are called flat plate collectors. Flat plates collectors can be fixed on the roof tiles or integrated into the roof.

On sunny days, temperatures of 70 to 90 degrees can be reached. Even on cloudy days in winter, some hot water will be produced as the system utilises heat rather than light.

In the winter, the system will pre-heat the water in your cylinder. 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.

Larger solar panels can also provide energy to heat your home as well.

What is the expected life span?

Solar thermal system life expectancies can exceed 30 years, in fact there are solar thermal systems that were installed in the 1960’s which are still working today.

Is it suitable for me?

In order to tell if a solar thermal system is suitable for your premises, you must ask yourself these questions:

Do I have a sunny place to put solar panels? – You may need around 5 square meters of roof space that faces within 90 degrees of south, which receives direct sunlight for the main part of the day. If the surface is in shadow for parts of the day, your system will generate less energy.

Do you have space for a larger, or an extra, hot water cylinder? – If a dedicated solar cylinder is not already installed then you will need to replace the existing cylinder, or add a dedicated cylinder with a solar heating coil.

Is my current boiler compatible with solar heating? – Most conventional boiler and hot water cylinder systems are compatible with solar water heating. If your boiler is a combination boiler (combi) and you don’t currently have a hot water tank then a solar water system may not be compatible, this may mean replacing your boiler completely.

Do you need planning permission? – In England, most solar water heating systems don’t need planning permission, but we advise our customers to consult their local planning officer if their property:

Is a listed building

Is based in a conservation area

Can be seen from the road

What are the benefits?

The benefits of solar thermal systems include:

Reducing your carbon footprint – solar energy is free, clean and renewable, and it doesn’t release any harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) or other pollutants.

An average system can save up to 570kg of CO2 per year, equal to approximately 17,000kg over it’s lifetime.

Getting 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.

Reducing your energy bills – sunlight is free! Once you have paid for the initial installation your hot water costs will be reduced, with possible savings of up £80.00 per year for a standard household. An standard system can provide 50-70% of the hot water for your home.

Increase the value of your home – the Energy Saving Trust states that having a solar thermal system installed on your property can increase the value by up to £10,000!