- 80 – 90% of all summer hot water needs
- 40 – 50% of spring hot water needs
- 10 – 15% of winter hot water needs
- Future proof against inevitable future energy price increases
- Qualifies for the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive
How does Solar Thermal work?
Within a Solar Thermal Collector there is meandering copper pipework. This layout maximises the amount of time the heating fluid is in the collector.
Directly in contact with the copper pipework is an aluminium absorber sheet which allows for the the optimum heat transfer combined with low weight.
3.2mm structured solar safety glass with 91% transmission allows the collector to absorb a wide range of light frequencies.
The solar glass has also passed optional impact resistance tests as detailed in EN12975-2. Underneath the copper pipework good thermal insulation ensures that captured heat is not lost. An Aluminium frame ensures that the Solar Thermal Collector is given lightweight protection and ensures it is weather and corrosion resistant.
A circulating pump transfers the captured solar energy from collector to the water storage cylinder. Inside the cylinder heat transfer fluid is transferred to the stored water via a coiled heat exchanger.
How much water can be heated by the sun?
As a renewable option, solar heating is very attractive. During summer months as much as 100% of energy required for hot water can be obtained by installing a solar heating system. In winter months between 10% – 15% can be obtained, providing a useful top-up to other systems. As there is a mismatch between space heating requirements and when solar energy is at its peak solar systems are not typically installed for this application.
Is my roof space suitable?
To get the most out of a solar system the collectors need to be south facing at an incline of 35°. In practice however this is not usually the case and the loss in performance of Solar Thermal systems are not as great as people may imagine. If orientated east or west facing the collectors will only lose 20% of the maximum energy available. There are few properties that do not have the required roof space to consider the technology.
Is it easy to convert to a solar system?
There are several different ways of converting your existing system. Your original hot water cylinder could be replaced with a twin coil cylinder so the solar flow and return can be connected up in addition to your primary heat source (boiler/heat pump). Another option is to add a pre-heat cylinder just for the solar system which then is fed into your hot water cylinder. Pipework is then installed up to the roof space where the collector is located. A pump is used to control the system with temperature sensors at the collector and the cylinder. An additional sensor may be used to limit the upper temperature of the cylinder.
