What is Solar Water Heating?
Solar Water Heating (or Solar Hot Water, or Solar Thermal) uses the sun’s heat to heat domestic hot water. It’s important to note that most Solar Thermal systems do not provide central heating as in the UK our coldest days tend to coincide with the lowest levels of solar energy. This means that on average only 10% of annual domestic central heating requirements can be generated by a solar thermal system. However, for domestic hot water production, solar thermal is highly efficient providing 60%-70% of a households requirements on an annual basis.
Why Install Solar Water Heating?
Solar Water Heating has been used for centuries in different forms but since the 1970’s it has been commonplace if not mainstream. The technology is proven, highly evolved and as reliable as any conventional system for heating water in the home. Crucially, of all the ‘home cleantech’ options, it has the highest return on investment (ROI), typically between 5%-10% per annum. The Solar Thermal systems are guaranteed for 5 years and have an estimated 50 year lifespan. As It Won’t Cost The Earth are MCS accredited, you will also receive the relevant payment(s) associated with the Renewable Heat Incentive (“RHI”).
How does Solar Water Heating Work?
Solar Panels or Tubes on your roof (or on an ‘A frame’ in your garden or a flat roof) collect heat radiated by the sun. Heat is conducted by a fluid in the panels or tubes to a ‘twin coil’ hot water cylinder normally in your airing cupboard, which heats your hot water. Your boiler is only needed when the solar panels are not providing hot water and this is controlled automatically.
In the UK this means that on most homes between 75% -100% of hot water needs will be generated between March & October, with between 30%-60% for the rest of the year, depending on the installation.
Will it work for me?
Solar Water Heatingwill work easily for around 90% of UK homes. You will need an area of roof which is ideally (but not necessarily) within 90° of South in order to mount the collector panels or tubes. Additionally, the hot water cylinder (normally in the airing cupboard) is replaced with a twin coil cylinder which in most cases will be slightly larger than your existing one.
Simply answer the few questions in our FreeQuote For Solar Water Heating and we can email within 24 hours to let you know whether it will work for you, but also how much it will cost within £1,000. If you want to explore further to get a more precise quote (still free!), simply reply to the email and we will give you access to our full survey & support.