Solar Water Heating - FAQ
Is my house suitable for solar water heating panels?
As the solar panels will require about 3 to 4m² of roof space, it should be large enough to take it. Similarly, the roof should have unobstructed sight of the sun from 9am until 3pm from February through to October. Preferably the panels should be at an angle of 30°- 50° to the horizontal and directly facing the sun at some stage between 10am and 2pm.
What kind of alterations will need to be made to my central heating system?
In most cases the hot water cylinder (normally found in the airing cupboard) will need to be replaced with a special solar cylinder containing an additional heat transfer coil (see how it Works). This cylinder is insulated to 50mm, twice the depth of insulation applied to ordinary hot water cylinders, thereby ensuring maximum gain from the sun’s energy.
How will my water be heated when there is not enough sunlight?
On days of limited sunlight, solar energy alone may not be sufficient to heat the household's water to a usable temperature. In this case your conventional boiler or your immersion heater (if fitted) can be used to further boost the temperature of the solar heated water.
Do I need planning permission before installing solar water heating panels on my home?
Solar Water Heating Panels are generally accepted without prior permission, but it is best to talk to your local planning department before starting the project as there may be local issues to overcome, especially if you live in a conservation area. Providing them with details of the technology, its scale and location may be necessary.
What is the difference between solar electric (photovoltaics) and solar thermal panels?
Solar electric (or photovoltaic) panels generate electricity from direct exposure to light. Solar thermal (or solar water heating) uses the energy in the sun's rays to directly heat water.
Are there different types of solar collectors and what options are available?
There are two principal types of solar collector
- The most common type consists of flat plates with water pipes inside an insulated box with a glazed front.
- The second type, know as evacuated tubes, looks like an array of oversized fluorescent tubes. They produce more energy per unit area but are considerably more expensive due to the intricate nature of their construction.
Do solar panels have to be fitted to a roof?
No, they can be mounted on a free-standing frame in the garden or a vertical wall (but performance will be lower).
What are the environmental benefits of using Solar Water Heating?
Using the sun’s energy to heat your water produces much lower CO2 emissions than conventional energy sources and do not produce any sulphur or nitrogen oxide emissions. They require little or no conventional fossil fuels to run, thereby reducing the effects of climate change and safeguarding the limited stocks of fossil fuels. Once the system is working, the ongoing running costs are minimal as they do not require a fuel supply to operate.
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