Solar
How it Works
Solar panels form part of a system which remains separate from the boiler heating system. The panels are positioned outdoors where they'll get the maximum exposure to sunlight possible.
The energy in the sun's rays are absorbed by the panel and the heat is transferred into the pipe-work in the absorber plates. This pipe-work is filled with a ready-mixed liquid, containing glycol and water, which is circulated by a pump to the coil in the hot water storage tank.
The heat is deposited in the storage cylinder and the glycol returns to the panel to absorb more free solar energy.
The system is equipped with a simple unit to control the flow of energy from the solar panels to the storage cylinder. On average, the solar panels can provide up to 60% of the hot water required in the home over a year. The boiler is used to supplement the hot water demand when necessary.
The Benefits of Solar Water Heating
By using free energy to heat your domestic water, you can save hundreds of pounds on your annual bills. The environment benefits too through the reduced carbon emissions and the reduced strain on fossil fuels.
But, as an extra incentive, the Government has introduced a scheme known as the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive). This rewards house-owners financially for using renewable energy sources (such as solar water heating) in the home - and in effect replaces previously available solar thermal grants.
Solar Water Heating