Solar hot water
There are a number of different systems available for employing the sun’s energy to heat water. In
winter months in the UK, solar hot water systems will generally be working in tandem with the household’s existing system, the latter
supplying the boost that is required to meet your hot water needs.
As with solar panels used to generate electricity, the collector panels used to supply solar hot water will generally be installed on the roof of a property, although ground-standing installations are also possible. The collector panels we supply and install consist of a number of evacuated tubes, which absorb the sun’s energy and transfer it to a copper pipe running along the top, called the header; this header connects up to a heat exchanger, which heats the water in a hot water storage cylinder. Heating water with evacuated tubes is the most efficient method on the market.
The amount saved per year from installing a solar hot water system can be up to 75% of your water heating costs. There is also the reassurance of knowing that following an initial investment, you will have free hot water for the full life expectancy of the system (at least 25 years), with very little – if any – maintenance required during this time; reassurance indeed, as we look forward to rising fuel costs in the coming years. The addition of a solar hot water system will reduce the wear and tear on your existing boiler, thereby increasing its life, and in the long term will usually, like solar panels, increase the value of your home.
In addition to all of this, it is anticipated that in 2012 a “Renewable Heat Incentive” (RHI) will be introduced under the Government’s Clean Energy Cashback Scheme, entitling owners of renewable heating systems to similar financial benefits as are currently in place for those who generate their own renewable electricity.
Solar hot water systems are generally very durable, with most of the problems that can occur arising not from any fault in the system itself, but from mistakes made at the installation stage. Our company does not outsource its installation work to third parties, meaning that you can rest assured it will always be carried out by our own experienced fitters.
Most installations can be completed in under two days and we will liaise with you to arrange a convenient time for the work to take place.