Solar water heating systems, or solar thermal systems, use energy from the sun to warm water for storage in a hot water cylinder or thermal store. Because the amount of available solar energy varies throughout the year, a solar water heating system won't provide 100% of the hot water requir Contact online >>
Solar water heating systems, or solar thermal systems, use energy from the sun to warm water for storage in a hot water cylinder or thermal store. Because the amount of available solar energy varies throughout the year, a solar water heating system won''t provide 100% of the hot water required throughout the year. A conventional boiler or immersion heater is normally used to make up the difference.
Larger solar hot water arrays can also be arranged to provide some contribution to heating your home. However, the amount of heat provided is generally very small (less than 10% of the home''s heating requirement), so it is not usually considered worthwhile.
Most solar hot water systems are just designed to provide the hot water you use for bathing, showering and hot taps.
Solar water heating systems use panels or tubes, called solar collectors, to gather solar energy. The solar collectors convert the infra-red portion of visible light into heat. They are filled with a mix of water and glycol. This fluid is pumped round a circuit, which passes through the hot water cylinder.
There are two types of solar water heating collectors:
The system works all year round, though you''ll need to heat the water further with a boiler or immersion heater, especially during the winter months. In the summer, it should provide around 90% of your hot water requirements, dropping to around 25% in the winter.
Sunlight is free, so your hot water costs will be reduced.
Solar water heating is a renewable heating system and can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.
To tell if solar water heating is right for you, there are a few key questions to consider:
Solar hot water collectors are typically placed on South facing roof, or somewhere between East to West (but not North facing). You will need around five square meters that receive direct sunlight for the main part of the day.
The panels don''t have to be mounted on a roof. They can be fixed to a frame on a flat roof, hung from a wall or mounted on the ground.
Energy is transferred from the sun to the water-glycol fluid used to heat water stored in a hot water cylinder. Inside the hot water cylinder, a base coil is connected to the solar collectors. Typically, one cylinder is used, with either an immersion heater or another coil connected to your boiler, near the top of the cylinder. This top immersion heater or coil will heat the water to a higher temperature when needed. If a dedicated solar hot water cylinder is not already installed, then you will usually need to replace the existing cylinder.
Instead of a single hot water cylinder with two coils, some installations use a dedicated cylinder with a solar heating coil in addition to the existing cylinder.
Conventional boilers and hot water cylinder systems are often compatible with solar water heating. However, if you have a combi boiler, this will mean a solar hot water cylinder must be added to the system, so you''ll need to consider where this might be located.
Most home solar water heating systems are considered ''permitted developments'', meaning they don''t require planning permission. However, exceptions apply, and you should check with your local planning office.
If your home is a listed building, or in a conservation area or national park, you may have more restrictions.
Solar hot water systems are typically low maintenance, but it is important to follow your installer''s guidance. Solar water heating systems installed by an MCS contractor will come with a five-year workmanship warranty and 10 years or more for the panel warranty.
Once fitted, your installer should leave written details of any maintenance checks that you can carry out to ensure everything is working properly. This normally includes checking a pressure gauge to ensure there are no leaks.
If you are not getting hot water or the solar pipework is cold when the pump is running on warm, sunny days, you should check the control panel for warnings, and then contact your installer.
For peace of mind, some installation companies offer an annual service check. This should cost less than a full service and takes around 10-20 minutes.
You should have your system checked more thoroughly every five years. This will involve draining and flushing the system and replacing the fluid. This is because over time the anti-freeze protection offered by the glycol will reduce. Leaving it for longer than five years can be detrimental to the system''s efficient operation.
If you''re leaving for a summer break, you should leave your solar water heating system running. Some solar controllers offer a ''holiday'' function that will help protect the system if you are away for a few days – but don''t forget to turn it off when you return.
There''s a lot to consider before installing a renewable system such as solar water heating, but having one will help reduce your energy bills and household carbon footprint.
Our helpful guide offers advice on things to consider when installing a renewable system.
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With a solar thermal system, you can use free solar energy and reduce your monthly energy costs. In addition, by installing a solar thermal system, you are demonstrating your commitment to protecting the environment, by sustainably lowering CO₂ emissions. Investing in such a solar thermal system also helps to increase the value of your property.
Whether for residential, commercial or local authority buildings, with Viessmann technology, you can futureproof your system and rely on optimal interaction of all system components. With more than 40 years' experience in the development and manufacture of solar thermal systems, you can count on our high quality and our technical expertise. Solar thermal is also the ideal way to supplement to a heating system. All Viessmann systems are designed to work in combination with a solar system, so it makes no difference whether you opt for a new condensing boiler for oil or gas, a heating system for wood, or a heat pump.
In essence, a solar thermal system is a system that can be used for DHW heating and central heating backup. Solar energy is free, so you not only save on fossil energy. You will also find that your investment in a solar thermal system pays for itself within just a few years. After all, there are no costs for the energy source.
A widespread misconception is that solar thermal for central heating backup is only possible in combination with underfloor heating systems. Traditional radiators can also be used with a solar thermal system. The yields are only slightly lower on an annual average and are primarily determined by the somewhat higher return temperatures from the radiators.
You can use solar energy for your own needs in two ways. Details on domestic hot water heating and central heating backup can be found in the following sections.
At the heart of this solution is the dual mode DHW cylinder, such as the Vitocell 300-B. When there is sufficient solar radiation, the solar medium in the solar thermal system heats up the water in the DHW cylinder via the lower indirect coil.
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