Why should I consider using solar energy?
Firstly, because by reducing carbon dioxide emissions,
you can rest assured that it’s better for the environment
and you will also be helping to conserve the world’s
rapidly diminishing supplies of gas and oil. Secondly,
utilising solar energy for hot water will help to reduce
the impact of rising oil and gas prices and means that
you won’t be so reliant on these conventional fuels.
Thirdly, installing a good solar system can add value to
your property.

How does a solar DHW heating system work?
The principles are quite straightforward. Solar collectors
absorb energy from the sun to heat a fluid that is
pumped in a sealed circuit to an indirect coil in a water
cylinder to heat the domestic water.

Where are the collectors fixed?
High performance solar collectors are easily
sited on pitched roofs, flat roofs, or in roof. Ideally the
solar panels should be oriented to face south, but they
will work with a small loss of efficiency sited between
30 degrees east and 40 degrees west of south.

Do I want vacuum tube or flat plate collectors?
Vacuum tube collectors offer the highest operating
efficiency all year round and, due to their low weight and
smaller dimensions, offer easier installation and handling.
Flat plate collectors should be used when efficiency during
autumn, winter and spring is not so important and in areas
where a tough collector is preferred.

Surely there is not enough sunshine in this country to
make it work?
As the panels work on diffused solar radiation as well as
direct sunlight, they will even generate small amounts of
energy on partially cloudy days. This lowers the energy
required from your boiler.

The DTI has calculated that there are sufficient solar
radiation levels across the whole UK to provide useful
energy. In areas with lower solar radiation, the number
of collectors can be increased to maximise solar energy
usage.