Generating hot water using the sun is the oldest and typically cleanest ways in which it can be done. Solar panels are a widely used green choice for heating in sunny climates, however due to recent advances in technology, solar panels are proven viable and a cost effective solution even for nothern European markets. Eco-friendly solar thermal collectors are one of the cleanest ways to heat domestic water, which can then be used for baths, showers and kitchens.
Solar thermal systems have been in operations around the world for decades, and other countries have made solar thermal system mandatory for new buildings (recently Spain joined the list).
Europe exports the most solar thermal systems, due to the vast amount of manufacturers. In broad terms the European manufacturers create good quality solar panels. Merely like any other house product, consumers ought to make sure that their solar panels are tested to European standard EN12975 and certified by a reputable institution.
one of the common misconceptions about solar panels, is that the Uk does not provide enough sun energy for the solar panels to be as good as other countries, however the UK gets around 65-70% of the sun in Spain. This is enough to operate a solar heating system.
A solar heating system should, when designed well, provide the household with 50-60% of annual hot water requirements. shower, bath, and kitchen). This means that in the summertime the solar system will provide 90-100% of your hot water needs, and in the winter it will save energy by primarily pre-heating your water and giving the boiler less “work” to do, thus conserving energy, prolonging the lifetime of the boiler and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.
Solar systems work by absorbing light and converting it into heat using photovoltaic cells. In other words, even on a cloudy cold day the diffused light will pre-heat the water in the cylinder and grant major savings.
If essential, your backup systems (e.g. your boiler) will up-heat the water from the already warm temperature to your preferred temperature.
The efficiency of the solar systems are dramtically increased during long summer days, due to the length of exposure to the light being longer. Even if the summer does not haves masses of sun, but rather overcast days, the fact that the days are longer helps heat the water to great levels.
Typically instalment a solar thermal system lasts roughly 2 days. However this depends upon the type of property it is being installed on, type of roof etc.
The engineer installing the solar system takes caution to ensure there is minimum disruption to the home. Hot water typically takes a few hours to be up and running, however normal household routines are not disurbed in any way.
As explained above, installations adjust in price due to distinctive circumstances such as roof complexity, loft access etc. As a general guide, a ordinary installation for an existing 3-4 bedroom household should cost £3,500-5,000.
Solar Solutions are great for any type of home, whether big or small due to the energy efficiency levels. Plus grants are out there which make it easier for home owners to attain a green home, for a fraction of the price.