Solar Heating Installations by Heatpro

Solar Thermal Systems

Solar water heating systems use free heat from the sun to warm domestic hot water. A conventional boiler or immersion heater is then used to make the water hotter, or to provide hot water when solar energy is unavailable.

How do solar water heating systems work?

Solar water heating systems use solar collectors which are fitted to your roof, these collect heat from the sun and use it to warm water, this is then used to heat your hot water cylinder.

A boiler or immersion heater is then used as a back up to heat the water further to reach the temperature set by the cylinders thermostat when the solar water heating system does not reach that temperature.

Solar panels can also provide energy to heat your home through under floor heating systems.

The benefits of solar water heating

• Hot water all year round: the system works all year, though you'll need to heat the water further with a boiler or immersion heater during the winter months.

• Cut your bills: sunlight is free, so once you've paid for the initial installation your hot water costs will be reduced.

• Cut your carbon footprint: solar hot water is a green, renewable heating system and can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.

Is a solar water heating system suitable for my home?

To tell if solar water heating is right for you, there are a few key questions to consider:

• Do you have a sunny place to put solar panels? You'll need a roof space which faces east to west through south and receives direct sunlight for the main part of the day. If you do not have a south facing roof and if you have the roof space you could install two panels, one facing east and one facing west this will make installation more costly. The panels don't always have to be mounted on a traditional pitched roof, they can be fixed to a frame on flat roofs.

• Do you have space for a larger, hot water cylinder? you will need to replace the existing cylinder solar thermal systems need cylinders with a secondary heating coil in order to pass the heat from the roof into your hot water.

• Do you need planning permission? Most solar water heating systems don't need planning permission, but it is advisable to consult your local planning office if you live in a Listed Building or in a conservation area or world heritage site. If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland you will need to consult your local authority.

• Is your current boiler compatible with solar water heating? Most conventional boiler and hot water cylinder systems are compatible with solar water heating. If your boiler is a combination boiler (combi) then a solar hot water system may not be compatible.