Solar water heating
Solar water heating is an extremely environmentally friendly solution to your hot water needs, but comes with its own drawbacks that may affect your choice. With over two thirds of the average household's energy consumption put into water heating, an energy efficient solution such as this could save you a lot of money.
Solar water heating will require panels to be placed where they can access the heating properties of the sun, usually on the roof of your home. The sun will then heat panels, through which water will flow and this heat can then be distributed around your home as part of the central heating or hot water system. Heating your home using solar power requires larger panels and higher heats to be up to the task, which may influence your decision somewhat.
Because solar water heating relies on the heat of the sun it cannot completely replace a more traditional fossil fuel boiler system and during the winter months when the sun is weakest it will be at its least effective. However, year round a solar water heating system can accommodate between 40% and 60% of your hot water needs.
The installation of solar water heating will require modifications and additions to your plumbing and it will also require that the panels are able to be correctly positioned for optimum heating ability. Solar water heating also requires a dedicated hot water cylinder in which the heated water can be stored, so you will need space for the installation of such an item in your home if you think that solar water heating is something you would benefit from.
How does solar water heating work?
For domestic hot water there are three main components
- Solar panels fitted to your roof collect heat from the suns radiation (flat plate or evacuated tube systems)
- The water is then heated using a heat transfer system
- The heated water is stored in a water cylinder for later use
To fit solar water heating in your home you need at least 4 square metres of roof facing southeast to southwest. You will also need room for an extra water tank.