What is Solar Thermal?
A solar thermal system collects the radiated energy from the sun and converts it into a useful heat in the form of hot water. These types of systems have been made available in the UK since the 1970s. With its longevity, the technology is now well developed, and it has now created a large choice of equipment that suits many applications.
Solar water heating can be used for domestic water heating and also for larger scale applications including swimming pools. A solar water heating system for domestic hot water comprises of three main components: solar panels; hot water cylinder; and a plumbing system.
There is a range of different system types and configurations for solar hot water systems. There are two different types of solar collectors; flat plate and evacuated tubes. Flat plate systems have an efficiency of around 30 per cent. Evacuated tube systems occupy a smaller area and have an efficiency of approximately 40 per cent
If you were to invest in a solar thermal system, the water system would work alongside your conventional water heater to provide your potential demand for hot water. Here are a few facts about solar thermal systems:
- It can provide almost all of your hot water during the summer months and about 50 per cent year round.
- It will reduce your impact on the environment – the average domestic system can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 0.4 – 0.75 tonnes (or 400 – 750kg) per year depending on the fuel replaced.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Solar Thermal Collectors can be docked with other heating systems to meet the additional hot water requirements throughout the winter months.
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