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How Solar Hot Water Systems Work
Solar power is one of the cleanest forms of renewable energy available and systems are now readily available to transform this energy into hot water which you can use in your home.
Solar hot water heating systems have existed for centuries, and with continued development and innovation coupled with an ever increasing understanding of how these systems work; solar hot water heating systems can now provide an affordable and efficient solution to providing your home with hot water.
Explained simply, solar hot water systems collect solar energy through a collector which absorbs energy from the sun. This energy is transferred into heat in a glycol solution that flows through pipes in the collector, and this heat is then transferred to the water which is stored in a cylinder as normal.
Solar hot water systems are designed to fulfil 90% of the heating demand in the period of highest resource (summer) when little space heating is required, and can provide at least 40-60% of all your hot water requirements throughout the year. The average domestic system reduces annual carbon dioxide emissions by around 400kg. Over 70% of the average household's energy use goes into space and water heating, so a source of free hot water to use instead of commercial energy can make a dramatic financial saving.
The Benefits of Solar Hot Water Systems
A solar hot water system has both environmental and financial benefits. Considering there size and efficiency, and the low cost in comparison with other water heating systems, it is the one of the most economical and environmental solutions on the market.
Environmental Benefits
A solar hot water heating system can:
- Reduce carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to a small family car's yearly running. Up to half a tonne of carbon dioxide emissions can be cut per annum once a well designed solar hot water system is installed.
- A solar hot water system can be retrofitted to homes in an urban environment with the minimum of fuss, and the systems will make virtually no noise while in operation.
- Solar hot water systems can provide heating for both large homes and swimming pools as well as smaller residential properties.
- Systems are sized on individual requirements to ensure you only pay for what you need.
Financial Benefits
A solar hot water heating system can:
- Provide an immediate saving on hot water bills.
- The boiler's life would be extended by approximately 60%. Most energy is used when heating water from mains temperature which is around 10°c to aired temperatures of around 30°c. Typically solar collectors heat water past this crucial temperature thus eliminating heavy boiler work.
- Financial return on investment can be accurately measured through your reduced bills.
- The value of your home will increase once a solar hot water heating system has been installed, potentially by as much as £5000.
- After being properly installed, a solar hot water heating system can pay for itself within 15 years just based on savings on fuel bills. As the energy prices continue to rise at an expected rate, this payback period is expected to reduce further.
