Is a solar water heating system suitable for my home?

While we love to complain about our weather, in fact the UK has quite enough sunshine to make solar water heating practical. It is estimated that we receive over a thousand kilowatt hours of solar energy per square metre every year. Even if sunshine is diffused through clouds, the energy can still be collected and used by a solar water heating system.
Over a year, such a system will supply about 60% of the hot water requirements of an average house. During the summer a solar heating system can supply virtually all the hot water needed, with water temperatures of 70-85 degrees C not uncommon. Even in winter, the system can reduce water heating costs by around 20%.
The ideal situation for solar panels is facing due south, although they are still effective east to west through south. Alternatively, if you do not have a south facing roof and if you have space, you could install two panels, one facing east and one facing west - but this will make installation more costly. The panels don't always have to be mounted on a roof, they can be fixed to a frame on flat roofs. As a general rule of thumb you need between 1 and 2 m2 of collector (solar panels) per person living in the house. Most panels are mounted on a roof, but they can also be mounted at ground level. It is important that they get direct sunlight. To get the best results they should be at an angle between 20 and 50 degrees from horizontal (most pitched roofs fall within this bracket)
Did you know that on average, your home spends 20-25% of its combined annual energy bills on water heating.
Once installed, our systems can provide 50-70% of your water heating virtually free each year. This means that in the summer months, the system can actually provide almost all your hot water needs and provide about 50% for the rest of year. Put simply, a Solar Hot Water system will save you money, and it will also reduce your impact on the environment. On average, a domestic system can reduce your carbon emissions by up to 0.75 tonnes a year.
What you get:
•Immediate return in the added value of your property – buyers are drawn to houses that have solar hot water systems already fitted.
•Save as much as 70% off your annual hot water bill.
•Benefit from these savings as early as the day after installation.
•Protect your family against price increases in gas, oil, electricity and LPG.
•Solar Hot Water adds a unique selling point when you sell your property.
•Just imagine how good you will feel in 5 years time knowing you made the right decision and that you have benefited from saving hundreds of pounds a year.

Other factors to consider

Can I get paid for installing a Solar thermal hot water system?
Yes. The (Renewable Heating Incentive) to be introduced around June 2011 will allow householders to receive .18p for every kWp produced.
 
How much gas will it save?
Solar water heating will save approximately 50-60% of your gas bill needed to heat your hot water. This is not to be confused with central heating. Solar thermal does not contribute to your central heating.

In the summer will it heat up the all of my hot water?
Yes. Generally in the summer your solar hot water heating will provide up to 100% of your hot water heating, and in most cases, apart from a few cloudy or rainy days you should be able to turn off your normal hot water controls.

Does the system still work in the winter?
Yes, even a sunny day in November will contribute to your hot water, as the system works on sunlight rather than heat. December and January are usually the only two months that your system will rely on the boiler to heat your hot water. As these are the two months with least sunlight.

Does the system need much maintenance?
No. Generally the system is maintenance free. We recomend a 5 yearly Glycol check.

Do you have space for a larger, or an extra, hot water cylinder? 
If a dedicated solar cylinder is not already installed then you will need to replace the existing cylinder, or add a dedicated cylinder with a solar heating coil.

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) and you don't currently have a hot water tank then a solar hot water system may not be compatible an a conventional boiler would need to be installed.

How is it installed?
A qualified technician will come to your home. They will fit panels into the roof and make the necessary connections to the location of your boiler. Our technicians try to work with your needs and make every effort to keep disturbance and mess to a minimum, cleaning up carefully behind them.

How long does it take to install?
This should usually take a couple of days, depending on your requirements. Weather conditions can affect installation times, as some work takes place outside your home.

Do I need planning permission?
The Government has recently passed a “permitted development” order allowing certain microgeneration technologies to be fast-tracked through planning systems, However some local authorities still require additional details to allow you to fit a Solar Thermal system, especially in conservation areas or on listed buildings.
Always check with your local authority about planning issues before you have a system installed. Obtaining retrospective planning permission can be difficult and costly.

How long do the systems last?
Solar Thermal Systems will typically last 10 – 25+ years, depending on manufacturer.

Is the system guaranteed?
All our products come with manufacturer guarantees;
2 years parts and labour
10 years manufacturers guarantee

Is the work checked/tested?
Your system will be fully commissioned by our qualified installer before he leaves.
What is the cost of installing a typical Solar Thermal system?
Prices for Solar Hot Water Systems vary depending on size to be installed, product manufacturer and the type of building on which a system is mounted.
The size of the system is dictated by the hot water usage and storage capacity.
Most domestic systems usually include 2 – 3 solar panels with a 200-300 litre domestic hot water cylinder.
For a system of this size, it would typically cost between £6,000 – £8,000.