How Do They Work?
The illustration shows a typical Active Solar Heating system layout. An electronic controller constantly compares the temperature of the solar collectors with the temperature of the water in the cylinder.
Whenever the collectors are hotter than the cylinder, the controller switches on the system's circulating pump. A mixture of antifreeze and water is then circulated through the collectors and the cylinder's heat exchanger, heating the cylinder in just the same way as a central heating boiler.
The principle is straight forward. When the sun is shining, water is pumped through the solar panel and is heated by solar energy. This heated water then flows through a heat exchanger, warming the water stored in the hot water cylinder. The hot water in the cylinder can then be used for washing and bathing as required, with your boiler providing backup heating.
In the summer the water in the cylinder can reach a temperature of 60 deg C within half a day, and the insulation on the cylinder will keep the water warm for the next day. Typically the solar hot water system will reduce your domestic hot water bill by around 50%.
Environmentally Friendly
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Solar energy is clean, renewable (unlike gas, oil and coal) and sustainable, helping to protect our environment.
- It does not pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide or mercury into the atmosphere like many traditional forms of electrical generations does.
- Therefore Solar Energy does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog.
- It actively contributes to the decrease of harmful green house gas emissions.
- It's generated where it is needed.
- As it does not use any fuel, Solar Energy does not contribute to the cost and problems of the recovery and transportation of fuel or the storage of radioactive waste.
Low Maintenance
- Solar Energy systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades.
- Once installed, there are no recurring costs.
- They operate silently, have no moving parts, do not release offensive smells and do not require you to add any fuel.
- More solar panels can easily be added in the future when your family's needs grow.
For more information about our services, or if you have any questions, contact our solar water heating systems team on 01749 670838.
