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What is Solar Hot Water?
Solar water heating systems, also known as Solar Thermal Heating, uses free heat from the sun to warm domestic hot water. A conventional boiler or immersion heater is then used to make the water hotter during the colder months, or to provide hot water when solar energy is unavailable. The solar panels can be installed on the roof of most homes and can easily be connected to the building’s hot water system. One important feature of this renewable energy device is that it cannot be integrated with a combi boiler water heating system, as this type does not have a storage capacity. |
Costs and Savings?
Costs - For a typical solar water heating system is around £4,800 (inc VAT at 5%).
Savings are moderate - A solar water heating system can reduce your water heating bill by between £50 and £85 per year. It will also save up to 570kg of CO2 emissions, depending on what fuel you will be replacing.
Maintenance costs are very low - Most solar water heating systems come with a 5-10 year warranty and require little maintenance. You should take a look at your panels every year and have them checked more thoroughly by an accredited installer every 3-5 years, or as specified by your installer. |
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The Benefits of Solar Water Heating
- Hot water throughout the year - The system works all year round, though you'll need to heat the water further with a boiler or immersion heater during the winter months.
- Cut your bills - Sunlight is free, so once you've paid for the initial installation your hot water costs will be reduced.
- Cut your carbon footprint - Solar hot water is a green, renewable heating system and can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.
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Is Solar Water Heating It Suitable For Me?
- Do you have a sunny place to put solar panels? You'll need around 5 square metres of roof space which faces east to west through south and receives direct sunlight for the main part of the day. 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.
- 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.
- Do you need planning permission? In England most solar water heating systems don't need planning permission, but it is always best to consult your local planning office if you live in a Listed Building, or a building in Conservation Area or World Heritage Site. If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland you will need to consult your local authority.
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