Popular Questions
It is a system that allows you to harness the sun’s energy and convert it into heat. The free heat is usually in the form of water and can be used for a multitude of applications including domestic hot water, swimming pool heating, space heating and industrial pre-feed water.
In an average family home, a Solar Thermal system will usually provide you with approximately 70-80% of your water heating for free each year. Solar Thermal systems can also be used in commercial buildings and can even heat swimming pools in leisure clubs.
Most systems operate under the ‘thermosiphon’ principle. Hot water produced during the day is stored in an insulated tank. In this system the tank is located above the solar absorber (the section that collects the heat). Other than this, there are also split systems where the tank is separated from solar absorber
Each solar system is sized to meet the daily water demand of the users regardless of when they choose to use the water. Therefore, as part of our site survey we ascertain your water requirements at different times of the day and provide you with an appropriate system. Since the water is stored in an insulated tank you will receive hot water in the night time as well. If there is cloud cover or excessive water demand then a backup heater is available to counter such a situation.
Generally in winter the water temperature in the insulated tank can drop by about 8 degrees centigrade. If water consumption has been excessive the day before and an early shower is being taken then the use of the backup may have to be made.
Generally the system is installed on the roof where it receives direct sunlight. Solar panels can be fitted on all types of roof, flat, pitched or curved, on the majority of buildings. Ideally a roof will be south, south east or south west facing. If trees or buildings create shadow the effectiveness of the system may be reduced. This can all be assessed at a site visit.
Our energy efficient consultant will guide you on this and provide you with some basic costs based on some preliminary information. A site survey will then be carried out by one of our technicians / engineer and a detailed proposal suggesting the size and type of unit will be provided to you.