|
Solar water heating is currently the most cost-effective, affordable renewable technology for housing. It's suitable for urban and rural environments. Used and sized correctly for the household, it can provide 50% of hot water needs over a year.
It is one of the fastest growing renewable energy systems and has attracted some bad press due to the system being mis-sold.
AW Plumbing Services do not currently install solar power systems but we are happy to offer maintenance and repairs.
How does it work?
For domestic hot water there are three main components :-
1 - Solar panels or collectors - are fitted to your roof. They collect heat from the sun's radiation.
There are 2 main types of collector :-
- Flat plate systems - which are comprised of an absorber plate with a transparent cover to collect the sun's heat,
- Evacuated tube systems - which are comprised of a row of glass tubes that each contain an absorber plate feeding into a mainfold which transports the heated fluid.
2 - A heat transfer system - uses the collected heat to heat water.
3 - Hot water cylinder - stores the hot water that is heated during the day and supplies it for use later.
Solar water heating can provide almost all of your hot water during the summer months and about a third year round. The average domestic system reduces C02 by around 350 - 400kg per year, depending on the fuel replaced. This could save you around £50 a year.
|
|
