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A flat plate solar hot water system, like the one above, could provide 50% of your hot water needs.
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Solar Hot Water - Technical
How it works

The principle of operation of a solar hot water system is quite simple. A heat transfer liquid, usually a water/glycol mix, passes through a solar panel (or collector) and is heated by the sun. To give you an idea of how hot the heat transfer liquid gets, it is pressurised to 4 times atmospheric pressure to prevent it boiling (i.e. 100°C)!!

If the temperature in the panel is above that in the hot water cylinder, the pump switches on to transfer the heat via one of the coils in the twin coil hot water cylinder. If the solar hot water system has heated the water sufficiently during the day, in the evening the boiler or immersion heater will sense that the water is already hot enough and not switch on at its normal time.

Conversely, if there hasn't been enough solar heating, then the alternative water heating system will switch on automatically as programmed and top up the hot water cylinder.



Types of solar collectors
We have fitted many different systems over the years. During this time we have built a detailed knowledge of the pros and cons of various systems. Based on this experience, we now recommend and install Genersys flat plate systems [link to Genersys Flat Plate Collector 1000-10 page] because they offer the most elegant and reliable solution.

Evacuated panels are slightly more sophisticated. The panels are evacuated, which means any air has been removed from the panel. This vacuum prevents heat loss and therefore improves efficiency even further.

Mounting method
The panels can either be over-roof mounted or roof-integrated, as shown below. Roof integrated systems tend to look sleeker, although they are marginally more expensive. If you are putting on a new roof, we would recommend an integrated system, as this will save you roofing materials. The panels can also be mounted horizontally, ground mounted or fitted on flat roofs.



See our photo gallery for more examples.

Please do not hesitate to call us on 01981 241 399, if you have a specific product or project in mind. Alternatively, please complete and return the solar hot water self survey form

Incentives for solar hot water projects
The Governement have announced that they intend to launch a Renewable Heat Incentive in April 2011. For an average domestic system this could be worth £250 to £350 pa
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 phone: 01981 241 399      info@greenearthenergy.co.uk
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