Solar Power - Solar water heating heating water at home from sunlight

Benefits

Can provide almost all of your hot water during the summer months and about 50% year round, and it reduces your impact on the environment.
The average domestic system reduces carbon dioxide emissions by around 400kg per year, depending on the fuel replaced.
Different types of system
What best suits your needs depends on a range of factors, including the area of south facing roof, the existing water heating system
(e.g. some combi boilers aren't suitable) and your budget.

A competent professional installer should assess your situation and discuss with you the best configuration to meet your needs.

Solar water heating and your home

Solar water heating can be used in the home or for larger applications, such as swimming pools. For domestic hot water there are three main
components: solar panels, a heat transfer system, and a hot water cylinder. Solar panels - or collectors - are fitted to your roof.
They collect heat from the sun's radiation. The heat transfer system uses the collected heat to heat water. A hot water cylinder stores the hot water
that is heated during the day and supplies it for use later.

Is my property suitable?
Preferably you will need 2-4m² of southeast to southwest facing roof receiving direct sunlight for the main part of the day. You'll also need space
to locate an additional water cylinder if required.

Cost and maintenance

The typical installation cost for a domestic flat plate collector system is £2,000 - £3,000. Evacuated tube systems will cost £3,500 - £4,500.

Solar hot water systems generally come with a 10-year warranty and require very little maintenance. A yearly check by the householder and a more
detailed check by a professional installer every 3-5 years should be sufficient (consult your system supplier for exact maintenance requirements).

Source of information is: The Energy Saving Trust January 2007.

Conventional energy supply companies are now able to offer green energy tariffs so you could sitch to one of these and
help the environment. use an impartial online price comparison tool, and select a green option. The results are displayed
in a table to make comparisons easy, and you may even be able to save money too.
Switching data is updated regularly and can give you a comprehensive guide to the suppliers prices for your area.
You the Consumer has the power to choose on a variety of utilities and financial products.

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