Solar Panel Hot Water Heating Systems - FAQ

How does solar energy provide domestic hot water heating?

The sun’s energy is collected by the solar panels (energy collectors) and a fluid is pumped around a sealed system to an indirect heating coil in a hot water cylinder. Heat is exchanged between the collector fluid and your domestic hot water, just like a boiler is used to heat your water.

Will solar heating work in the winter or at night?

Solar panels will work whenever there is enough daylight. They will work in the winter, but not at night, however, the solar panels may not work on some days during the winter so another heating system is needed as a backup. This can be a conventional boiler or another form of renewable energy.

Many customers ask if they have to clear snow from their solar panels. This is not necessary as, although the panels will not work while they are covered with snow, you will find that the snow melts more rapidly from the panels than from the rest of your roof. Temperature is also not a problem and the solar panels are filled with a suitable heat absorbing liquid (a glycol and water mix) that won’t freeze in cold weather.

Naturally, summer provides the largest amount of solar hot water heating but a useful contribution is provided by the other seasons as well. Over the whole year, this translates to approximately 50% of the annual hot water requirement of a typical household.

Does solar heating only work when it is sunny?

Solar panel technology is now very well-developed and the solar panels absorb energy from the sun even on cloudy days, as the technology does not rely on sunlight but on diffused solar radiation so it can work efficiently in our UK climate.

Does a solar hot water system replace a normal boiler?

No, the solar heating works alongside your normal boiler reducing the need for the boiler to heat your domestic hot water. Your normal boiler is still needed for your central heating system.

Will I need a new hot water storage cylinder?

Your existing cylinder will need to be exchanged for a cylinder with two heat exchanger coils; one for the boiler and a second for the solar panels.

How effective are solar panels in the UK?

Solar panels absorb energy from the sun even on cloudy days, as the technology does not rely on sunlight but on diffused solar radiation so it can work efficiently in our UK climate.

Typically a well-designed domestic hot water solar heating system should provide over half of your household’s hot water needs averaged throughout the year, saving 50-60%of your annual water heating bill. Therefore it is definitely worthwhile for both your pocket and the environment.

How do I get hot water when there is not enough energy from the sun?

The solar heating system is equipped with a simple controller to regulate the flow of energy from the panels to the storage cylinder to maximise the use of the available free solar energy. The heat absorbing liquid will not be pumped around the system if it is not warm enough to be useful.

When this happens, your standard hot water boiler will provide all your hot water needs.

Does it matter where the panels are fitted?

Ideally the solar heating panels should be facing a southerly direction at an angle of around 45 degrees. Where this is not possible, the installation should move towards a westerly facing direction. East and North facing directions should be avoided.

Will I need planning permission to install solar heating panels?

You should check with your local planning office, as requirements vary with different authorities, but generally you do not need permission to fit solar panels to an existing building.

If you are fitting solar panels as part of a new build or an extension then the panels may need to be included in your planning application - check with your local planning office before installation works begins.

How much will it cost and what will I save?

The cost of your solar heating system depends on the amount of hot water you need, the type of panels you use, and if you install a new high-efficiency water cylinder.

Solar panels can provide a significant proportion of domestic hot water requirements, saving between 50-60% of the annual water heating bill. You can save more energy (and therefore money) by running your washing machine and dishwasher with solar-heated water; most of the power used by these appliances is used to heat the water. If you have a swimming pool, why not use solar energy to heat your pool water?

Solar panels should be considered a long-term investment. Contact us for advice on the options available and a quotation for your requirements.

Are there any grants available?

Yes - under the Low Carbon Building Scheme the UK Government provides a grant of up to £400 to homeowners to assist in the cost of installing a solar panel hot water system.

You must obtain a quote from an accredited solar hot water heating installer before applying for the grant.

Please see www.lowcarbonbuildings.org for details of the DTI’s Low Carbon Buildings grant. The scheme is managed by the Energy Saving Trust – for more information please see www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.

Are there any qualifying requirements for a grant?

You will need to demonstrate you have taken reasonable steps to ensure your house is energy efficient. Before applying for a grant for a solar hot water system you are required you to have:

• insulated the whole of your loft to meet current building regulations,which is 270mm of mineral wool loft insulation or suitable alternative;
• installed cavity wall insulation (if you have cavity walls);
• fitted low energy light bulbs in all appropriate light fittings;
• installed basic controls for your heating system to include a room thermostat and a programmer or timer.

What areas do you cover?

We provide Solar Panel Hot Water Heating Systems services in:

Hertfordshire: Abbots Langley, Baldock, Barnet, Berkhamsted, Bishops Stortford, Borehamwood, Bovingdon, Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Colney Heath, Elstree, Enfield, Essendon, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Hoddesdon, Kings Langley, Letchworth, London Colney, Markyate, Radlett, Redbourn, Rickmansworth, Sandridge, Sawbridgeworth, St Albans, Stevenage, Tring, Ware, Watford, Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City and Wheathampstead.

Bedfordshire: Ampthill, Arlesey, Bedford, Biggleswade, Dunstable, Flitwick, Henlow, Houghton Regis, Kempston, Leighton Buzzard, Luton, Shefford, Toddington and Woburn.

Buckinghamshire: Amersham, Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Bletchley, Buckingham, The Chalfonts, Chesham, Dagnall, Denham, Gerrards Cross, Great Missenden, High Wycombe, Marlow, Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Princes Risborough, Slough, Uxbridge, Wendover and West Wycombe.