Solar Heating

Convert the energy of the Sun into hot water all year round

RenEnergy are MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) approved installers all solar thermal products.

How solar thermal heating works

Solar thermal panels are irradiated by the sun and transfer the sun’s energy into useful hot water that can be used in the home, either as domestic hot water or occasionally for space heating.

There are two main types of solar thermal collectors; flat plate panels and vacuum tubes.

A solar thermal systems comprises a collector (the system that harvests the heat from the sun), a circulation pump (that passes fluid round the system – from the collector to the coil in the domestic hot water (DHW) tank), and a control system (this controls the circulation pump).

As the sun rises, the collectors heat up and fluid passes through the collector. This hot fluid circulates through the solar coil in the hot water tank and transfers its energy into the domestic hot water for use around the house.

Solar thermal installation considerations

Most solar thermal systems are configured to provide domestic hot water but systems can contribute to heating water for radiators or underfloor heating.

Optimal orientation for the collectors is due South at a pitch of 30 – 45 degrees but collectors can be fitted on many roof types and orientations if designed correctly.

Modern well insulated cylinders tube collectors are more efficient than flat panel collectors and can be rotated towards the sun +- 25 degrees which can be very useful in some situations.

The collectors require direct sunlight to generate hot water so the system will provide most of your hot water in summer months and during the remainder of the year they it will make a contribution towards your requirements. A well designed system can provide up to 60% of your annual hot water needs.

As a rule of thumb you will need around 2sq m for a 1 or 2 person household and 4 sqm for 3-5 person household.

The domestic hot water tank must be sized carefully to ensure it is of adequate size for the proposed solar collector area. In existing properties it is often necessary to change the DHW tank to one of the correct size with an additional solar coil.

Even in winter when the sun will not provide your entire hot water requirement your boiler, heat pump or immersion heater will ensure that you have plenty of hot water.

Solar thermal systems can be used for reducing heating costs for swimming pools, in combination with existing fossil fuel boilers

Combi boilers can work with solar hot water but you’ll need to check that your boiler can accept pre-heated water and you may require a new solar cylinder to hold the preheated water for the combi boiler.

Economics

The cost of a Solar Thermal system varies depending on various factors call us on 0845 225 2727 to discuss your project in detail.

It is expected that Solar Thermal heating will be eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive which will be introduced in June 2011. You can read more about the RHI on our dedicated page.

Suppliers

RenEnergy offer Viessmann and the Kingspan Solar range of solar thermal systems. These manufacturers offer a full range of products for suitable for domestic, commercial or industrial installations.
You can download our full information sheet below.

Solar Thermal Heating