Solar Hot Water

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Solar hot water systems are designed to assist domestic homes with their supply of hot water.  Saving homes money and reducing their carbon footprint.

Using free heat from the sun, a solar water heating system works alongside conventional water heaters to provide domestic hot water.  The solar thermal system warms the water in a hot water cylinder and a conventional boiler or immersion heater is then used to further heat the water, or supply hot water when solar energy is unavailable.

Solar thermal technology has now been safely used for over 30 years and is one of the most reliable and proven renewable energy systems available.   The technology is well developed with a large choice of equipment to suit all situations.

The benefits of solar hot water

• Year round hot water.  Solar water heating can provide up to 60% of your hot water. Though it may need a little help from a boiler or immersion heater during winter months.
• Reduced hot water bills.  Solar hot water reduces your heating bills by between £50 and £85 per year.
• A smaller carbon footprint.  Solar water heating is a clean and green renewable energy system.  It reduces your carbon emissions by up to 580kg per year (depending on fuel replaced).
• A wide choice.  There are a number of well developed systems available to suit your individual needs and situation.
• A quick and fuss free installation.  Solar thermal systems can be installed quickly with the minimum amount of disruption to a household.

The cost of a solar hot water system

The cost of a solar hot water system varies according to the size and efficiency of the house itself.

The typical cost for a high quality system is between £3,000 to £5,000. This includes installation and a new hot water cylinder.

We are also able to supply self installation kits for those on a limited budget.

Your savings

If you use lots of hot water a system lasts 25 years with payback occurring around 12 to 15 years from installation. However, if the cost of energy continues to rise as predicted, the time till payback will reduce significantly.

A solar water heating system can provide around one third of your hot water needs. In an average house this reduces water heating bills by between £50 and £85 per year.  It also saves you up to 580kg of CO2 emissions, depending on the type of fuel being replaced.

Ongoing maintenance costs are also very low.  Many solar hot water systems are covered by a warranty and need very little maintenance during their life span. However, to ensure their peak  performance you should inspect your panels every year.  An accredited installer should check them more thoroughly every 2 to 5 years (or as recommended by your installer).

Savings are based on the hot water heating requirements of a 3 bed semi-detached home with a 3.5m squared panel. (Source: The Energy Saving Trust)

Your next steps

Check if you have a south facing roof.

Confirm you have a hot water cylinder in your home.

Contact your planning authority to check you are covered under permitted development and do not require planning permission (for most people this is the case).

Run through our solar hot water checklist to find out if a solar water heating system is right for you.

Call us on 0800 023 2326 or email us to find out how solar water heating can work for you.