What is solar thermal water heating?

Solar panels, or solar collectors as they are correctly known, are attached outside usually to the roof of a property and connected to a specialised solar hot water cylinder.

The solar collectors harness the sun's radiation and convert the energy to heat water in the cylinder. The hot water is stored in the cylinder ready to use when needed.

There is a common misconception that solar thermal water heating requires bright sunshine and high temperatures and is only suitable in hot countries. But in fact, solar thermal technology uses solar radiation and it is suited to the British climate. Even on cloudy days, or when it is raining, there is radiation for the collectors to absorb and convert into energy.

Throughout the summer months productivity can reach as high as 90%* and the solar thermal system can independently service most domestic hot water needs.

During the winter, when the intensity of the sun is lower and the days are shorter, solar thermal can provide around 20 - 30%* of domestic hot water needs.

Overall we aim to install our solar thermal water heating systems to provide up to 70% of your domestic hot water free each year.

*Source: Worcester Bosch & Genersys