Have you been thinking about a solar water heater but not sure if it’d be suitable for your home? Then try to the answer the three questions posed below to get a better idea.
Remember, solar panels are a great form of renewable technology which generate free heat throughout the year, reducing your energy bills as a consequence. With Government incentives and grants available, the case for solar thermal panels is now even stronger and thousands of homeowners are benefitting from installations every month.
Do you have a sunny place to put the solar panels?
A solar water heater works by capturing the sun’s natural energy rays so it needs to be exposed to daylight as much as possible if you’re to make lucrative profits. There are several ways you can be sure of this, but firstly consider the position your roof is facing.
To generate the most heat with solar panels, you would preferably have a south or southwest facing roof. Of course, you’ll also have to be sure the roof will be in sunlight throughout the day, therefore it can’t be cast in shadow by trees or other buildings. This would be detrimental to the solar water heater efficiency.
Do you have space for the hot water cylinder?
The energy collected will need to heat water in a hot water cylinder, similar to a water storage tank you’d find in the loft or airing cupboard. Modern homes nowadays tend to have combi boilers in place which don’t require a storage tank, so make sure your home can accommodate the installation.
Is your boiler compatible?
Most boilers in UK homes will be compatible with a solar water heater but of course there are exceptions. Typically it’s combi boilers which have the most trouble because they don’t use a water storage tank. However, by speaking to a professional contactor they’ll be able to quickly determine the suitability of your boiler for solar thermal.
Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share
- [tweetable alt=””]Solar thermal panels generate heat for your home, reducing bills by between £55 and £80 a year.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]Did you know your heating accounts for 60% of your energy bills? Solar panels can help to slash your expenses.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]Lucrative Government incentives ensure you’re paid hundreds of pounds every year for the renewable heat your system produces.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]You can receive a grant worth up to £600 off the installation of solar thermal panels with the RHPP scheme.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]Solar thermal panels offer an escape from the rising price of grid gas and electricity and will secure your energy future.[/tweetable]