Solar Thermal Panels

Water Heating

This involves the active harnessing and using of the sun's energy to heat water. In 1861 Auguste Mouchout invented the first solar motor. He developed a steam engine that ran off the sun. However due to the high costs it was turned down. Today however the opposite is true and high prices and pollution associated with fossil fuels means that solar can be cost effective and necessary.

Basically there are two types of hot water heating solar collector, flat collector and evacuated tubes.

• Both use the sun's energy to heat hot water
  
  
• Both should face south to absorb the maximum heat from the Sun
  
  
• Both are usually placed on the roof but can stand alone

Installation in the Home

Solar water heating systems for homes have two main parts, a solar collector and a hot water storage cylinder. Typically the solar collector is mounted on the roof, facing the sun. The sun heats an absorber plate (a black metal plate) in the collector, which in turn heats the fluid running through pipes within the collector. To move the heated fluid between the collector and the storage cylinder varies, some use gravity as the fluid has a tendency to naturally circulate as it is heated, others use a pump. The fluid in the collector pipes heat the water by passing through a coil of tubing in the storage cylinder.

The storage cylinders can vay in material, size, insulation. It is important to determine exactly what is being provided and that your needs are being met.

Combi-Boilers

Until recently we were not aware of a system that could realistically claim to operate in conjunction with a combi-boiler. However, technology is always improving and a system is available that enables the stored water to pass through the mixing valve, if the temperature is insufficient the combi-boiler will top it up.

Space Heating

Some providers claim that solar thermal panels can provide enough energy to heat the home. This requires the installation of a buffer tank to hold water to be pumped around the home as and when required. Todate we at Offspring have not been convinced at the efficiency of such systems, but if combined with other energy sources can see a a viable proposition.

Contact Us

Offspring can assess your requirements and can approach suppliers and fitters on your behalf. Contact us for a consultation