Solar water heating is a system for heating water using the suns energy.

Solar Thermal

These systems utilise a panel on the roof through which water is run. The water is naturally heated via direct sunlight and is connected to a hot water storage device (i.e. a cylinder) via a series of pipes. Hot water demand is met for part of the spring and autumn and all of the summer. In the winter and the end of autumn/beginning of spring the system will generally preheat the water thus reducing the amount of energy used by the boiler.

A Boiler is still required for the winter months.

Cost: £2000 - £6000 depending on the size and type of system.

In General a 180 litre cylinder (3-4 bed house) will require a 3m2 panel and would cost in the region of £2500-£3500 to install (assuming flat plate collectors).