Solar Heating Panels

A Solar Heating Panel will capture energy from sunlight to produce hot water. Heating water using solar heating panels is the most popular form of solar energy used in the UK. Low-temperature systems are installed on roofs which are preferably south facing and the system is then connected to the hot water system. Medium temperature solar heating panel systems are what’s mainly used in the UK. These heat either air or liquid as a heating conductor and are used to provide space, water or process heating.

Quick Facts about Solar Heating Panels

Fact 1 Solar Heating Panels will generate upto 70% of your annual hot water needs. They will never generate all of your hot water.

Fact 2 If you go ahead with installing solar heating you will also need another method of heating water to work alongside them in the winter. The most cost effective method of doing this is to use your existing water heating system so that they work together.

Fact 3 Industry prices for an effective water heating solution for a three bedroom house should start at a minimum of £5K for everything installed and working. This should include a 25 year warranty on the solar heating panels and a one year warranty on workmanship.

Fact 4 The ideal location to install a system is on a south facing roof that is not in the shadow of other buildings or trees. 

Fact 5  You can install solar heating panels on roofs that are facing east or west but the system will need more panels to compensate for the fact that less sunlight will strike the roof.

Fact 6 If designed correctly the water produced by solar heating panels will not freeze in the winter and will not boil over in the summer.